Sitting 115 — May 1, 2026

The sitting was anchored by second reading debate on Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act. Parliamentary Secretary Ryan Turnbull opened debate, framing the legislation as a plan to build a Canada that is "not just strong but good, and not just prosperous but fair." He highlighted the groceries and essentials benefit, the excise duty cut for craft brewers, the $6-billion skilled trades training investment, and the Canada Strong sovereign wealth fund. Conservative members challenged the government's fiscal credibility, with Pat Kelly (CPC) noting the deficit had doubled to $65 billion and Eric Melillo (CPC) arguing the Prime Minister had broken his promise of fiscal discipline. The Bloc Québécois raised concerns about the Pest Control Products Act provisions within the omnibus bill and criticized the lack of wage subsidies for Quebec businesses affected by tariffs. Green Party leader Elizabeth May questioned whether certain sections would receive adequate scrutiny.

Question period reflected the post-budget partisan divide. Conservatives, including Leslyn Lewis and Andrew Scheer, accused the government of adding $1 trillion to the national debt and pointed to Dalhousie University data showing Canadians choosing food based on affordability rather than nutrition. Liberals countered that the deficit was $11 billion lower than previously projected and that Canada held the best fiscal position in the G7. The Bloc Québécois pressed for wage subsidies after 300 job losses at furniture manufacturers in Chaudière-Appalaches. Health committee exchanges focused on the PrescribeIT program, with Conservatives alleging Liberal obstruction of a committee investigation into the $300-million expenditure.

In private members' business, Bill C-240 (the Offender Rehabilitation Act), sponsored by Kelly DeRidder (CPC), received second reading debate. DeRidder shared her personal story of addiction and recovery, earning cross-party respect for her courage. The bill would allow judges to prescribe rehabilitation programs as part of sentencing. Members debated the balance between rehabilitation and punishment, with broad support for the principle that addiction should be treated as a health issue. International Workers' Day was marked by statements from Bloc and NDP members honouring labour rights, while the government served notice of time allocation on Bill C-11.