Sitting 38 — October 10, 2025

The sitting opened with second reading debate on Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act, which would transfer the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences committed by Canadian Armed Forces members to civilian courts. Liberal MP Jessica Fancy presented the bill as a transformative step to rebuild trust and implement Justice Arbour's recommendations. Conservative members supported the principle but criticized the government for taking a decade to act, while the Bloc Québécois expressed qualified support and raised concerns about training for civilian prosecutors. Members across party lines acknowledged the deep cultural challenges within the military that the bill alone cannot resolve.

Question period was dominated by exchanges over economic performance, youth unemployment, and the automotive industry. Conservatives cited Statistics Canada figures showing youth unemployment at 14.7% and framed the Liberal government's record as one of the weakest in the G7. Government members countered with job creation numbers—60,000 net new jobs and over 100,000 full-time positions—and highlighted the permanent national school food program as evidence of tangible affordability measures. The automotive sector featured prominently, with opposition members accusing the Prime Minister of failing to secure adequate protections for Canadian auto workers in negotiations with the United States, while the government maintained that Canada enjoys the best trade deal among U.S. partners.

Additional question period topics included Employment Insurance eligibility for workers affected by the tariff dispute, the Driver Inc. trucking scheme, softwood lumber tariffs, passenger rail service in eastern Quebec, and public safety. The Bloc Québécois pressed for continued emergency EI measures and better regional rail connectivity. The sitting also saw introduction of Bill S-227, the Arab Heritage Month Act, and the routine presentation of several petitions.