## Summary This bill directs the federal government to create a national strategy to improve how Canada forecasts floods and droughts. The goal is to give provinces, cities, Indigenous communities, farmers, insurers, and others better, earlier information so they can prepare and reduce damage. It sets who must be consulted, what the plan must cover, and when reports must be shared with Parliament and the public. - Orders the Minister of the Environment, working with four other federal ministers, to develop the strategy. - Requires consultations with provinces, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies, universities, civil society groups, and industry, including insurers. - Calls for assessments of the need for national coordination, new investments, and new technologies in forecasting. - Looks at modeling to identify properties and infrastructure at flood risk and to improve floodplain maps. - Calls for a proposal to build a shared national water-forecasting service with provinces, based on the existing National Hydrological Service. - Requires the strategy to be tabled in Parliament within two years and posted online; after five years, the government must report on how well the strategy worked. ## What it means for you - Residents and homeowners - No immediate changes. If the strategy leads to better maps and alerts, you may get clearer risk information before storms or spring melts. - More precise risk data could help with home planning and preparedness. It could also influence insurance availability and pricing over time. - Farmers and rural communities - Better drought and flood forecasts could help plan planting, irrigation, and herd management. - Earlier warnings may reduce crop losses and help protect equipment and roads. - Local governments and emergency managers - A national system could offer shared tools, data, and models to plan evacuations, protect infrastructure, and guide zoning. - Clearer floodplain maps could support decisions on building and repairs. - Indigenous communities - Required consultations give a voice in shaping the strategy and data needs. - Improved local forecasts can support community safety, land-use planning, and cultural practices tied to water. - Insurers and businesses - More consistent risk information can improve underwriting, pricing, and business continuity planning. - Industries that depend on water (energy, mining, transport) may get better short- and long-term outlooks. - Researchers and universities - The strategy may draw on Canadian models and expertise, helping translate research into public tools and services. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Canada faces more severe floods and droughts; better forecasts can save lives, homes, farms, and public infrastructure. - Provinces now forecast on their own. A national approach can reduce gaps, share data, and avoid duplication. - Canada already has strong university models and technical know-how; a strategy would put these to work at scale. - Farmers, towns, and Indigenous communities would get earlier warnings and clearer maps to prepare. - Insurers and businesses would have more reliable risk data, which can stabilize coverage and guide investments. - Public reporting timelines add accountability and keep the plan focused on results. ## Opponents' View - Water management is often a provincial role; a federal strategy could overlap with or duplicate provincial systems. - Building advanced models and computing capacity could be expensive, with unclear ongoing costs. - Property-level risk mapping may raise insurance premiums or affect home values in high-risk areas. - A two-year window to produce the strategy means benefits may take time to show, while urgent needs persist. - A national system might overlook local knowledge or unique regional conditions if not designed carefully.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 52 · Agreed To · December 3, 2025
## Summary This bill amends Canada’s Criminal Code to create specific offences for intimate partner violence, raise some penalties, and change procedures for arrest, bail, and seized property. It also classifies all murders of an intimate partner as first-degree murder. - Creates intimate partner–specific offences for criminal harassment, uttering threats, assault, assault with a weapon/causing bodily harm (including choking), and aggravated assault, with higher maximum penalties than general offences (added after ss. 264, 264.1, 266, 267, 268). - Makes murder of an intimate partner first-degree murder, regardless of planning or deliberation (s. 231(3.1)). - Bars police from releasing a person arrested for an intimate partner offence if they have a prior intimate partner conviction within 5 years or are already on release for an intimate partner offence (added after s. 499). - Lets courts order up to 7 days of custody for a risk-of-reoffending assessment at any stage of proceedings (added after s. 523). - Extends default detention of seized property from 3 months to 1 year, allows extensions up to 2 years, requires notice of the right to challenge, and allows some hearings without notice and in private (s. 490(2)-(3.3)). ## What it means for you - Households and intimate partners - More charges tailored to intimate partner violence, with higher maximum prison terms, including up to 10 years for criminal harassment and assault, 12 years for assault with a weapon/causing bodily harm, and 14 years for aggravated assault (added after ss. 264, 266, 267, 268). - All murders of an intimate partner treated as first-degree murder, which carries life imprisonment with 25 years before parole eligibility under existing law (s. 231(3.1)). - Judges may order a 7-day custody assessment to evaluate reoffending risk when deciding bail and conditions (added after s. 523). - Accused persons in intimate partner cases - New intimate partner–specific charges with higher maximum penalties than general offences (added after ss. 264, 264.1, 266, 267, 268). - Police cannot release you after arrest if you had an intimate partner conviction in the past 5 years or were already on release for an intimate partner offence; you must appear before a justice for a bail decision (added after s. 499). - You may be detained up to 7 days for a risk-of-reoffending assessment at any stage, on a judge’s motion, or on request by the prosecutor or the alleged victim (added after s. 523). - Police and prosecutors - Must hold certain suspects for a bail hearing in intimate partner cases with recent prior convictions or current release status (added after s. 499). - Must give notice within 30 days to the owner of seized property about the right to challenge detention (s. 490(3.2)). - May seek to extend detention of seized items up to 2 years and, if notice would jeopardize an investigation, may proceed without notice and in camera (s. 490(2)-(3.3)). - Courts - Will handle more bail hearings in intimate partner cases due to limits on police release (added after s. 499). - May order risk-of-reoffending assessments with up to 7 days of custody and must bring the accused back “as soon as practicable” after completion (added after s. 523). - Will process longer default detention and extension orders for seized property and may proceed without notice and in private where justified (s. 490(2)-(3.3)). - People whose property is seized - Default detention of seized items increases from 3 months to 1 year; total extensions may reach 2 years, subject to court orders (s. 490(2)-(3)). - You should receive notice within 30 days about your right to challenge, but notice can be skipped if it would jeopardize an investigation; a judge can then hear the matter without you and in private (s. 490(3.2)-(3.3)). ## Expenses Estimated net cost: