Thursday, April 23, 2009 · sitting No. 44

House debates NDP motion on credit card consumer protections

The House spent the largest portion of its sitting on a New Democratic Party motion calling for legislation to shield consumers from unfair credit card practices including arbitrary interest rate hikes and improper payment applications. Glenn Thibeault moved the motion, which urges the government to introduce measures within six months similar to recent United States reforms. Ted Menzies responded that provisions already contained in budget 2009 addressed many of the concerns raised.

In Question Period, Ralph Goodale pressed the government on a Federal Court ruling ordering action on Omar Khadr and on the Bank of Canada's revised economic outlook. Stephen Harper said the government would examine the court decision and consider an appeal while noting that the bank is following approaches taken by other central banks. Jack Layton asked the government to support stronger measures against high credit card rates and fees.

Decided that day

• C-24 passed second reading and referred to committee
• C-17 received royal assent

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard