The sitting was dominated by a Conservative opposition motion calling on the Liberal cabinet to reject a CRTC decision that tripled a levy on online streaming services from 5% to 15% of Canadian revenues, an increase the Conservatives called a "streaming tax." The central political argument pitted Conservative claims that the levy would be passed on to consumers and harm trade talks against Liberal, Bloc Québécois, and New Democratic assertions that it was a fair contribution from foreign platforms to support Canadian culture and jobs.
The main Government Orders business was the opposition motion on the streaming levy. The Conservatives, led by Rachael Thomas (CPC), argued the CRTC’s increase would be passed on to consumers already struggling with the cost of living, would discourage investment in Canada’s film and television sector, and would act as a trade irritant ahead of the CUSMA review. They called on the cabinet to use its powers under the Broadcasting Act to reject the increase. The Liberals, through Kevin Lamoureux (Lib.), countered that the CRTC is an independent, arm’s-length body and that the cabinet lacks the authority to overturn its decision; they framed the levy as a necessary investment in Canadian jobs and cultural sovereignty. The Bloc Québécois, speaking through Martin Champoux (BQ) and Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe (BQ), opposed the motion, arguing it was an attack on Quebec culture and that the levy was needed to level the playing field against American streaming giants. The NDP, through Heather McPherson (NDP), also opposed the motion, stating the party would stand with Canadian workers and creators, not with "multi-billion-dollar corporations." A recorded division was requested by Tony Baldinelli (CPC) but not held before the debate concluded.
Oral Questions covered multiple themes, with the Conservatives repeatedly attacking the government on foreign investment, citing Statistics Canada data showing a net outflow of capital, and on the cost of living, highlighting the Prime Minister’s reported $195,000 in inflight catering costs. The government responded by citing record foreign direct investment figures, major project announcements such as a Saab-Bombardier deal for surveillance aircraft, and measures like the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and the national school food program. Other recurring topics included the CRTC streaming levy, the government’s handling of rejected asylum claimants’ health benefits, and the resignation of the member for Laurier—Sainte-Marie over environmental policy differences.
In Routine Proceedings, the Minister of Health tabled the Supplementary Estimates (A) for 2026-27. Several committee reports were presented, including a dissenting opinion from the Bloc Québécois on the Official Languages committee report, arguing the government must implement positive measures for French in Quebec. Leah Gazan (NDP) introduced Bill S-205, Tona’s law, to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act regarding solitary confinement; the motion for first reading was agreed to. Petitions were presented on Iran, travel health, residential school survivors, arms exports, and digital security. All questions on the Order Paper were allowed to stand. In Private Members’ Business, Adam Chambers (CPC) moved second reading of Bill S-217, which would require the Canada Revenue Agency to report on unpaid income tax and provide data to the Parliamentary Budget Officer; the bill received support from all parties and was referred to committee.