## 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 • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 13 · Agreed To · June 16, 2025
Division 23 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 24 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 25 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 26 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 27 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 28 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 29 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 30 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 31 · Negatived · June 20, 2025
Division 32 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 33 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
Division 34 · Agreed To · June 20, 2025
## Summary - This bill is called the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act. It lowers the federal income tax rate on the lowest tax bracket, creates a temporary GST/HST rebate for first-time buyers of new homes, repeals the federal fuel charge (carbon price on fuels), and updates privacy rules for federal political parties. - The main goal is to reduce everyday costs, support first-time home buyers, and set a single national privacy framework for political parties. Key changes - Lowers the federal tax rate on the lowest bracket to 14.5% in 2025 and 14% from 2026 onward (applies to income up to about $57,000; other brackets stay the same). - Adds a temporary GST/HST rebate for first-time buyers of new homes, condos, co‑op units, and owner‑built homes. Maximum rebate is up to $50,000, with price limits and a phase‑out at higher prices. - Repeals the federal fuel charge (the carbon price on gasoline, diesel, natural gas, propane, etc.) and related regulations, with changes starting April 1, 2025 and some parts ending later, including in 2035. - Requires federal political parties to publish and follow a privacy policy, name a privacy officer, and certify compliance when registering; sets a single federal regime for how parties handle personal information. ## What it means for you - Workers and taxpayers - You will pay a lower federal tax rate on the first part of your income starting in 2025, and a bit more in 2026. This means slightly higher take‑home pay for most people. - First-time home buyers of new homes - You may qualify for an extra GST/HST new housing rebate up to $50,000 on a newly built home, condo, co‑op unit, or an owner‑built home. - Key rules include: you must be 18+, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and neither you nor your spouse/partner owned and lived in a home as your main home in the last 4 years. - The home must be your primary residence. You must be the first occupant after construction or major renovation. - Timing: purchase agreements generally must be signed between March 20, 2025 and 2030 (inclusive); construction must start before 2031 and be substantially completed before 2036; transfer/possession before 2036. - Amounts: full extra rebate (up to $50,000, limited by the tax paid) if the price is $1,000,000 or less (different limits apply to some cases), with a gradual phase‑out up to $1,500,000. For building‑only and co‑op cases, the phase‑out range is roughly $1,050,000 to $1,575,000. - In HST provinces (Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador), the phase‑out thresholds are set slightly higher to match provincial tax. - Only one person in a couple can claim, and you cannot claim more than once. Anti‑avoidance rules block re‑writing contracts just to qualify. - Home builders and sellers - Buyers may be more able to afford new builds because of the rebate. You may need to handle rebate applications submitted through builders in some cases. - Drivers and households using fossil fuels - The federal fuel charge added to gasoline, diesel, home heating fuels, and natural gas will be repealed in stages starting April 1, 2025. This should remove that federal charge from fuel bills as repeal dates take effect. - Voters and party supporters - Federal political parties must have a public privacy policy in plain language, name a privacy officer, explain what data they collect and how, and describe staff/volunteer training. - Parties and their candidates, riding associations, staff, and volunteers must follow the party’s policy. - Parties are not required to follow provincial privacy laws when doing political activities, unless their own policy says so. - You do not gain a right to access or correct your data held by parties under this bill. Parties cannot be required to provide access or corrections unless they choose to in their policy. ## Expenses No publicly available information. - The tax rate cut would reduce federal income tax revenue. - The new housing rebate would increase GST/HST refunds paid to eligible first-time buyers. - Repealing the federal fuel charge would reduce related revenues and administration/enforcement costs. - Election-related privacy changes could add small administrative costs for parties and for Elections Canada (annual meeting), but the bill does not state amounts. ## Proponents' View - Cuts income taxes for most Canadians, letting people keep more of every paycheque. - Helps first-time buyers afford new homes by reducing the GST/HST burden, with larger support for modestly priced new builds. - Removes the federal fuel charge to lower costs at the pump and on home heating. - Sets clear, uniform national rules for how political parties handle personal data, with public policies and a named privacy officer. - Anti‑avoidance rules keep the housing rebate targeted and prevent gaming the system. ## Opponents' View - Repealing the fuel charge weakens climate policy and could increase emissions; households may also lose associated carbon price rebates that offset costs. - The tax cut and rebates reduce federal revenue and could widen the deficit or force spending cuts elsewhere. - The housing rebate may push up prices for new homes or mainly benefit higher‑priced markets; it excludes resale homes and people who are not first‑time buyers. - The privacy rules for parties are weaker than provincial standards: people do not get rights to access or correct their data, and parties are exempt from provincial privacy laws when campaigning. - The rebate rules are complex, with tight timing and occupancy conditions that could confuse buyers.
