Sitting 105 — April 17, 2026

Bill C-22, the Lawful Access Act, dominated the legislative agenda for the second consecutive sitting day. Debate explored the balance between equipping law enforcement with digital investigative tools and protecting Canadians' privacy rights. Conservative members, including Ziad Aboultaif and Frank Caputo, supported the principle of lawful access but warned against the lessons of Bill C-2, the government's earlier attempt, which they argued would have created unacceptable privacy intrusions. Bloc Québécois members questioned why the government had selected the lowest possible threshold for obtaining information and whether the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency had sufficient oversight. Green Party leader Elizabeth May participated virtually, signaling she would propose amendments to remove or substantially revise part 2 of the bill. The sitting also featured second-reading debate on Bill S-201, a Senate bill to establish a national framework on sickle cell disease, which received heartfelt cross-party support.

Question Period was marked by sharp exchanges over the notwithstanding clause, as Minister of Justice Sean Fraser's comments about limiting its use drew immediate condemnation from the Bloc Québécois. The timing was particularly sensitive as Quebec's Premier was visiting Ottawa that same day. Bloc MPs accused the federal government of seeking to veto Quebec's democratic choices, while Industry Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the government's willingness to work cooperatively with Quebec. Affordability continued as the Conservative line of attack, with MPs citing MNP consumer debt data showing 61% of Canadians experiencing financial whiplash. Several Conservative members raised concerns about CRA paying $5-million refunds to fraudsters while ordinary Canadians faced aggressive collection. New Democrats, led by Alexandre Boulerice, pressed the government on its greenhouse gas emissions record, accusing it of shameful performance in meeting climate targets.