The committee has heard repeatedly about the fiscal pressures facing the federal government, with several witnesses warning that the deficit could grow significantly without spending restraint. Academics and think tanks, including the Montreal Economic Institute and the C.D. Howe Institute, have called for comprehensive tax reform, spending reviews, and measures to reduce the debt burden. At the same time, the committee has examined the proposed Canada Strong sovereign wealth fund, with officials unable to provide its total cost, drawing criticism from some witnesses who argued it adds risk and opacity to public finances. The Bank of Canada’s governor noted that the government’s suspension of the fuel excise tax would temporarily lower inflation, but that higher energy prices from global events are pushing inflation up.

A major recurring theme has been the state of Canada’s housing and infrastructure. Witnesses from the Assembly of First Nations described a widening $360-billion infrastructure gap, with 38 active long-term drinking water advisories and a need for over 157,000 new homes. Municipal representatives noted that cities own 60% of infrastructure but receive only 8% of tax revenues, calling for scaled-up federal funding. Housing advocates urged the government to set clear targets for affordability, renew expiring rental assistance programs, and ensure that federal capital investments are paired with operating funding for supportive housing. Several witnesses also highlighted the need for a dedicated federal investment in housing for people with developmental disabilities and for women and gender-diverse people.

The committee has heard extensive testimony on the proposed changes to pesticide regulation in Bill C-30. Agricultural groups, including the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, welcomed amendments that recognize economic and food security factors in regulatory decisions, but cautioned against adding bureaucracy or delaying approvals. In contrast, a Green Party MP argued that the division would place economic considerations above human health and environmental risks, and listed numerous health and environmental organizations that opposed the changes. Officials from Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency testified that the amendments would allow economic analysis without compromising health or environmental safety, but could not provide a single definition of “food security” as used in the bill.

Witnesses have consistently emphasized the need to strengthen Canada’s economic competitiveness and productivity. Business associations called for reducing the small business tax rate, making the productivity super-deduction permanent, and cutting red tape. Labour unions supported measures to boost skilled trades training and apprenticeship programs, while also calling for stronger buy-Canadian procurement rules and conditions on federal funding to promote good jobs. The automotive sector warned that without a national strategy, Canadian vehicle assembly will decline rapidly due to tariffs, and several witnesses urged the government to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and diversify trade partners. The Bank of Canada’s senior deputy governor also highlighted that reducing internal trade barriers would help make regional economies more resilient.