Votes • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 8 · Agreed To · June 12, 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 • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 56 · Negatived · December 11, 2025
Division 57 · Negatived · December 11, 2025
Division 58 · Agreed To · December 11, 2025
Division 59 · Agreed To · December 11, 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 • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 36 · Agreed To · September 22, 2025
Division 44 · Agreed To · November 3, 2025
Division 45 · Agreed To · November 3, 2025
Division 47 · Agreed To · November 5, 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 • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 16 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 17 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 18 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
## Summary The Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 is an omnibus bill that puts many parts of the federal budget into law. It changes taxes and credits, creates new national programs and rules, funds housing, and updates financial and consumer protections. Key changes include: - Taxes: raises the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25 million (from June 25, 2024), creates a $10 million capital gains exemption for selling a business to a worker co‑op or employee trust, expands disability tax relief, and introduces a temporary Personal Support Workers Tax Credit (up to $1,100 a year for 2026–2030). - Housing: ends the Underused Housing Tax starting in 2025; speeds up tax write‑offs for purpose‑built rentals (10% accelerated CCA); extends the enhanced GST rental rebate to co‑ops and student housing; creates “Build Canada Homes” with up to $11.5B to support building. - Clean economy: launches a 15% Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit; extends and expands other clean technology, carbon capture, and critical mineral credits; brings back accelerated depreciation and immediate expensing for productivity assets. - Consumer protections: creates a national “consumer‑driven banking” (open banking) framework; requires banks to add tools to fight consumer‑targeted fraud and give faster access to cheque deposits. - New national programs and laws: enacts the National School Food Program Act; creates a Stablecoin Act to regulate Canadian‑facing stablecoin issuers; lays the legal groundwork for a high‑speed rail network in Quebec–Ontario. - Other notable moves: repeals the Digital Services Tax; ends the Luxury Tax on aircraft and vessels; lets Canada Post set its own rates; increases Canada Infrastructure Bank’s capital authority to $45B. ## What it means for you - Households and taxpayers - More children should get free or low‑cost meals at school over time under the National School Food Program. (Funding approach set in law; amounts to follow through agreements.) - If you receive the Canada Disability Benefit, it won’t count as income for tax or benefits. - Some medical and assistive devices now qualify for tax relief under the Disability Supports Deduction. - Workers and students - Personal Support Workers may claim a refundable credit up to $1,100 a year (5% of eligible earnings) for 2026–2030. - Faster access to funds after cheque deposits; banks must let you set transaction limits and notify you of account changes. - Consumer‑driven (open) banking will let you securely share your financial data to switch providers or use budgeting apps, with accreditation and security rules. - Small business owners and entrepreneurs - Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption increased to $1.25M; new, time‑limited $10M exemption when selling to a worker co‑op or employee ownership trust (with safeguards and potential clawbacks). - Immediate expensing returns for certain productivity‑boosting assets; accelerated write‑offs for clean tech and rentals. - Expanded SR&ED access and thresholds; renewed mineral exploration credits and critical mineral support. - Renters, builders, and homeowners - More purpose‑built rental projects could pencil out due to a 10% accelerated write‑off and GST rental rebate expansion to co‑ops and student residences. - The Underused Housing Tax ends from 2025 onward; filing and payment stop after 2024. - Travelers and consumers - Luxury Tax ends on private aircraft and boats; LNG export licenses can run up to 50 years. - Stricter rules against interference with drones; more aviation safety and security updates. - Canada Post will set postage rates directly (still publicly available). - Crypto and fintech users - Stablecoin issuers that serve Canadians must meet reserve, redemption, security, and reporting rules; paying interest on stablecoins is banned. - Open banking creates a registry and complaint system, with the Bank of Canada supervising participants. - Communities and regions - Legal framework to advance high‑speed rail in Quebec–Ontario, including land tools, impact assessments by segment, and Indigenous knowledge protections. - Federal credit unions get growth support and more flexible transactions. ## Expenses No publicly available information. ## Proponents' View - Helps address housing supply by speeding up rental construction write‑offs, expanding GST rental rebates, and creating a national homebuilding vehicle (Build Canada Homes). - Makes Canada more competitive by lowering the cost of investing (expensing, accelerated CCA) and scaling clean electricity and clean tech with new/expanded tax credits. - Supports workers and vulnerable groups: school food program for kids, tax relief for disability supports, and a credit for personal support workers. - Modernizes finance with safer open banking and clearer stablecoin rules, while adding strong consumer fraud protections at banks. - Simplifies by repealing the Digital Services Tax (reduces trade friction) and the Underused Housing Tax (cuts compliance burden for owners). - Encourages broad‑based employee ownership and succession through new tax incentives for sales to worker co‑ops and employee trusts. ## Opponents' View - Cost and foregone revenues: many new credits and repealed taxes (UHT, luxury tax on aircraft/vessels, DST) may reduce revenues without clear offsets. - Fairness concerns: higher capital gains exemption and $10M business‑sale exemption may mainly benefit high‑wealth owners; scrapping UHT could undermine housing vacancy policy; ending the luxury tax aids wealthy buyers. - Consumer and financial risks: open banking and stablecoins add new operational and cyber risks; oversight is complex and still evolving. - Climate and energy: extending carbon capture credits and 50‑year LNG export licenses may lock in fossil infrastructure; critics may prefer stronger demand‑side measures. - Implementation risks: school food program sets vision and principles but leaves funding amounts to later agreements; housing buildout depends on provincial/municipal cooperation and market capacity. - High‑speed rail and Canada Post: rail land powers and costs may face public opposition; Canada Post rate‑setting autonomy could lead to higher postage without enough oversight.
