The sitting was dominated by a Conservative opposition motion on the cost of deficits, which accused the Liberal government of repeating the failed economic policies of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. The central political argument pitted Conservative claims of a shrinking economy, job losses and capital flight against Liberal assertions of strong fiscal fundamentals, including a low net debt-to-GDP ratio and a AAA credit rating. No other government bills were debated.
The main item of Government Orders business was the opposition motion moved by Melissa Lantsman (CPC), which called on the House to recognize that Liberal deficits drive investment and jobs down and the cost of living up. The motion cited falling investment per worker, 86,000 net job losses, the second-highest unemployment rate in the G7, and $53.9 billion in net investment leaving the country. Conservatives argued that the current Prime Minister is following the same plan as his predecessor, with worse results. The Bloc Québécois supported the motion, with Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe stating the government’s management is abysmal, though he questioned Conservative austerity proposals. The NDP did not take a clear position in the debate. Liberals opposed the motion, with Kevin Lamoureux and Kody Blois arguing Canada has the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7, the lowest deficit in the G7, and that inflation is a global phenomenon. Carlos Leitão added that the government’s new capital budgeting framework will separate operating from capital spending. No amendments were moved.
Oral Questions focused on the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Washington, where he reportedly stated that Canada could invest $1 trillion in the United States over five years under a new trade agreement. Conservatives repeatedly accused the Prime Minister of selling out Canadian workers, citing rising U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber, autos, steel and aluminum, and the loss of 86,000 jobs since he took office. The government replied that Canada has the best trade deal in the world, that negotiations are ongoing, and that it is investing in workers through EI reforms, a strategic response fund, and support for the auto and forestry sectors. Other recurring themes included the government’s fiscal record, with Liberals citing Canada’s AAA credit rating and low debt-to-GDP ratio, and Conservatives pointing to the worst per capita GDP growth in the G7 and record food bank use.
In Routine Proceedings, three committee reports were presented: the Procedure and House Affairs committee reported on private members’ business; the Citizenship and Immigration committee reported Bill C-3, an act to amend the Citizenship Act, with amendments; and the Public Accounts committee tabled two reports on benefits delivery and IT modernization. Three petitions were tabled: two on proposed changes to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, and one on indigenous identity fraud. All questions on the Order Paper were allowed to stand. No procedural votes or motions were decided.