Sitting 116 — May 4, 2026

The House opened with third reading of Bill S-228, an Act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sterilization procedures, which would criminalize forced sterilization. The bill, sponsored by Jamie Schmale (CPC), received unanimous support after emotional testimony from survivors and indigenous women. Members from all parties rose to express their support, noting that the practice had disproportionately affected indigenous women and that the legislation represented an important step toward reconciliation ahead of Red Dress Day on May 5. Liberal members also used the occasion to highlight the third national summit on missing and murdered indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people taking place in Ottawa.

The government moved time allocation on Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act, which would transfer jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences from the military justice system to civilian courts. Opposition parties strongly objected to the closure motion. Conservative defence critic James Bezan called it "disgusting" to shut down debate on such a serious issue, while Bloc MP Maxime Blanchette-Joncas argued the Liberals had a decade to act but waited for a public scandal. Defence Minister David McGuinty defended the bill as implementing Justice Arbour's recommendations, noting the Conservative government under Stephen Harper had also failed to act on the Deschamps report. The report stage debate that followed featured CPC MP Melissa Lantsman arguing the government had stripped committee-approved amendments requested by survivors and veterans.

Question period focused on the spring economic update. Conservatives, led by Melissa Lantsman, criticized the government for doubling the deficit with $35 billion in new spending. The Liberals responded by pointing to Canada's strongest fiscal position in the G7 and investments in skilled trades and affordability measures. Other topics included the Cowichan property rights decision, immigration system management including the IRGC entry controversy, the over-the-horizon radar system on Ontario farmland, and the Cúram software cost overruns. The adjournment proceedings covered finance and crime, with Conservative MP Tamara Jansen raising extortion targeting South Asian businesses in Surrey.