The Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney is leveraging its majority to fast-track several controversial pieces of legislation during the final week of House of Commons sittings, just before lawmakers depart for their summer constituency break.
Opposition Protests Time Allocation
Opposition parties have voiced strong objections to the repeated use of time allocation motions, which they argue are becoming a routine tactic for this government to limit debate. Conservative MP Kelly McCauley stated in the House on Monday, "Why is this government, once again, bringing the guillotine of closure and limiting debate? Canadians sent us here to debate the issues, not have the government shut down debate."
Fast-Tracked Legislation
Among the bills being expedited is C-9, the Liberals' anti-hate bill, which has drawn criticism for potentially chilling the preaching of religious texts. Another is C-30, the spring economic update bill, which opponents claim could deregulate pesticide laws. The government argues that these measures are necessary and have been thoroughly considered.
Wayne Long, secretary of state for the Canada Revenue Agency, noted that a nearly 30-hour filibuster on C-30 in the finance committee had already occurred. "We need to move on," he said.
Conservative Filibuster on CPP
The Conservatives had used much of that committee time to question the bill's aim to lower Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions. C-30 also seeks to modify labour mobility for eligible tradespeople and temporarily suspend the excise tax on gas and diesel. A motion passed late Monday instructed the finance committee to advance C-30, which it adopted in less than an hour on Tuesday morning.
Green Party Opposition on Pesticides
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May attempted to temper the bill's changes to the Pest Control Product Act, which she claimed would allow potentially harmful pesticides in Canada under the guise of national economic security. "Stephen Harper's government never touched toxic chemicals," May said. "Nobody has ever, in any government, of any political stripe, in my experience, proposed anything as appalling as this."
Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Deschênes criticized that the pesticide section of C-30 had not been studied in committee, despite many scientists being ready to speak. Ryan Turnbull, parliamentary secretary to the minister of finance, countered that the changes would allow consideration of food security and costs, with additional millions to support Health Canada. May's amendments were defeated by Liberals and Conservatives, with only the Bloc voting in favor.
Senate Also Expediting
The Senate, scheduled to sit until June 23, is also fast-tracking some government priority legislation, though not without frustration. Finance committee chair Liberal MP Karina Gould remarked, "It's been wonderful to spend so much time with you, particularly over the last week," at the end of the meeting.
