Sitting 81 — February 6, 2026

The sitting opened with a rare debate on the Standing Orders and parliamentary procedure, with members from all parties proposing reforms to question period, voting procedures, virtual participation, and the House sitting calendar. The member for Wellington—Halton Hills North proposed three specific reforms: strengthening private members' business, reforming committees, and limiting the government's ability to shut down debate. Other members called for the abolition of the morning prayer, changes to speech lengths, and the elimination of virtual participation. The debate reflected broad cross-party frustration with the current functioning of the House, though disagreement persisted on specific remedies. The House then paid tribute to the late Kirsty Duncan, former minister and member for Etobicoke North, with members from all parties recalling her contributions as a scientist, advocate, and dedicated public servant.

Question period was dominated by economic questions, with the opposition citing Statistics Canada data showing 25,000 net jobs lost in January, including 52,000 in the private sector, and Bloomberg's characterization of the Canadian economy as being on life support. Government members defended the economic record by pointing to 134,000 jobs created over the past year and inflation within the Bank of Canada's target range. The auto sector drew particular attention following the government's announcement of a $2.3-billion EV rebate program, with Conservatives charging that only one vehicle manufactured in Canada would qualify. The Cúram pension software continued to be a flashpoint, with opposition members noting that the cost had risen from $1.75 billion to $6.6 billion. The government announced the tabling of the Build Canada Homes Act. In private members' business, the House debated Bill S-210, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, which passed with all-party support.