The sitting was dominated by debate on Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act, with the central political argument revolving around the government’s fiscal record. Conservatives accused the Liberals of delivering a “costly credit card budget” with a $67-billion deficit, while the government defended its plan as responsible investment in Canada’s future, citing the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7.
Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act, would implement measures from the April 28 economic update, including extending seasonal EI benefits in 13 regions until 2028, increasing the labour mobility deduction for tradespeople from $4,000 to $10,000, making the employee ownership trust tax exemption permanent, and extending the RRSP homebuyers’ plan grace period. The Liberals argued the bill builds a stronger economy through investments in skilled trades, housing and infrastructure. Conservatives opposed it as fiscally reckless, noting the deficit had doubled from the previous government’s projection and that debt service costs would reach $80 billion. The Bloc Québécois criticized the update for lacking support for sectors hit by U.S. tariffs, particularly aluminum and forestry, and for failing to address Quebec’s concerns on asylum-seeker costs and the carbon tax. The NDP and Green Party did not state a formal position on the bill during debate. An amendment moved by Conservative MP Michael Guglielmin was debated but not voted on.
Oral Questions focused overwhelmingly on affordability and the government’s fiscal management. Conservatives repeatedly cited Statistics Canada data showing nearly 10 million Canadians in food-insecure households and argued the government’s high spending and deficits drove up the cost of gas, groceries and housing. They pressed the government to end “credit card budgeting.” The government replied by listing tax cuts, the national school food program, the Canada child benefit and the groceries and essentials benefit, and argued Canada has the strongest fiscal position in the G7. A secondary theme was the PrescribeIT scandal, with Conservatives accusing the government of blocking committee scrutiny; the government said it made the responsible decision to end federal funding for the program. The Bloc Québécois raised the need for a wage subsidy to protect jobs from U.S. tariffs, and the government said help was coming. The NDP asked about repealing section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to protect the right to strike; the government noted a consultation on the Labour Code is underway. The Green Party asked about climate tipping points; the government cited its international climate finance and Paris commitments.
In Routine Proceedings, two petitions were presented: one on cancelling unsustainable bilateral debts and increasing climate finance, and one on banning the export of live horses for slaughter. Questions on the Order Paper were allowed to stand. The government gave notice of a time allocation motion on Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act, after failing to reach agreement on debate timing. A question of privilege raised by the member for Peace River—Westlock regarding the tabling of annual reports under an order in council was argued by the government as a matter of statutory law outside the Speaker’s jurisdiction. In Private Members’ Business, Bill C-240, the Offender Rehabilitation Act, was debated at second reading. The bill, sponsored by Conservative MP Kelly DeRidder, would allow courts to prescribe rehabilitation, education or treatment programs during incarceration, require parole boards to consider progress on those programs, and treat large-scale fentanyl trafficking as an aggravating factor. DeRidder shared her personal story of recovery from addiction. The Bloc Québécois supported the bill in principle, noting the need for adequate resources. The government indicated openness to amendments at committee.