Sitting 53 — November 7, 2025

The House continued its consideration of the budget with a day of debate on the financial statement of the Minister of Finance. Conservative speakers criticized the $78-billion deficit as inflationary spending that would drive up the cost of living, with several members contrasting the government's rhetoric of "generational investment" with what they described as generational debt. The Bloc Québécois focused on what they characterized as a budget that catered to Conservative priorities while neglecting Quebec's specific demands on health transfers, seniors' benefits, and support for sectors affected by U.S. tariffs. Liberal members emphasized the job creation figures released that morning showing 67,000 new jobs added in October and framed the budget as a plan to build the strongest economy in the G7.

Question Period reflected the divided reception of the budget, with opposition members across parties challenging ministers on deficit levels, the perceived abandonment of climate commitments, and the ongoing softwood lumber and tariff disputes. The government House leader and Finance Minister repeatedly pointed to the positive employment figures as evidence the government's plan was working. The Bloc Québécois questioned why the government had drafted what they called a Conservative-style budget, cutting environmental programs and health transfer growth while running Liberal-sized deficits. The NDP and Green Party raised concerns about climate policy rollbacks, including the elimination of the oil and gas emissions cap.

Private members' business saw debate on Bill C-242, the jail not bail act, sponsored by the Conservative member for Oxford, which would amend the Criminal Code to impose stricter bail conditions and sentencing for repeat violent offenders. Liberal members raised constitutional concerns, while the Bloc Québécois urged caution about measures that might increase pre-trial detention without addressing underlying justice system delays.