Sitting 37 — October 9, 2025

The sitting featured a full-day opposition day debate on a Conservative motion condemning the government's deficit spending record. The motion cited failed Liberal promises that deficits would fuel investment, noting that investment per worker had fallen over 10% while inflation and interest rates rose. Conservative MPs argued that Canada now has the weakest economic growth in the G7, with tens of billions in investment fleeing to the United States. Liberal speakers defended the government's fiscal approach by pointing to Canada's AAA credit rating, the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, and the upcoming November 4 budget, which they characterized as a generational investment plan focused on nation-building projects, housing, and infrastructure.

Question period was dominated by sharp exchanges between Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Prime Minister Mark Carney over the outcome of the Prime Minister's Washington visit. Poilievre accused the Prime Minister of returning empty-handed while promising $1 trillion in Canadian investment to the United States, calling it a broken campaign promise. The Prime Minister insisted that Canada has the best trade deal in the world, that negotiations continue on steel, aluminum, and energy, and that 85% of exports enter the U.S. tariff-free. The Bloc Québécois also challenged the government on softwood lumber and aluminum tariffs, as well as on the federal intervention before the Supreme Court regarding Quebec's Bill 21 and the notwithstanding clause.

The automotive sector was a major flashpoint, with Conservative members citing layoffs at GM Oshawa and Stellantis Windsor and accusing the government of standing with U.S. rather than Canadian auto workers. The government highlighted the $5-billion strategic response fund and ongoing negotiations. Other question period topics included forestry industry supports, official languages, immigration levels and Bill C-3 on citizenship, and border security under Bill C-12. The adjournment proceedings covered international development funding and youth employment.