Sitting 122 — May 26, 2026

The sitting was dominated by a Conservative opposition motion calling for the cancellation of all federal taxes on gas and diesel for the rest of 2026 and the permanent repeal of the Clean Fuel Standard, which sparked the central political argument of the day: whether the government had done enough to address the cost-of-living crisis. The government also began debate on the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act, and a private member's bill to repeal the west coast tanker ban was introduced.

The opposition motion, moved by Eric Lefebvre (CPC), called on the government to end all federal taxes on gas and diesel for the rest of the year, including the GST, and to permanently scrap the Clean Fuel Standard. Conservatives argued that gas prices in Canada are 13% higher than in the United States and 50 cents more per litre than when global oil prices were at the same level in 2014, blaming Liberal taxes and a weak dollar. They said the plan would save a family of four up to $1,200 annually. The Liberals opposed the motion, arguing the government had already acted by suspending the federal excise tax until Labour Day, cancelling the consumer carbon price, and introducing targeted affordability measures like the Canada groceries and essentials benefit. The Bloc Québécois and NDP also opposed the motion, arguing it would primarily benefit the wealthy and oil companies while increasing the deficit, and that previous tax cuts had been absorbed by higher refinery margins rather than passed on to consumers. The Green Party opposed it on environmental grounds. The motion was defeated on a recorded vote.

The government introduced Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act, which would implement various fiscal measures including the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax. During debate, the government noted a technical error in clause 11, which omitted leaded aviation gasoline from the tax suspension, and committed to proposing an amendment. The House also agreed to apply the results of a previous vote to a procedural motion on the bill, with the Liberals voting yes and the Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, NDP, and Green Party voting no.

David McKenzie (CPC) introduced Bill C-264, An Act to repeal certain restrictions on shipping, at second reading. The bill would repeal the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, which prohibits large oil tankers from loading or unloading on British Columbia's north coast. McKenzie argued the ban prevents the construction of new oil export pipelines to Asian markets and that Canada's safety record is strong. The Liberals opposed the bill, arguing it would undo decades of environmental protection and that any changes should be considered only in the context of a specific project proposal with proper consultation. The Bloc Québécois also opposed it. The debate was adjourned.