Data unavailable. - Data unavailable. - The bill contains no explicit appropriations or fees. - Procedural changes could affect costs: - Added 7-day risk-of-reoffending assessments may increase custody days and assessment workload (added after s. 523). - Limits on police release may increase bail hearings and short-term detention (added after s. 499). - Higher maximum penalties could affect sentence lengths, but the bill sets maximums, not mandatory minimums (added after ss. 264, 264.1, 266, 267, 268). - Longer detention of seized property may increase storage and handling periods (s. 490(2)-(3)). ## Proponents' View - Strengthens accountability for intimate partner violence by creating tailored offences with higher maximum penalties, signaling greater seriousness (added after ss. 264, 264.1, 266, 267, 268). - Ensures the most serious penalty framework for intimate partner murder by classifying it as first-degree in all cases (s. 231(3.1)). - Enhances victim safety by preventing police release of higher-risk accused (recent conviction or already on release), ensuring a prompt judicial bail review (added after s. 499). - Improves bail decisions through evidence-based risk-of-reoffending assessments, available at any stage and on request by the prosecutor or the intimate partner (added after s. 523). - Supports effective investigations by allowing seized property to be held longer when needed, while preserving owners’ rights through a 30-day notice of the right to challenge (s. 490(2)-(3.2)). ## Opponents' View - Duplicates existing offences (criminal harassment, uttering threats, assault) and mainly raises maximum penalties, which may add complexity without clear impact on sentencing outcomes (compare existing ss. 264–268 with new intimate partner–specific provisions added after those sections). - Classifying all intimate partner murders as first-degree removes case-by-case assessment of planning and deliberation and guarantees 25-year parole ineligibility, even where facts might otherwise support second-degree (s. 231(3.1)). - Mandatory hold for some accused after arrest could increase pre-trial detention and court workload for bail hearings without a demonstrated safety benefit in all cases (added after s. 499). - Up to 7 days of detention for risk assessments at any stage may extend custody for people not yet convicted and strain assessment capacity, potentially delaying proceedings (added after s. 523). - Extending default detention of seized property to 1 year (and up to 2 years total) and allowing ex parte, in camera hearings can reduce transparency and delay property return, even to lawful owners (s. 490(2)-(3.3)).
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 51 · Agreed To · December 3, 2025
## Summary This bill changes who is a Canadian citizen by descent and fixes past gaps that left some people without citizenship. It also sets a clear test for future children and adoptees born or adopted outside Canada and restores citizenship to many “lost Canadians.” - Makes people born outside Canada before the law takes effect citizens if they had a Canadian parent. - For future births abroad, allows citizenship after the first generation if the Canadian parent spent about three years in Canada before the child’s birth. - Extends similar rules to children adopted outside Canada. - Restores citizenship to people who lost it under old “retention” rules. - Lets people who gain citizenship under this bill use a simpler process to give it up if they do not want it. - Confirms citizenship even if a qualifying parent (or grandparent) died before the law took effect. - Start date will be set later by the federal government. ## What it means for you - Canadians born abroad before the law starts - If you were born outside Canada before the law takes effect and had at least one Canadian parent, you become a Canadian automatically from birth. - You would still need to apply for a citizenship certificate (proof of citizenship) to get a passport. - Canadians having children abroad after the law starts - If you are a Canadian who was born outside Canada and you have a child abroad in the future, your child can be a citizen if you were physically in Canada for at least 1,095 days (about three years) before the child’s birth. - If you do not meet the three‑year presence in Canada, your child would not be a citizen by descent and would need another pathway to come to Canada. - Canadians adopting children from abroad - If you adopted a child outside Canada before the law takes effect and you were a Canadian at that time, your child can be granted citizenship. - For future adoptions abroad, your adopted child can be granted citizenship if the Canadian adoptive parent spent at least three years in Canada before the adoption. - People who lost citizenship under old rules - If you lost your citizenship because you did not apply to “retain” it by a deadline under old laws, this bill restores your citizenship automatically. - If you once became a citizen and later renounced it, this bill does not give it back automatically. - Families where a parent died earlier - If your qualifying Canadian parent (or grandparent) died before this bill takes effect, you can still be recognized as a citizen if they would have been Canadian under these new rules. - People who do not want Canadian citizenship - If you become a citizen because of this bill and prefer not to be one, there will be a simpler process to renounce (formally give up) citizenship. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Fixes long‑standing gaps that left “lost Canadians” without status even though they had a Canadian parent. - Keeps a real link to Canada for future generations by requiring about three years’ presence in Canada for parents who pass on citizenship from abroad. - Provides clear, simple rules for both births and adoptions outside Canada, reducing confusion. - Respects personal choice by offering a simplified way to renounce citizenship for those who gain it automatically. - Could reduce court cases and administrative headaches by clarifying who is a citizen from birth. ## Opponents' View - Retroactively adding citizens may strain processing systems and increase passport and certificate backlogs. - The three‑year presence test may be too strict for Canadians who build careers abroad, including aid workers, business people, and students. - Different treatment for children born before versus after the law’s start date could be seen as unfair or confusing. - Implementation may be complex, with many edge cases (for example, counting physical presence days), which could lead to delays or disputes.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 47 · Agreed To · November 5, 2025
Division 45 · Agreed To · November 3, 2025
Division 44 · Agreed To · November 3, 2025
Division 36 · Agreed To · September 22, 2025
