Sitting 119 — May 7, 2026

The sitting was dominated by a Conservative opposition motion on the protection of private property rights following the *Cowichan Tribes v. Canada* decision, with the central political argument turning on whether the government had failed to defend fee simple title in court and whether its agreements with First Nations created uncertainty for homeowners. The main bill debated in Private Members' Business was Bill C-230, which passed third reading.

The opposition motion called on the government to put private property first in the Cowichan case, replace Litigation Guideline #14 with a requirement to aggressively defend property rights, enshrine fee simple protections in all future agreements with First Nations, publish a plan within 30 days, and appoint a special committee to study legal steps to protect property rights. Conservatives argued the Cowichan decision created massive uncertainty for fee simple owners, that the government abandoned the extinguishment defence in 2018, and that the Musqueam Rights Recognition Agreement deepened uncertainty without protecting private property. The Bloc Québécois supported the motion in principle, citing legal uncertainty, but questioned the need for a special committee rather than the existing Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee. The NDP opposed the motion, arguing it manufactured fear, misrepresented the court’s findings, and that the Cowichan nation never sought to invalidate fee simple titles. The government opposed the motion, stating it had appealed the decision, that private property rights are fundamental, and that no federal agreement has ever resulted in Canadians losing privately owned land; it accused the Conservatives of spreading misinformation and fear. The motion was not put to a vote during the sitting.

Bill C-230, a private member’s bill from Adam Chambers (CPC), passed third reading. The bill amends the Financial Administration Act to require the President of the Treasury Board to establish a public, searchable registry of debts of $2 million or more owed by corporations, trusts or partnerships that have been written off, forgiven, remitted or waived. The registry must include the entity’s name, the amount, the period, and the legislation under which the debt arose. The bill received support from all parties, with the government noting it enhances transparency and accountability.

Oral Questions focused on the economy, youth unemployment, climate change, and national defence. Conservatives pressed the government on high gas prices, food costs, and the national debt, accusing the Liberals of “credit card budgeting” and calling for tax cuts. The government defended its record, citing the groceries and essentials benefit, the suspension of the federal fuel tax, and investments in training. On youth unemployment, Conservatives cited a Fraser Institute report showing a near-19% rate, while the government pointed to the spring economic update’s $6-billion investment in skilled trades training. On climate change, the Bloc Québécois criticized the government for reportedly dismantling pipeline regulations, while the government insisted it remains committed to fighting climate change. On national defence, Conservatives pressed the government on the future of the Snowbirds, with the minister stating the Tutor fleet is reaching end of life and that the government is examining replacement options.