Sitting 121 — May 25, 2026

The sitting was dominated by debate on Bill C-30, the spring economic update implementation act, and by a time allocation motion to limit debate on that bill. The central political argument was over affordability: the government argued its bill contained measures to help Canadians with rising costs, while the Conservatives accused the Liberals of reckless spending, record deficits, and failing to deliver on promises to lower prices.

The government moved a time allocation motion to limit second-reading debate on Bill C-30 to one further sitting day. The Minister of Finance argued the bill contained urgent affordability measures, including a temporary suspension of the federal excise tax on gas and diesel and an extension of EI benefits for seasonal workers, and that Canadians expected action. The Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, and Green Party opposed the motion, arguing that three hours of debate was insufficient for a 52-clause bill and that the government was stifling parliamentary scrutiny. The motion was carried on a recorded division.

Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act, was debated at second reading. The bill would implement measures from the April 2026 economic update, including a temporary fuel tax suspension, the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, changes to the homebuyers' plan, and investments in skilled trades training. The Liberals supported it as a responsible plan to address affordability and build long-term economic resilience. The Conservatives opposed it, arguing it was a collection of temporary half-measures that did not address the root causes of inflation and that it added billions to the national debt. The Bloc Québécois and NDP raised specific concerns about the lack of support for regional industries, indigenous housing, and the bill's environmental provisions. The Green Party opposed the bill in part due to changes to the Pest Control Products Act. The bill was debated at length and a recorded vote on second reading was requested.

Oral Questions focused on taxation, the economy, and indigenous affairs. The Conservatives repeatedly pressed the government on the cost of living, citing high gas prices, grocery inflation, and rising unemployment, and called for the removal of all federal fuel taxes for the year. The government defended its record, pointing to the temporary fuel tax suspension, the groceries and essentials benefit, and investments in housing and skilled trades. On indigenous affairs, the Conservatives pressed the government on its handling of the Cowichan case and the protection of private property rights for homeowners in British Columbia, accusing the government of failing to defend fee simple title. The government replied that it had appealed the decision and was defending private property rights in court. Other themes included the CRTC's decision on online streaming taxes, the government's approach to trade with the United States, and public safety concerns around extortion.