## Summary This bill is a broad public safety and immigration package. It aims to tighten border controls, speed up action against illegal drugs and money laundering, change parts of the asylum system, and update how agencies share information. - Requires airports, ports, bridges, and similar sites to give the border agency free space and access to inspect exports. - Lets Health add drug precursors (chemicals used to make illegal drugs) quickly and confirms police can be exempt from some drug‑crime rules during lawful undercover work. - Moves the Canadian Coast Guard to the Defence Minister and adds security and intelligence roles. - Expands information‑sharing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) with other governments under written safeguards. - Changes asylum rules (ends the “safe country” list, adds new ineligibility rules, tighter timelines, and allows cases to be paused if the person is outside Canada). - Gives the federal cabinet power to pause, suspend, or end processing of certain immigration applications and to suspend or vary visas and permits in the public interest, with reports to Parliament. - Strengthens anti‑money‑laundering law with higher fines, mandatory compliance agreements and orders, and enrollment of more businesses with FINTRAC (the federal financial intelligence unit). - Updates the Sex Offender Registry to add reporting duties and allow CBSA to share border‑crossing data with police. ## What it means for you - Exporters, carriers, and port/airport operators - Border officers get more access to goods, warehouses, and export areas. Expect more inspections and the need to open packages on request. - Owners of international bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, wharves, and docks must provide CBSA facilities free of charge. - People seeking asylum in Canada - The old “designated countries of origin” system ends. - New ineligibility rules: if you entered after June 24, 2020 and wait more than one year to claim asylum, your claim can be ruled ineligible (with possible exceptions set by regulation). If you crossed the U.S.–Canada land border between official ports and miss the set time limit to claim, you can be ruled ineligible. - If you leave Canada while your claim or appeal is pending, it will be paused; if you voluntarily return to the country you fled before a decision, your claim or appeal is deemed abandoned. - You must give documents and information within set deadlines or risk your claim being deemed abandoned before it is even referred to the Refugee Board. - Immigrants, students, and temporary workers - The federal cabinet can, for public‑interest reasons (e.g., fraud, public health or security), order pauses on accepting certain applications, suspend or end processing of pending applications, or suspend/vary documents and impose conditions. Fees can be repaid without interest if processing is ended. - Officers can require you to answer questions and appear for an examination, including while outside Canada, to confirm you still meet visa or permit requirements. - Families and communities - The Coast Guard shifts under the Defence Minister and is given clearer security and intelligence roles. Expect closer coordination on marine security along with continued search‑and‑rescue and icebreaking. - The Sex Offender Registry adds details and deadlines (like reporting changes to vehicles) and allows CBSA to share travel in/out of Canada with law enforcement to help prevent and investigate sexual offences. - Businesses that handle money or value (banks, fintechs, money services, casinos, real estate, dealers in virtual currency, and others listed in law) - You may have to enroll with FINTRAC (even if not previously registered), keep risk‑based compliance programs, and meet stricter recordkeeping and reporting. - Penalties rise sharply, including potential fines tied to a percentage of global revenue. After a violation, you must enter a compliance agreement; ignoring a compliance order carries even higher penalties. - FINTRAC can share certain intelligence with the Commissioner of Canada Elections. - Police and public safety - Undercover officers, when acting lawfully under designated rules, can be exempted from “inchoate” drug offences (like conspiracy) during investigations. - Monthly public reports will show how many removal orders were enforced and reasons for delays. - Privacy and data sharing - IRCC can share personal information within the department and with other federal and provincial bodies under written agreements that set limits and purposes. Provinces cannot pass that info to foreign entities without the federal minister’s consent and safeguards. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Strengthens border security by giving CBSA better access to export goods and facilities, helping stop guns, drugs, and other contraband from leaving or entering Canada. - Speeds action against illegal drugs by quickly controlling new precursors used to make substances like fentanyl, and by clarifying police powers for undercover operations. - Improves the asylum system by ending the “safe country” list, setting clearer deadlines, and reducing backlogs through abandonment/withdrawal rules and monthly removal reporting. - Gives government tools to quickly respond to fraud, surges, or health/security risks by pausing or adjusting immigration streams, while reporting these actions to Parliament. - Cracks down on money laundering and terrorist financing with higher penalties, mandatory compliance steps, and wider coverage of businesses, protecting Canada’s financial system. - Enhances safety through better sharing of sex offender travel data and more complete registry information to help prevent sexual crimes. - Moves the Coast Guard under Defence to better coordinate marine security while keeping essential services like search and rescue. ## Opponents' View - Grants broad executive power to pause, suspend, or end immigration processing and to suspend or vary visas, which critics say could harm fairness for applicants and create uncertainty for families and employers. - Adds new asylum ineligibility rules (late claims and irregular border entries beyond a time limit) that may bar people with real protection needs who face barriers to filing quickly. - Expands information‑sharing by IRCC and CBSA, raising privacy concerns about how personal data is used, stored, and shared across governments. - Increases inspections and obligations at export sites and warehouses, which could slow trade and add costs for exporters and operators. - Significantly raises compliance costs and legal risks for banks, fintechs, real estate, and other businesses; small firms may struggle with the burden and higher penalties. - Police exemptions during drug investigations and moving the Coast Guard under Defence may be seen as expanding security powers in ways that could affect civil liberties or “militarize” some services.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 59 · Agreed To · December 11, 2025
Division 58 · Agreed To · December 11, 2025
Division 57 · Negatived · December 11, 2025
Division 56 · Negatived · December 11, 2025
## Summary This bill aims to lower everyday costs for Canadians. It cuts the lowest federal income tax rate, adds a large temporary GST/HST rebate for first-time buyers of new homes, ends the federal fuel charge (carbon tax on fuels), and sets national privacy rules for federal political parties. - Lowers the federal tax rate on the first bracket to 14.5% in 2025 and 14% from 2026 onward. - Creates a temporary, extra GST/HST new‑housing rebate for first‑time home buyers, worth up to $50,000, with price caps and timelines. - Repeals Part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act (the federal fuel charge on gasoline, home heating fuel, etc.) and related regulations, starting in 2025, on a set schedule. - Keeps industrial carbon pricing (for large emitters) in place; the repeal targets the fuel charge only. - Requires federal political parties to have and follow a public, plain‑language privacy policy, with a named privacy officer, and creates a national, exclusive privacy regime for parties that overrides provincial privacy laws. - Requires the Finance Minister to publish a report on how the low‑rate tax cut affects tax credits. ## What it means for you - Workers and other taxpayers - You will pay a lower federal tax rate on the first slice of your taxable income starting in 2025, with a further drop in 2026. This means slightly more take‑home pay for most people. - First‑time home buyers (new construction) - If you buy a newly built home or condo and are a first‑time