Sitting 109 — April 23, 2026

The House convened for a sitting dominated by the report-stage debate on Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act. The bill, which aims to reform the military justice framework including the handling of sexual misconduct cases, drew extensive amendment motions from both government and opposition members. Conservative members, led by James Bezan, introduced amendments to preserve clauses 7 and 8 that enshrine victims' right to choose between military and civilian justice systems, a position informed by testimony from survivors of military sexual trauma. The Liberal side, through Parliamentary Secretary Sherry Romanado, defended a series of government amendments on sentencing and disciplinary measures. MPs also debated Government Business No. 9, a Liberal proposal to increase committee membership from 10 to 12 members to restore the government's majority on committees, which opposition parties characterized as an attempt to override the principle of proportional representation. The sitting concluded with second-reading debate on Bill C-266, the National Framework on Skilled Trades and Labour Mobility Act, aimed at harmonizing trade credentials across provinces.

Oral Questions was sharply contested around the cost of living, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre pressing the government on its failure to fully eliminate federal fuel taxes despite high gas prices. He characterized the Prime Minister as being out of touch, noting that Canada had the worst food inflation in the G7 for the fourth consecutive month. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne countered that the suspension of the federal excise tax, combined with the elimination of the carbon tax, had saved Canadians 28 cents per litre, and pointed to IMF projections that Canada would have the second-fastest growth in the G7. The U.S. trade relationship was also a key flashpoint, with Conservatives arguing the government had failed to secure a deal to lift American tariffs, while the government emphasized trade diversification and record non-U.S. export figures.

The day's business also featured a significant private member's bill and vigorous debate on parliamentary procedure. Bill C-266, sponsored by Liberal MP Parm Bains, proposed a national framework to improve skilled trades recognition and labour mobility across provinces. While the concept received broad support, Bloc Québécois members raised constitutional concerns about federal intrusion into provincial jurisdiction over trades, and Conservatives noted the government's own budget had cut student grants for private trade schools. The adjournment proceedings covered the economy and employment, with Conservatives highlighting capital flight and job losses among young Canadians, while the government pointed to youth employment programs and the Canada Summer Jobs initiative as evidence of its commitment to the next generation.