Sitting 113 — April 29, 2026

The sitting was dominated by debate over the government’s spring economic update, with the Conservatives attacking it as a “costly credit card budget” that doubles the previous deficit, while the government defended it as a fiscally responsible plan to build a stronger, more resilient economy. The main bills debated were Bill S-3, amending the Weights and Measures Act, and Bill C-260, a private member’s bill on medical assistance in dying.

Government Orders began with a recorded division on Ways and Means Motion No. 10, requested by Luc Berthold (CPC). The main debate was on Bill S-3, which would modernize the Weights and Measures Act and the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act by clarifying ministerial and inspector powers, introducing sample-based inspections, allowing temporary use of unapproved devices, and adding compliance tools. The Liberals argued the bill would protect consumers and unleash innovation by allowing new measurement devices to enter the market more quickly. The Conservatives supported the principle but raised concerns about expanding government power without adequate transparency, and about the cost of new bureaucracy. The Bloc Québécois supported modernization but questioned the lack of an independent appeal process for businesses in disputes with Measurement Canada, citing a case from the riding of La Pointe-de-l’Île where an entrepreneur lost his business after a suspension. The government indicated willingness to consider an appeals mechanism at committee.

Private Members’ Business saw second reading of Bill C-260, the Preventing Coercion of Persons Not Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying Act, moved by Garnett Genuis (CPC). The bill would make it a Criminal Code offence for certain persons in positions of authority—excluding doctors and nurses—to initiate a discussion about medical assistance in dying with a person who has not requested it. Genuis argued that people with disabilities and the elderly are being subtly dehumanized and that unsolicited offers of MAID are occurring, citing examples involving veterans. The Liberals opposed the bill, with Sean Casey (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs) calling it a “solution in search of a problem” and stating that a VAC investigation found only isolated incidents involving a single employee who was dismissed. The Bloc Québécois also opposed, arguing that the bill would criminalize compassionate discussions about end-of-life options and that the real issue is ensuring adequate support for vulnerable people, not creating new offences.

Oral Questions was dominated by Conservative attacks on the spring economic update, with the opposition repeatedly accusing the Prime Minister of doubling Justin Trudeau’s deficit to $65 billion, adding $37 billion in new spending, and forcing Canadians to pay $59 billion in annual interest on the national debt—more than health transfers. The government’s answers focused on the plan’s investments in skilled trades, affordability measures such as the groceries and essentials benefit, and the claim that Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. The Bloc Québécois pressed for trade relief measures for businesses hit by U.S. tariffs, and for Quebec’s share of workforce training funds to be transferred with no strings attached. The NDP raised concerns about the end of preferential contracting for the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, which provides jobs for veterans. A question of privilege was raised by Arnold Viersen (CPC) alleging that the Minister of International Trade failed to table three annual reports from the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, as required by order in council; the government asked for time to review the matter.