buyer, you can get an extra GST/HST rebate up to $50,000. - Full amounts apply up to about $1,000,000 (building‑only/co‑op variants use slightly different caps); the rebate phases out and ends near $1,500,000. Caps are a bit higher in HST provinces. - You must be 18+, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and plan to live in the home as your main residence. - You and your spouse/common‑law partner must both meet the first‑time buyer test (neither owned and lived in a home during the past four years). - Applies to agreements signed after March 19, 2025 and before 2031. Construction must start before 2031 and be substantially finished before 2036. Transfer of ownership (or possession, depending on the case) must happen before 2036. - Only one person in a couple can claim this rebate. You cannot claim it twice as a couple. - Also covers co‑op housing shares, “building‑only” purchases, and owner‑built homes under set rules. - Drivers, households, and small businesses that buy fuel - The federal fuel charge (carbon tax on fuels) will be repealed, starting April 2025 with further dates later in 2025 and 2035 for some pieces. - If your province was under the federal fuel charge, you may see lower prices for gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas once repeal takes effect. Provinces could have their own policies. - The bill does not address existing household carbon rebates. - Voters and party volunteers - Federal political parties must publish and follow a privacy policy in plain language and name a privacy officer. - Parties and those acting for them must follow the party’s policy, but they are not required to follow provincial or territorial privacy laws for these activities. - The law states Canadians do not have a right to access or correct personal information held by parties under provincial rules. Any handling of your data is governed by the party’s own policy and federal election law. - Elections Canada must hold at least one meeting each year on protecting personal information by parties. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Taxes on low and middle incomes go down, leaving more money in people’s pockets. - A big, time‑limited rebate helps first‑time buyers bridge the gap to new home ownership and supports new housing construction. - Ending the federal fuel charge lowers costs for driving, home heating, and shipping, easing pressure on family budgets. - A single, national privacy framework for political parties provides clarity and consistency and reduces red tape from different provincial rules. - Strong anti‑avoidance rules stop people from gaming the housing rebate. ## Opponents' View - Cutting the tax rate and adding a large rebate reduces federal revenues and could increase the deficit or pressure public services. - The new‑home rebate may boost demand and push prices higher, and it mainly helps buyers of new — often higher‑priced — homes, not resale buyers or renters. - Repealing the fuel charge weakens climate policy and may increase emissions by removing the price signal to pollute; households could also lose offsetting carbon rebate payments, though the bill does not say. - The privacy changes shield political parties from stricter provincial privacy laws and give Canadians no right to access or correct party‑held data, relying instead on each party’s own policy.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 8 · Agreed To · June 12, 2025
## Summary - This bill puts into Canadian law a new trade deal with Indonesia. It lowers or removes customs duties (import taxes) on many goods, sets up rules to manage trade disputes, and updates several federal laws. - It creates a new “Indonesia Tariff,” moves many duties to zero now or over time, and allows emergency measures if imports surge and harm Canadian producers. - Approves the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CICEPA) and makes Canadian laws match it. - Creates an “Indonesia Tariff” that makes most Indonesian goods duty‑free now or in phases (some immediately, some over about 5, 10, or 15 years). - Excludes some sensitive products from lower tariffs (for example, many dairy, egg, some poultry, sugar, and certain alcohol items). - Lets Canada pause or add temporary duties if a jump in Indonesian imports is a main cause of serious harm to Canadian producers. - Sets up committees on trade, labour, environment, and sustainable development, and allows panels to settle disputes. - Says people and companies cannot sue in Canadian courts to enforce the deal; disputes go through government‑to‑government panels or arbitration (a legal process to settle disputes). - States the deal does not apply to natural water and keeps space for cultural policy. It also recognizes the role of Indigenous Peoples and small businesses in trade. ## What it means for you - Consumers - Many Indonesian goods should get cheaper over time as tariffs fall, especially clothing, shoes, household goods, and some processed foods. - Some prices may drop right away; others will phase down over several years. For example, many clothing tariffs of up to about 18% fall to zero over as long as 14 years. - Some items are excluded, so prices for many dairy and egg products, some poultry, sugar, and certain alcohol are unlikely to change because of this deal. - Importers and retailers - A new “Indonesia Tariff” makes most Indonesian goods duty‑free now or after a scheduled phase‑out (marked as A, Y1, Y2, Y3 in the tariff list). - To claim the lower duty, you must keep proof the goods “originate” in Indonesia (rules of origin) and keep records if asked by customs. - Plan sourcing and pricing around the tariff schedule: some lines go to zero now, others step down over about 4, 9, or 14 years. - Canadian exporters and investors - The deal aims to lower barriers in Indonesia and give clearer, more predictable rules for goods, services, and investment. - Small and medium‑sized businesses are a focus; there will be official contact points and committees to help address problems. - Farmers, fishers, and food processors - Many supply‑managed products remain protected from tariff cuts. Other items (like some seafoods and processed foods) see lower Canadian tariffs on imports, which could mean more competition at home. - If imports surge and seriously harm domestic producers, Canada can use temporary “safeguard” measures. - Workers - Jobs in export‑oriented sectors could benefit from new market access. - Sectors facing more import competition (for example, textiles, clothing, footwear, and some processed foods) may feel pressure as tariffs drop. - Environment, labour, and communities - The agreement includes chapters on labour rights and environmental protection, with councils and committees to oversee cooperation and enforcement. - The deal recognizes Indigenous participation in trade. - Natural water is excluded; cultural industries keep policy protections. - Timing - The law takes effect on a date set by the federal cabinet. Changes to duties will follow the schedules in the bill once in force. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Opens a large and growing market for Canadian goods and services, with clearer rules for business and investment. - Lowers costs and expands choice for Canadian consumers, especially on clothing, footwear, and many household items. - Provides stable, rules‑based dispute systems and anti‑corruption commitments, which reduces risk for businesses. - Includes labour and environment chapters that can help improve standards and enforcement over time. - Focuses on small businesses and Indigenous participation, aiming to share the benefits more widely. - Includes safeguard tools so Canada can act if imports cause serious harm to domestic producers. ## Opponents' View - Lower tariffs on clothing, footwear, and some foods could undercut Canadian manufacturers and processors, risking jobs. - Labour and environmental commitments may be hard to enforce in practice, leading to limited real‑world change. - Investor‑state arbitration provisions could let foreign investors challenge public‑interest rules, narrowing policy space. - Reduced tariffs mean less customs revenue for the federal government. - Safeguards exist but can be slow and complex to use, leaving domestic producers exposed to sudden import surges.