Sitting 118 — May 6, 2026

The sitting was dominated by debate on the spring economic update, Bill C-30, with the central political argument revolving around Conservative accusations that the Liberal government is running up unsustainable deficits and driving up the cost of living, countered by Liberal claims of fiscal responsibility and targeted affordability measures. The government also introduced a Ways and Means motion and debated a private member’s bill on a national silver alert framework.

The main Government Orders business was the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act (Bill C-30). Conservatives opposed the bill, arguing it would add $362 billion in new debt over six years, with interest costs exceeding health transfers, and that it failed to provide immediate relief to families struggling with high grocery and gas prices. They criticized the proposed sovereign wealth fund as debt-financed and not a true wealth fund, and called for cutting all federal gas taxes and unlocking resource development. Liberals defended the bill as a responsible plan that cuts taxes for the middle class, delivers the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (up to $1,890 for a family of four), invests $7 billion in rental housing, and funds a national school food program and skilled trades apprenticeships. The Bloc Québécois pressed for a wage subsidy for businesses hit by U.S. tariffs, arguing the government’s $1.5-billion support package was insufficient and poorly targeted. The NDP raised concerns about the government’s cuts to international student permits and the potential privatization of airports, and called for a national pharmacare deal with Ontario. The Green Party questioned the government’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis as a public health threat. No amendments were adopted during the debate.

Earlier, the government moved Ways and Means Motion No. 11, which was agreed to on a recorded vote, clearing the way for a tax measure. In Private Members’ Business, the House debated Bill C-263, the Silver Alert National Framework Act, introduced by Raquel Dancho (CPC). The bill would require the federal government to work with provinces and territories to establish a national framework for issuing public alerts when a vulnerable senior with dementia goes missing, modelled on the Amber Alert system. Dancho argued that current provincial systems are inconsistent and often do not alert cellphones, costing precious time. The Bloc Québécois expressed concern that the bill could complicate Quebec’s existing system, which was recently updated, and questioned whether a national framework would improve response times. The Liberal parliamentary secretary indicated the government would support the bill in principle but proposed targeted amendments at committee to address jurisdictional concerns and alert fatigue, and to protect seniors’ privacy and dignity. The bill received broad support in principle from all parties.