Sitting 112 — April 28, 2026

The Finance Minister tabled the Spring Economic Update 2026 in the House during the sitting, with Minister François-Philippe Champagne outlining a plan focused on building a stronger, more independent Canada. The update included the Canada Strong sovereign wealth fund, a $6-billion skilled trades training program, the groceries and essentials benefit, and investments in small craft harbours, sport, and defence. Opposition parties were quick to respond. Conservative finance critic Jasraj Hallan called it a credit card budget that doubled Trudeau's deficit, while Bloc MP Gabriel Ste-Marie criticized the update for failing to address the April 2 U.S. tariff order. The Leader of the Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, characterized the sovereign wealth fund as a "debt fund" and accused the Prime Minister of doubling the national debt in 11 years.

Earlier in the sitting, second reading debate on Bill C-28, the Canadian Space Launch Act, occupied several hours. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon framed the legislation as essential for building a sovereign space launch capability from Nova Scotia, citing economic benefits and national security. Conservative MPs raised concerns about the $200-million contract with Maritime Launch Services — a company they alleged had lobbied the government 158 times — and the concentration of ministerial power in the bill. The Bloc Québécois expressed general support for space regulation but questioned exemptions from existing laws. The government also moved time allocation on Government Business No. 9, which would adjust committee compositions to reflect the government's newly acquired majority status — a motion the opposition condemned as an "undemocratic power grab."

Question period covered finance, with Conservatives repeatedly pressing on the deficit and the sovereign wealth fund. The Bloc challenged the Prime Minister's characterization of pipeline policy as "economic nationalism," arguing it clashed with Quebec's climate priorities. Conservative MP Michael Cooper raised the ethics committee's recommendation that the Prime Minister divest from Brookfield. Other topics included seniors' retirement security, with the Liberals highlighting their reduction of the retirement age to 65 and increases to the GIS and OAS. The adjournment proceedings were not held due to the extended budget debate.