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Thursday, September 18, 2025 · sitting No. 24

Commons debates Conservative motion for three-strikes law on repeat offenders

The House spent most of its sitting on a Conservative supply motion that calls on the government to replace bail reforms with a three-strikes law requiring at least 10 years in jail for anyone convicted of three serious offences. Conservative MP Larry Brock moved the motion and said Liberal changes have produced a 50 per cent increase in violent crime. Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux replied that the government will introduce bail reform legislation this fall and rejected the three-strikes model.

In Question Period, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre compared Canada's 1.6 per cent economic contraction to Mexico's 2.4 per cent growth and said unemployment here is three times higher. International Trade Minister Mélanie Joly said the government is supporting tariff-affected workers with $6 billion in aid and is pursuing new trade partners.

Bloc Québécois MP Christine Normandin accused the government of attacking Quebec's use of the notwithstanding clause at the Supreme Court. Justice Minister Steven Guilbeault said the intervention defends Charter rights without preventing provinces from using the clause.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – September 18, 2025. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2025-09-18

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 41%, opposition 59% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0011:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:15Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 8 h 15 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
64Bills Introduced, Answers Mostly DeflectedThe sitting devoted the bulk of its time to Business of Supply and saw eight bills introduced, with over 90 percent of words on substantive business. Question period produced mostly deflected answers and no recorded votes occurred.AI-rated Score out of 100; the verdict and the answer ratings behind it are a model’s reading. How the AI rates this

AI-rated The sitting score and the rating of each answer come from a language model reading Hansard. How the AI rates this

Other moments

Public Safety

Conservative MP Andrew Scheer said the government has obstructed efforts to end catch-and-release bail and asked when it would stop blocking Conservative legislation. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree replied that three-strikes laws have failed in the United States and that the government will bring forward evidence-based reforms.

Read the exchange

Canada Revenue Agency

Liberal MP Emma Harrison asked what steps the government is taking to reduce delays at CRA call centres. Secretary of State Wayne Long said a 100-day plan is under way to improve service and that the problem is a long-standing systemic failure rather than the fault of employees.

Read the exchange

Climate Change

Bloc Québécois MP Patrick Bonin said a new Canadian Climate Institute report shows Canada will miss its 2030 emissions targets because the government has abandoned carbon pricing and increased oil-sands production. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said the government remains committed to fighting climate change and is working with the provinces.

Read the exchange

Labour

New Democrat MP Heather McPherson said the government should support postal workers rather than use section 107 to suspend their right to strike. Labour Minister Joël Lightbound said both sides should reach an agreement and praised the work of Canada Post employees.

Read the exchange

Northern Affairs

Liberal MP Lori Idlout said the end of a food-voucher program has left Nunavut families struggling and asked for new investments. Indigenous Services Minister Rebecca Chartrand said the government is expanding access to traditional foods and improving the Nutrition North program.

Read the exchange

Question Period, exchange by exchange

AI-rated Each answer’s rating (answered, partly answered, deflected, answered something else) is a model’s reading of the exchange. How the AI rates this

