Sitting 131 — June 8, 2026

The sitting was dominated by a Conservative opposition motion declaring Canada in a recession, which the government countered with strong May job numbers. The main bill debated was Bill S-228, on forced sterilization, which passed unanimously at third reading. The central political argument was whether Canada is in a recession or merely facing global headwinds.

The opposition motion, moved by Jasraj Hallan (CPC), called on the government to reverse costly, inflationary policies, citing the G20's only recession, downgraded bank forecasts, and a Parliamentary Budget Officer report showing a 1% chance of meeting the fiscal anchor. Conservatives argued that 2.2 million Canadians use food banks, business investment has fallen for five consecutive quarters, and the deficit is $7 billion over budget. Liberals countered that May's labour force survey showed 88,000 net new jobs, unemployment fell to 6.6%, and wages have outpaced inflation for 38 months. The Bloc Québécois criticized both sides, arguing the real debate should be about weak growth and productivity, not definitions. The motion was defeated on a recorded division.

Bill S-228, an act to amend the Criminal Code regarding sterilization procedures, passed third reading unanimously. The bill clarifies that a sterilization procedure performed without free and informed consent constitutes aggravated assault. All parties supported it, with speakers emphasizing that forced sterilization disproportionately affects Indigenous women, racialized women, and persons with disabilities. The bill's sponsor noted it preserves lawful medical care and emergency exceptions. No amendments were debated at this stage.

Oral Questions focused overwhelmingly on the economy, with Conservatives repeatedly asking the Prime Minister to admit Canada is in a recession. Government ministers cited the May jobs report, the new Canada groceries and essentials benefit paid to 12 million Canadians, and investments in major projects. A secondary theme was Canadian identity and culture, where the Bloc accused the government of abandoning cultural funding for streaming giants; the minister defended investments in CBC/Radio-Canada and Telefilm. On health, the Bloc raised concerns about a provision in Bill C-30 allowing cabinet to re-authorize banned pesticides; the minister said health remains the priority.

In Routine Proceedings, the government tabled responses to 10 petitions and several interparliamentary delegation reports. The Procedure and House Affairs committee reported on private members' bills. The government moved to extend sitting hours until midnight from June 9 to 19, excluding Fridays when the House would sit until 8 p.m.; a recorded division was requested. Petitions were presented on public safety, agriculture, the Trans-Canada Highway, floor crossing, and firearms. The House then proceeded to debate the Main Estimates for National Defence, where a Conservative amendment to reduce Vote 5 by $20 million over the Maritime Launch Services agreement was debated but not decided before the transcript ended.