Votes • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 53 · Negatived · December 8, 2025
## Summary This bill requires the federal government to create a national strategy to improve how Canada forecasts floods and droughts. It tasks the Minister of the Environment to lead, consult widely, assess needs and benefits, and propose a cooperative national forecasting service. It sets deadlines to table the strategy in Parliament and later report on its effectiveness (s.3, s.4, s.5). - Develop a national strategy with provinces, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies, universities, and industry, including insurers (s.3(1)-(2)). - Assess needs for national coordination, new investment, and new technology in forecasting (s.3(3)(a)). - Assess the need for models that identify properties and infrastructure at flood risk (s.3(3)(b)). - Assess opportunities to meet short- and long-term information needs across Canada, including current and future floodplain mapping (s.3(3)(c)). - Prepare a proposal for a cooperative national hydrology and water resources forecasting service based on the existing federal–provincial model (s.3(3)(d)). - Table the strategy within 2 years of the Act coming into force, publish it, and table a 5-year effectiveness report (s.4(1)-(2), s.5(1)-(2)). ## What it means for you - Households - No immediate changes to insurance, building codes, or flood maps. The bill sets a planning process, not new rules (s.3). - You may see better flood and drought information in the future if governments act on the strategy’s proposal (s.3(3)(c)-(d)). - Farmers and rural landowners - The strategy will consider short- and long-term drought and flood forecasts that could support planting, water use, and risk planning. It does not fund new services by itself (s.3(3)(c)). - Businesses and insurers - Insurers and other industries will be consulted. The strategy will assess risk modeling that could inform underwriting and supply-chain planning, but there is no immediate change to data access or rules (s.3(2), s.3(3)(b)-(c)). - Local governments - Municipalities will be consulted and could gain access to more consistent forecasts and proposed tools for future floodplain delineation. No mandates or costs are imposed by this bill (s.3(2)-(3)). - Indigenous communities - Indigenous governing bodies will be consulted to ensure the strategy meets their information needs for flood and drought planning (s.3(2)-(3)). - Timeline - Strategy due within 2 years after the Act comes into force; online publication within 10 days of tabling (s.4(1)-(2)). - Effectiveness report due within 5 years after the strategy is tabled; online publication within 10 days of tabling (s.5(1)-(2)). ## Expenses Estimated net cost: Data unavailable. - The bill authorizes development of a strategy and reports. It does not appropriate funds or create new programs (s.3, s.4, s.5). - Federal departments will incur planning and consultation costs to draft the strategy and reports; amounts are not stated. Data unavailable. - Any future spending to build a national forecasting service would depend on separate approvals; this Act only requires a proposal (s.3(3)(d)). ## Proponents' View - National coordination can reduce gaps between provinces and speed warnings, since current systems operate separately with limited federal support (Preamble; s.3(3)(a)). - Advanced models need shared data and computing power; a national approach can integrate weather, snowpack, glacier, lake, and streamflow data (Preamble; s.3(3)(a)). - Risk mapping for properties and infrastructure would help communities, farmers, and insurers plan and price risk more accurately (s.3(3)(b)-(c)). - Canadian universities already have strong models; a national strategy can apply them at scale in Canada rather than abroad (Preamble; s.3(3)(c)). - Clear deadlines and a 5‑year effectiveness review create accountability without committing funds before analysis is complete (s.4(1), s.5(1)). ## Opponents' View - Overlap and jurisdiction risk: Provinces now do forecasting; a federal strategy could duplicate work or strain federal‑provincial roles (Preamble; s.3(1)-(2)). - Cost uncertainty: Building national systems with supercomputers and extensive observations could be expensive; the bill provides no cost estimate or funding plan (Preamble; s.3(3)(a)). Data unavailable. - Implementation risk: Success depends on voluntary cooperation from many parties; the Act only requires tabling reports and has no enforcement tools if deadlines slip or partners disagree (s.3(2)-(3), s.4, s.5). - Indirect impacts: Future floodplain delineation and property‑level risk modeling, if later adopted, could affect zoning and insurance. The bill does not address how such changes would be managed (s.3(3)(b)-(c)). - Timing trade‑off: A 2‑year planning window delays near‑term upgrades; rushing complex national systems could also reduce quality (s.4(1)).
Votes • Giovanna Mingarelli
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 • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 51 · Agreed To · December 3, 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 • Giovanna Mingarelli
Division 20 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 21 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025
Division 22 · Agreed To · June 17, 2025