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 62 · Agreed To · February 2, 2026
## Summary - This bill creates two new laws. One aims to ease trade and worker mobility within Canada. The other sets a faster path to approve big projects that are in the national interest. - It would treat goods, services, and some worker licenses that meet one province’s or territory’s rules as meeting comparable federal rules. - It would let the federal cabinet label certain large projects as “national interest projects” and bundle federal approvals into one document with conditions. - It adds public transparency, Indigenous consultation, and national security checks for these projects. - Some normal federal review steps would be shortened or replaced, with guardrails for safety, security, and the environment. - Parts of the law would be reviewed after five years. Key changes - Goods and services: If they meet a province’s or territory’s standards, they are treated as meeting comparable federal requirements for moving across provinces. - Workers: If you hold a provincial or territorial authorization for an occupation, a comparable federal authorization must be issued to you. - Overrides: If there is a conflict, these new trade and mobility rules would override other federal rules. - National interest projects: Cabinet can add projects to a public list after 30 days’ notice and consultation; consent is needed if the project is only under provincial or territorial powers. - Streamlined approvals: For listed projects, required federal determinations are deemed favourable. The minister must issue one document that sets all conditions and counts as the needed federal authorizations. - Safeguards: Nuclear and energy regulators must confirm safety and security. Indigenous peoples must be consulted with a public report. All studies, conditions, and reasons must be published before approval. Projects must start within five years or approvals expire. - Limits and oversight: Powers to add projects or make related regulations end after five years and can’t be used when Parliament is prorogued or dissolved. Annual independent reviews and public reports are required. ## What it means for you - Workers and professionals - Easier to work across Canada if your job also needs a federal authorization. Your provincial or territorial authorization would be recognized, and a comparable federal one must be issued. - Less duplicate testing or paperwork to get federal recognition. - Businesses selling across provinces - If your product or service meets rules in one province or territory, it would be treated as meeting comparable federal rules for moving it across Canada. - Less duplication of federal compliance steps tied to interprovincial trade. - Consumers - Potential for more choice and lower costs if products and services can move more easily across provinces. - Large project developers (energy, transport, corridors, Northern projects, etc.) - A faster, one-window federal process if your project is listed as in the national interest. - You must still meet requirements, pay fees, and follow conditions. All conditions will be public before approval. - You must start the project within five years or the authorization expires. - Indigenous peoples - Required consultation with a process for active and meaningful participation. - A public report on consultations must be posted within 60 days of approval. - Provinces and territories - The federal government must consult you before listing a project in your jurisdiction and obtain written consent if it falls in your exclusive powers. - Trade and mobility changes target federal barriers; provincial rules still apply. - Environment and safety - Some early planning steps in the federal impact assessment process would not apply to listed projects, but an impact assessment is still required. - Nuclear and energy projects cannot be approved through this process unless safety and security are confirmed by the relevant regulators. - Project studies, recommendations, and reasons for decisions must be published. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Cuts red tape so goods, services, and workers can move more freely within Canada, helping the economy. - Speeds up critical national projects, boosting jobs, growth, trade corridors, and energy security. - Gives investors certainty through a clear, time-bound process and one federal authorization document. - Maintains protections: independent safety checks for nuclear and energy, public conditions and studies, national security reviews, and required Indigenous consultation. - Respects provincial roles by requiring consent for projects in areas that are only provincial or territorial. - Adds accountability with annual independent reviews and public reporting. ## Opponents' View - Centralizes power in cabinet and a minister, which could weaken the role of independent regulators and normal review steps. - “Deeming” favourable federal determinations may lower environmental or safety scrutiny, even with conditions attached. - Alters parts of the impact assessment process and could reduce early public participation, risking legal challenges. - Treating provincial standards as “comparable” to federal ones may cause uneven protection or a “race to the bottom.” - Indigenous consultation requirements may not equal consent, raising concerns about rights and project legitimacy. - Transparency and new offices or registries may still leave gaps, and shifting rules could create confusion for businesses and regulators.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 34 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 33 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 32 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 31 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 30 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 29 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 28 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 27 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 26 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 25 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 24 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 23 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 13 · Agreed To · June 16, 2025
## Summary This bill approves extra funding for the federal government for the 2025–26 fiscal year. It authorizes up to $8.58 billion from the federal government’s main bank account (the Consolidated Revenue Fund) to cover costs not already approved. Most of the money goes to National Defence and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). The authority takes effect as of April 1, 2025. - Total new funding: about $8.58 billion based on the first in‑year update to the budget plan (called Supplementary Estimates A). - Department of National Defence: about $8.21 billion for operations, equipment, and grants/contributions. - Communications Security Establishment (Canada’s signals intelligence and cyber security agency): about $370 million for program costs. - Defence can enter into long‑term contracts up to about $86.76 billion, with roughly $52.95 billion expected to be paid in future