Sitting 136 — June 15, 2026

The sitting was dominated by debate on Bill C-30, the spring economic update implementation act, and a related programming motion to limit further debate. The central political argument was the government’s use of time allocation and closure motions to advance its legislative agenda, which the opposition parties condemned as an attack on parliamentary scrutiny, while the government defended it as necessary to overcome what it called deliberate Conservative obstruction and filibustering.

The main item of Government Orders business was the programming motion on Government Business No. 12, which would impose strict time limits on committee and House consideration of Bill C-30. The government argued that the motion was needed because Conservative members had spent over 30 hours filibustering at the finance committee, preventing progress on a bill that contains key affordability and economic measures. The Conservatives countered that the government had mismanaged its legislative calendar and that the motion would cut off legitimate debate on a bill that touches many areas of law, including food inspection and pesticide regulation. The Bloc Québécois and the Green Party also opposed the motion, with the Green member calling it a dangerous precedent that would weaken parliamentary democracy. A recorded division was requested on the motion.

Bill C-30, the spring economic update implementation act, was debated at length. The government highlighted measures including the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, an extension of the homebuyers’ plan repayment grace period, a temporary excise tax cut on gasoline, investments in skilled trades and housing, and changes to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act and the Pest Control Products Act to allow consideration of food security and food costs. The Conservatives argued the bill would entrench permanent deficits, that Canada is the only G20 country in a recession, and that the government’s spending is driving inflation and making life more expensive. The Bloc Québécois opposed the bill, saying it fails to address the needs of Quebec’s regions, seasonal workers, and seniors, and that it contains provisions that would weaken environmental and health protections. The Green Party criticized the inclusion of pesticide deregulation measures in an omnibus budget bill.

A time allocation motion was also moved on Bill C-9, the Combatting Hate Act, which would create new Criminal Code offences for hate propaganda, hate crime, and obstruction of access to religious or cultural places. The government argued the bill is a campaign promise, has been thoroughly debated, and is needed to protect communities from rising hate crimes. The Conservatives opposed the motion, saying the bill would criminalize legitimate religious expression and peaceful protest, and that the government is ignoring widespread concerns from faith groups. The Bloc Québécois supported the bill but said it would not oppose more debate time. The Green Party also opposed time allocation, citing concerns about the bill’s potential to violate Charter rights.