The sitting was dominated by debate on the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 (Bill C-15), with the central political argument revolving around the government’s fiscal record, the Prime Minister’s handling of U.S. tariffs, and accusations of conflict of interest involving the Prime Minister and the asset manager Brookfield. The opposition repeatedly pressed the government on a proposed pipeline to the Pacific coast, while the government defended its broader economic strategy.
Government Orders was consumed by debate on Bill C-15, the budget implementation bill. Conservatives opposed the bill, arguing it would increase the federal deficit to $78.3 billion, drive up the national debt to $1.35 trillion, and cost the average household $5,400 in inflationary spending. They criticized the government for failing to secure a trade deal with the United States and for what they called a “soft-on-crime” approach. Liberals defended the bill as a necessary response to global economic pressures, highlighting investments in non-market housing, a national school food program, and supports for the steel and lumber industries. The Bloc Québécois opposed the bill, objecting to new subsidies for the fossil fuel sector, including extended tax credits for carbon capture and storage and incentives for liquefied natural gas, arguing these measures would not help Quebec’s forestry sector. The NDP criticized the government for not simplifying the disability tax credit process and for failing to deliver a promised Canada disability benefit.
Oral Questions focused on three recurring themes: the Prime Minister’s trade negotiations with the U.S., his alleged conflicts of interest involving Brookfield, and the government’s authority to approve a new oil pipeline to the Pacific. Conservatives repeatedly accused the Prime Minister of saying “Who cares?” about Canadian workers and of securing an $80-billion nuclear contract for Brookfield while making concessions on tariffs and softwood lumber. The government answered by pointing to new supports for steel and lumber announced later that day, and by arguing that it was working with provinces to build major projects. On the pipeline, Conservatives cited constitutional jurisdiction under paragraph 92(10)(a) to demand immediate approval, while the government insisted it would proceed only in consultation with British Columbia and Indigenous groups. A significant portion of Oral Questions was set aside for tributes to the member for Bécancour—Nicolet—Saurel—Alnôbak, who became the longest continuously serving MP in Canadian history.
In Routine Proceedings, the government tabled draft regulations on administrative monetary penalties under the Official Languages Act. Several committee reports were presented, including on Indigenous veterans, Via Rail emergency response, women’s health, and committee membership. A motion to concur in the committee membership report was moved and adopted. Two petitions were presented, one on Indigenous languages and one on restricting neonicotinoid insecticides. All questions on the Order Paper and notices of motions for papers were allowed to stand. Later, the House gave unanimous consent to end Government Orders early to begin Private Members’ Business.