years. - Defence and CSE can re‑spend revenue they earn from their own operations this year to offset their costs. - Allows routine accounting adjustments after year‑end to close the books, without new cash payments. ## What it means for you - General public - No direct change to taxes or personal benefits. This is a funding bill to keep approved federal activities running. - More resources for national defence and cyber security, which can affect safety, military readiness, and protection of government systems. - Military members and families - More funding for operations, training, and support activities. Specific programs are not listed here, but the money covers day‑to‑day operating costs and some equipment purchases. - Businesses and organizations - Potential opportunities for contracts or contributions tied to defence equipment, services, supplies, or facilities. - Some agreements may span multiple years, since the bill lets Defence commit to long‑term contracts, with many payments due later. - Transparency and timing - Spending is tied to items listed in the government’s in‑year estimates and must follow any conditions set there. - Some non‑cash accounting entries can be finalized after the fiscal year ends, which helps ensure accurate public accounts. ## Expenses Estimated annual cost: about CAD $8.58 billion. - Department of National Defence: about $8.21 billion - Operating costs: about $3.97 billion - Capital (equipment and infrastructure): about $0.80 billion - Grants and contributions (including support related to defence equipment, services, supplies, or facilities): about $3.44 billion - Communications Security Establishment: about $370 million for program expenditures - Additional authority: Defence may enter into contracts up to about $86.76 billion in total commitments for this cycle, with an estimated $52.95 billion to be paid in future years. This is permission to commit, not extra cash this year. ## Proponents' View - Ensures the military and cyber security agencies have the funds they need to operate and respond to threats. - Updates the budget mid‑year to reflect new needs and timing changes, which keeps services running smoothly. - Allows long‑term contracts so Defence can plan major projects and upgrades over several years. - Lets departments re‑spend revenue they earn from operations in the same year, improving efficiency. - Includes standard controls: money must be used only for the stated purposes and follow conditions in the estimates. ## Opponents' View - Adds a large amount of in‑year spending, which could strain the budget if not offset elsewhere. - Much of the money is grouped under broad votes, which can make it hard for the public to see project‑level details. - Authority to make large future commitments may limit flexibility for future budgets. - Increased funding for intelligence and cyber agencies may raise transparency and privacy concerns for some, even if oversight rules are unchanged. - Risk that long‑term defence projects face delays or cost overruns, reducing value for money.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 22 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 21 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 20 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
## Summary This bill is the federal government’s first Budget Implementation Act for 2025. It changes many tax rules, creates new programs, sets funding authorities for housing and infrastructure, and launches large regulatory files (like open banking and stablecoins). It also ends several existing taxes and updates many financial and safety laws. Key changes include: - Taxes: raises the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25M, creates a PSW tax credit, expands disability and home accessibility supports, restores faster write‑offs for business investment, and adds a new 10% accelerated write‑off for purpose‑built rental housing. - Housing and consumer taxes: ends the Underused Housing Tax after 2024; ends the luxury tax on aircraft and boats; extends the 100% GST rental rebate to more student and co‑op projects. - Clean economy: extends and expands clean technology and electricity investment tax credits, carbon capture credits, and critical mineral incentives. - Open banking and payments: enacts the Consumer‑Driven Banking Act (data portability with Bank of Canada oversight) and the Stablecoin Act (par‑redemption, 1:1 reserves, no interest, Bank of Canada supervision). - Big projects and institutions: enables a Quebec–Ontario high‑speed rail network; lets Canada Post set postage rates; creates the Environmental Protection Tribunal of Canada. - Social supports: creates the National School Food Program Act (vision and long‑term funding commitment); exempts the new Canada Disability Benefit from income. ## What it means for you - Individuals and families - Higher capital gains exemption (up to $1.25M) on small business shares or farm/fishing property. - New Personal Support Workers tax credit and broader Disability Supports Deduction. - More school food programs over time; federal commitment to long‑term funding and annual reports. - Osteopathic services by non‑physicians become taxable under GST/HST. - Renters and homeowners - Faster tax write‑offs for new purpose‑built rental buildings (may help spur supply). - Enhanced 100% GST rental rebate extended to eligible student residences and co‑ops. - Underused Housing Tax ends for 2025 and later years. - Workers and small businesses - Immediate expensing and accelerated depreciation return for many assets; SR&ED improvements (including some public companies and capital). - Easier rollover for small business shares; extended Mineral Exploration and expanded Critical Mineral credits. - Minister can waive withholding for certain non‑resident service providers (reduces cash‑flow frictions). - Consumers and bank customers - Open banking framework: you can direct your bank to share your data safely with other accredited providers; stronger security, consent, and complaints rules; Bank of Canada oversight. - Banks must get your express consent before activating certain account features and must let you set certain transaction limits. New anti‑fraud policies and reporting. - Crypto and fintech users - Stablecoin issuers must hold a 1:1 reserve in cash or high‑quality liquid assets, redeem at par in the reference currency, and meet strict custody, governance, and reporting rules. No interest payments to holders. - Students - Federal aid will be denied to students at private, for‑profit institutions outside Canada; Ottawa may align with provincial suspensions of institutions or programs. - Indigenous governments - Opt‑in power to levy value‑added sales taxes on fuel, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco and vaping on reserve/settlement lands; some trusts for Indigenous groups exempted from AMT. - Veterans and RCMP members - Pension adjustments clarified; certain RCMP benefits indexed by CPI starting 2027; some Veterans benefits calculations clarified retroactively. - Travelers and mail users - Steps toward high‑speed rail between Quebec and Ontario (land tools, impact assessments, language services). - Canada Post can set postage rates and terms directly; must make rates public and consider fairness. - Charities and donors - Customs duty refunds allowed when certain imported goods are donated to registered charities. ## Expenses Estimated annual cost: No publicly available information. - Enables up to $11.5 billion from the federal treasury for Build Canada Homes and up to $1.515 billion for Canada Lands Company. - Increases Canada Infrastructure Bank’s capital authority to $45 billion. - Commits to long‑term funding for the National School Food Program (no amount