Parliament in Review
Parliament adjourned for the summer on Thursday, June 18th, with Members of Parliament heading back to their respective constituencies to reconnect with their ridings. Despite the many failed deliveries made by the Liberal government, Conservatives will remain focused on holding the Liberal government and advocating for policies they believe will serve Canadians during this time of economic uncertainty.
Conservatives – and many Canadians – are well aware of the flawed Liberal decisions and policies that have contributed to rising costs, increased crime and corruption and growing concerns about the Liberal government’s ethics and accountability
A major factor is the state of Canada’s economy under Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canada is the only G20 country currently facing a recession, driven not by global forces alone, but by Liberal policy choices. Inflationary spending, excessive red tape, higher taxes on food and energy, and anti-development legislation have weakened economic growth and discouraged investment. These decisions are pushing jobs, capital, and opportunity out of Canada at a time when Canadians need economic confidence and prosperity.
Economic concerns were not the only issue drawing attention. Mr. Carney’s flip flops have also been drawing attention. During the election, PM Carney stated that China was Canada’s ‘biggest security threat’. Then, this spring, he announced a ‘strategic partnership’ with Beijing, allowing 49,000 EVs into the Canadian market. Conservatives pointed out that the move raises security questions and threatens domestic auto jobs, particularly as Canada continues to face unresolved trade issues with the United States. Some tariffs have doubled, and critics argue that the government has not delivered on its earlier pledge to secure a favourable deal with Washington.
Defence policies have also come under review such as the F35 program. One notable program was when the federal government confirmed in May that 2026 will be the final operational season of the CT-114 Tutor aircraft, which is used by the RCAF Snowbirds. Not only have critics pointed out that this will weaken CAF recruitment and erase a proud Canadian symbol, but it is also a significant loss for an institution that has long inspired national pride.
Committee work was another point of contention. Once the Liberals secured their manufactured majority earlier in the year, parliamentary committees were frequently forced in camera, avoiding public scrutiny. Conservatives argued that this has reduced transparency, citing the health committee’s inability to pursue the investigation into the $300 million PrescribeIT scandal.
Several pieces of Liberal legislation also drew significant public attention. My office—and the Senate—received a record number of correspondence on Bill C-9: An Act to amend the Criminal Code. Critics of the bill expressed concern that it could affect religious expression, while the government maintained that the legislation was aimed at addressing hate—motivated acts. Despite opposition, the bill received Royal Assent on June 18.
Another major Bill, C‑22—introduced after Conservatives raised concerns about its predecessor, Bill C‑2—also passed in the House of Commons. While Conservatives supported the provisions that strengthened tools for police to pursue terrorists, child predators, organized crime networks and cybercriminals, there were serious concerns regarding privacy, civil liberties, government powers and other rights that were not addressed. Conservatives argue that it gives the Minister of Public Safety too much authority to make decision behind closed doors, with limited oversight and potential implications for privacy and civil liberties.
Political criticism this session was not limited to the Conservative bench. In a press conference, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May called the current Prime Minister the worst she has seen in her 15 years as an MP. She stated that Parliament and democracy are being disrespected.
Despite the consistent inaction by this current Liberal government, there have been some Conservative wins and positive outcomes during this spring parliamentary session.
One of the most significant wins for Conservatives was to delay the expansion of MAID. For years the Liberal government has implemented arbitrary delays on the expansion of MAID for mental illness as the sole underlying medical condition. Conservatives have long warned that the expansion was reckless and dangerous—a position echoed by academics, medical experts and the cross-party committee. Canadians struggling with mental illness deserve care, protection, treatment and hope—which is also what the cross-party committee concluded. Fortunately, Conservative MP Tamara Jansen has introduced a private member’s bill to permanently repeal the planned expansion.
I also proudly introduced my Private Member’s Bill, C‑276, the Framework on the Access to and Use of Cash Act. The bill seeks to protect Canadians’ ability to use physical cash and prevent the Bank of Canada from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) without parliamentary approval.
As MPs return to their ridings for the summer, Conservatives will continue advocating for policies that address affordability, strengthen public safety, and restore economic confidence. Our focus remains on ensuring the federal government is accountable to Canadians and responsive to the challenges facing households across the country.