stated). - Ends several taxes (Underused Housing Tax from 2025; luxury tax on aircraft and vessels; Digital Services Tax), and expands/creates many credits—these likely reduce revenue; exact impacts are not provided. ## Proponents' View - Boosts housing supply and affordability: faster rental write‑offs, broader GST rental rebates, and new housing entities and funding. - Grows the clean economy with powerful, bankable investment credits for clean electricity, carbon capture, and critical minerals. - Supports workers and inclusion: PSW credit, broader disability supports, school food program, and Canada Disability Benefit tax‑free. - Modernizes finance: open banking to improve competition and consumer control; stablecoin rules to protect users and financial stability. - Cuts red tape and spurs investment: reinstated immediate expensing, SR&ED upgrades, transfer pricing clarity, and innovation sandboxes. - Simplifies/targets taxes: higher capital gains exemption for entrepreneurs; ends UHT burdens and luxury tax on boats/planes. ## Opponents' View - Fiscal risk and complexity: many tax credits and tax cuts with unclear total costs; higher federal borrowing limit (to $2.541 trillion). - Housing tax rollbacks: ending the Underused Housing Tax may remove a tool against vacancy/foreign ownership; rental incentives may not translate into lower rents quickly. - Distribution concerns: higher capital gains exemptions may favour higher‑income owners; ending luxury tax reduces revenue and perceived fairness. - Consumer and privacy risks: open banking and stablecoin regimes add cyber and data‑sharing exposure if not enforced tightly. - Institutional powers: Canada Post rate‑setting without prior regulation could raise prices; wide ministerial interim orders and exemptions reduce oversight. - High‑speed rail land powers and expropriation changes may worry affected landowners and communities.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 53 · Negatived · December 8, 2025
## Summary This is a routine federal “supply” bill. It gives the Government of Canada permission to spend up to about $149.8 billion on departments, agencies, and Crown corporations for the fiscal year that ends March 31, 2026. It covers the parts of government spending that require an annual vote by Parliament. Key points: - Sets an overall spending limit of about $149.8 billion, effective April 1, 2025. - Lists funding for most departments and agencies (health, housing, defence, veterans, Indigenous services, transport, and more). - Gives two big revenue agencies (Canada Revenue Agency and Canada Border Services Agency) funding that can be used over two years (to March 31, 2027). - Cleans the books for old student debts by writing off about $197 million in uncollectable student and apprentice loans. - Includes central funds for emergencies and routine adjustments (for example, a $1 billion contingency fund and carry-forward authorities). ## What it means for you - General public - Government services keep running. Offices stay open, call centres answer, inspections happen, and programs are delivered. - Health protection work continues (food and product safety, disease prevention) through Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. - Policing and public safety receive ongoing support (RCMP, emergency preparedness). - Travelers and flyers - Airport screening and security continue (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority). - Border services remain staffed and equipped (CBSA funding spans two years to manage large projects and staffing). - Support for VIA Rail and the Windsor–Detroit bridge helps maintain travel options and infrastructure. - Families, renters, and homeowners - Housing programs and community infrastructure receive funding through the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. - The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is reimbursed for loans forgiven and other costs tied to housing programs. - Students and apprentices - About $197 million in long-overdue student and apprentice loans are written off, tidying up accounts. This does not change current loan rules, but it clears debts the government cannot collect. - Indigenous communities - Large operating and contribution funds flow to Indigenous Services and Crown–Indigenous Relations for health, infrastructure, services, and agreements with communities. - Veterans - Veterans Affairs receives funding for benefits administration and services. - Workers and businesses - Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development get operating funds to administer benefits and tax services. - Innovation, research, and tourism agencies, as well as regional development agencies, receive contributions that support jobs and investment. - CBC/Radio‑Canada, Canada Post, and cultural institutions receive operating and capital support. ## Expenses Estimated total authorized spending in this bill: about CAD $149.8 billion for 2025–26. - Examples of notable allocations in this Act (amounts authorized by this bill): - National Defence: operating, capital, and related grants/contributions totaling over $23 billion. - Indigenous Services Canada: over $15 billion (operating and contributions combined). - Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada: several billion for operating, capital, and contributions. - Housing, Infrastructure and Communities: about $5.3 billion in contributions plus operating and capital. - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: about $4.8 billion to reimburse housing-related costs. - Veterans Affairs: several billion for operations and contributions. - CBC/Radio‑Canada: just over $1.0 billion (operating and capital). - Canada Revenue Agency (two-year authority): about $3.5 billion operating and $51 million capital. - Canada Border Services Agency (two-year authority): about $1.9 billion operating and $133 million capital. - Central votes managed by the Treasury Board Secretariat include: - $1.0 billion for contingencies (urgent or unforeseen needs). - Up to $3.0 billion for operating budget carry-forward and $750 million for capital carry-forward from the prior year. - $600 million for pay-related pressures (parental leave, severance, etc.). - About $1.9 billion toward public service insurance and benefits. - Unused funds generally expire (“lapse”) at year-end. For the two-year items (CBSA and CRA), funds can be spent up to March 31, 2027. - This bill does not change tax rates or most legislated benefit payments (those are set by other laws). It authorizes the “voted” spending needed to run programs and services. ## Proponents' View - Keeps essential services running across the country by giving departments the funds they need on time. - Supports priorities like health protection, housing, infrastructure, Indigenous services, defence, and veterans’ care. - Provides stability for big service agencies (CRA, CBSA) by allowing two-year funding for complex projects and staffing. - Includes prudent tools like a contingency fund and carry-forwards to handle emergencies and routine budget timing. - Writes off long-uncollectable student debts to keep the government’s books accurate and transparent. - Sets clear limits and lapsing rules, which help control costs and improve accountability. ## Opponents' View - The overall amount is very large, adding to total government spending; critics worry about pressure on deficits and debt. - Central funds (contingencies and carry-forwards) give flexibility but reduce line-by-line detail at the time of approval. - The bill’s size and complexity make thorough scrutiny hard; some items were already advanced by special warrants before Parliament voted. - Two-year spending for some agencies may lessen annual oversight. - Some allocations to Crown corporations (for example, CBC/Radio‑Canada, Canada Post, VIA Rail) or international contributions may be seen as too high or not targeted enough. - The bill authorizes spending but does not spell out outcomes, so results will depend on later implementation and oversight.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 18 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 17 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 16 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
## Summary This bill would require the federal government to share more information with Parliament and the public before Canada approves (ratifies) most international treaties. It sets a standard review period, spells out what must be disclosed, and adds a special review step for “major treaties.” It also allows emergency exceptions, with reasons given after the fact, and sets deadlines to publish treaties once approved. - Before Canada ratifies a treaty, the Foreign Affairs Minister must table the treaty in the House of Commons at least 21 sitting days in advance, with a plain-language memo on its contents, costs, and effects. - Changes to an existing treaty must also be tabled in advance, with an explanation of what is changing and why. - “Major treaties” (including trade deals, tax-raising treaties, those with big costs, sanctions, borders, territory, or transfers of powers to international bodies) must be reviewed by a House committee, and the Minister must seek the House’s advice before ratifying. - In exceptional circumstances, the federal cabinet can let the Minister skip the advance tabling, but the documents and written reasons must be tabled as soon as possible afterward. - After ratification, the government must quickly publish the treaty and any late changes in the Canada Gazette, on the department’s website, and in the Canada Treaty Series. ## What it means for you - General public - More advance notice of new treaties that could affect daily life, jobs, prices, privacy, travel, borders, or sanctions. - Easier to read what a treaty would do, how much it might cost, and what Canada must do to follow it. - A set window (at least 21 sitting days) to contact your MP or submit views before Canada is bound. - Workers and businesses - Earlier warning about trade and investment treaties that may change market access, rules, or competition. - A chance to provide input to a House committee on “major treaties.” - Some agreements may take longer to finalize because of the review period. - Provinces, territories, Indigenous organizations, unions, and industry groups - The government must include a record of consultations with interested parties (other than foreign governments), which can highlight your views on the public record. - Clearer visibility into planned obligations and costs that could affect shared or local responsibilities. - People following defense, sanctions, and borders - Treaties that impose sanctions, change territorial jurisdiction (land, sea, airspace), or affect Canada’s participation in international bodies would face a formal committee review and House advice. - Transparency and access - Final texts and explanations of last-minute changes must be posted online within days and printed in official publications within set timelines. - Limits and exceptions - In urgent cases, the government can approve a treaty without advance tabling, but must table the documents and explain why afterward. - The House’s role is to give advice. The bill does not require a binding vote to approve a treaty. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Gives elected MPs a clear role before Canada makes binding international promises, improving democratic oversight. - Improves transparency by requiring plain-language summaries, cost estimates, Canada’s obligations, and any “opt-out” options to be disclosed up front. - Helps Canadians, including provinces, Indigenous groups, businesses, and unions, prepare and speak up before decisions are final. - Reduces surprises and unintended costs by forcing a public review of “major treaties.” - Locks current practice into law so all future governments must follow the same transparency rules. ## Opponents' View - Could slow down foreign policy and reduce flexibility, especially during fast-moving crises, even with the emergency exception. - May complicate sensitive negotiations or expose positions too early, risking worse outcomes or failed talks. - Adds red tape and committee workload, while the House’s “advice” is not binding and might create confusion about who decides. - Duplicates much of the existing policy that already requires tabling treaties before ratification, with unclear added benefit. - The 21-sitting-day timeline may be too short for deep analysis of complex treaties, or too long when quick action is needed.
Votes • Leslie Church
Division 61 · Negatived · January 28, 2026
Division 60 · Negatived · January 28, 2026
lower · Jan 28, 2026
Nay
Liberal
Division 55 · Negatived · December 9, 2025
lower · Dec 9, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 54 · Negatived · December 9, 2025
lower · Dec 9, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 50 · Agreed To · November 17, 2025
lower · Nov 17, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 49 · Negatived · November 7, 2025
lower · Nov 7, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 48 · Negatived · November 6, 2025
lower · Nov 6, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 46 · Agreed To · November 4, 2025
lower · Nov 4, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 43 · Agreed To · October 28, 2025
lower · Oct 28, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 42 · Agreed To · October 28, 2025
lower · Oct 28, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 41 · Negatived · October 20, 2025
lower · Oct 20, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 40 · Negatived · October 6, 2025
lower · Oct 6, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 39 · Negatived · October 1, 2025
lower · Oct 1, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 38 · Negatived · September 24, 2025
lower · Sep 24, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 37 · Negatived · September 23, 2025
lower · Sep 23, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 35 · Negatived · September 22, 2025
lower · Sep 22, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 19 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
lower · Jun 17, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 15 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
lower · Jun 17, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 14 · Negatived · June 17, 2025
lower · Jun 17, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 12 · Agreed To · June 16, 2025
lower · Jun 16, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 11 · Negatived · June 16, 2025
lower · Jun 16, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 10 · Agreed To · June 16, 2025
lower · Jun 16, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 9 · Agreed To · June 16, 2025
lower · Jun 16, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 7 · Negatived · June 11, 2025
lower · Jun 11, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 6 · Negatived · June 11, 2025
lower · Jun 11, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 5 · Negatived · June 10, 2025
lower · Jun 10, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 4 · Agreed To · June 5, 2025
lower · Jun 5, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 3 · Agreed To · June 2, 2025
lower · Jun 2, 2025
Nay
Liberal
Division 2 · Agreed To · June 2, 2025
lower · Jun 2, 2025
Yea
Liberal
Division 1 · Agreed To · May 29, 2025
lower · May 29, 2025
Yea
Liberal