  1. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer discusses general trade relations and global tensions without addressing the specific Canada-Mexico economic comparison.The other thing the Leader of the Opposition needs to understand is that we are living in a much more dangerous and complicated world, with trade tensions having impacts on trading partners all around the world.
  2. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the Mexico comparison by accusing the asker of talking down Canada and pivots to interest rates.what is shocking about the Leader of the Opposition 's comments is that he is always talking down Canadian workers, Canadian businesses and the Canadian economy.
  3. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer dismisses the question personally and shifts to interest rates and trade partners without explaining the Mexico contrast.clearly, the opposition leader does not know what he is talking about.
  4. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to isolationism versus engagement without addressing the specific economic performance claims or promises.we know that the Leader of the Opposition believes in isolationism, which means basically that Canada is by itself in the world.
  5. deflected
    The EconomyPierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Maninder Sidhu (Liberal). loaded question.The answer focuses on trade agreements and reliability without addressing the G7 performance rankings or excuses.as we look at what is happening with global trade headwinds, we need to step up as a country and be there around the world to make sure countries know that we are here.
  6. deflected
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Maninder Sidhu (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes friendship and investment with Mexico but sidesteps the criticism of photo ops and economic collapse.Canada and Mexico have shared over 30 years of strong friendship and economic partnerships rooted in trust, trade and mutual respect.
  7. partly answered
    JusticeChristine Normandin (Bloc) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly states the government's role in defending the Charter but does not address dropping the attack or Quebec sovereignty.the Government of Canada is responsible for defending one of the pillars of our democracy, that is, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  8. answered
    JusticeChristine Normandin (Bloc) asked Steven Guilbeault (Liberal). loaded question.The answer directly clarifies that the intervention does not prevent use of the notwithstanding clause.my colleague knows full well that the federal government's intervention in the Supreme Court case will not prevent any province or territory from continuing to use the notwithstanding clause.
  9. deflected
    JusticeRhéal Éloi Fortin (Bloc) asked Patricia Lattanzio (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses the appointment process and judicial independence without addressing the request to rescind.Judicial independence remains a cornerstone of our democracy.
  10. deflected
    Public SafetyAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer criticizes the proposed law instead of addressing when action will be taken."Three strikes and you're out" laws do not work.
  11. deflected
    Public SafetyAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Ruby Sahota (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the opposition's approach without addressing the call for an apology.the Conservative leader always wants to bring U.S.-style politics to Canada.
  12. misdirected
    Public SafetyFrank Caputo (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer pivots to promoting Bill C-2 instead of addressing the timeline for repealing policies.If the member is serious about protecting our borders, he will support us in passing the strong borders act, Bill C-2
  13. misdirected
    Public SafetyMichael Guglielmin (Conservative) asked Ruby Sahota (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to criticizing Conservatives on Bill C-2 rather than explaining the delay in bail legislation.Why are the Conservatives on the side of drug traffickers?
  14. deflected
    Public SafetyRob Moore (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer defends the gun program and ignores the request to support the motion on bail.We cannot be tough on crime without being tough on guns.
  15. partly answered
    Public SafetyDominique Vien (Conservative) asked Patricia Lattanzio (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states a bill will be introduced in the fall but dismisses the opposition's motion with sarcasm.While we are focused on delivering real results, the Conservatives are focused on recycling slogans and fearmongering.
  16. deflected
    Public SafetyDominique Vien (Conservative) asked Nathalie Provost (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the concern but pivots to Bill C-2 without committing to the specific bill mentioned.
  17. deflected
    Climate ChangePatrick Bonin (Bloc) asked Julie Dabrusin (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the direct question on the 2030 target and pivots to attacking Conservatives.If the member really wants to know where things stand, I can tell him that the Conservative Party across the way has no plan.
  18. deflected
    Climate ChangePatrick Bonin (Bloc) asked Julie Dabrusin (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates general commitments without addressing the specific policy reversals listed.We are well aware of that, and we are doing that work.
  19. partly answered
    Public SafetyAndrew Lawton (Conservative) asked Ruby Sahota (Liberal). loaded question.The answer addresses bail reform plans but does not engage the specific homeless curfew example or the motion.We are introducing new legislation this fall to strengthen our bail system for those charged with violent offences.
  20. deflected
    Public SafetyArpan Khanna (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). loaded question.The answer dismisses the question as slogans and shifts to describing consultations without committing to immediate action.slogans are not going to resolve crime on our streets.
  21. partly answered
    Public SafetyPierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Patricia Lattanzio (Liberal). substantive question.The answer outlines ongoing work on bail and sentencing but does not address support for the specific motion.we are working closely with the provinces and territories to reform our bail system, look at sentencing and address court delays.
  22. deflected
    Canada-U.S. RelationsShelby Kramp-Neuman (Conservative) asked Mélanie Joly (Liberal). loaded question.The answer highlights tariff-free exports and support measures but avoids explaining the negotiation failures versus Mexico.we have the best deal on earth right now when it comes to exporting because 85% of all our products being sent to the U.S. are without any tariffs.
  23. deflected
    Canada-U.S. RelationsShelby Kramp-Neuman (Conservative) asked Tim Louis (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats the claim of the best deal and pivots to diversification without addressing missed deadlines.Canada already, and it is unequivocal, has the best deal among U.S. trading partners.
  24. misdirected
    FinanceAdam Chambers (Conservative) asked Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises the PBO but does not address the specific warning on accounting changes or deficit impacts.unlike the member opposite, we respect the work of the PBO and the independence of the institutions that make our democracy so great in this country.
  25. deflected
    FinanceKelly McCauley (Conservative) asked Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). loaded question.Answer ignores deficit, credit rating and budget presentation to pivot to inflation and rates.I think Canadians are getting tired of the Conservatives' Chicken Little routine.
  26. deflected
    EmploymentSandra Cobena (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). loaded question.Answer avoids EI claims and apology demand by restating election narrative and attacking Conservatives.They knew that, on this side, a Liberal government would protect them and their families now and into the future.
  27. misdirected
    EmploymentGarnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.Answer attacks the questioner for misquoting rather than addressing rising EI claims or PBO comments.take it from a Conservative to try to torque the words that I clearly did not say.
  28. deflected
    EmploymentGarnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.Answer repeats election talking points and attacks Conservatives instead of engaging unemployment statistics.They knew Conservatives would not take care of them in these economically challenging times.
  29. deflected
    The EconomyNed Kuruc (Conservative) asked Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). loaded question.Answer lists government programs but does not address food inflation figures or the Prime Minister's grocery-store promise.Those things are making a difference in Canadians' lives, and the Conservatives voted against every single one of those measures.
  30. deflected
    The EconomyNed Kuruc (Conservative) asked Adam van Koeverden (Liberal). substantive question.Answer shifts to general social-safety-net points and again asks Conservatives for recommendations rather than explaining broken price promise.Will the Conservatives just continue to point fingers or make some real recommendations?
  31. misdirected
    The EconomyGérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Joël Lightbound (Liberal). loaded question.Answer accuses Conservatives of hypocrisy on past votes instead of addressing domestic food inflation causes.It always fascinates me how the Conservatives find a conscience during question period, but lose it when it comes time to vote
  32. deflected
    The EconomyGérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.Answer returns to election mandate and social programs without explaining why food inflation rose for Canadian-grown produce.that is precisely why Canadians chose to put their faith in a Liberal government that is able to grow the economy with major projects
  33. deflected
    Marine TransportationDan Albas (Conservative) asked Gregor Robertson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer ignores the yes-or-no demand about misleading Parliament and pivots to procurement facts and a buy-Canadian plan.The reality was that there were no Canadian bids on that procurement.
  34. deflected
    Marine TransportationDan Albas (Conservative) asked Gregor Robertson (Liberal). loaded question.The response accuses the opposition of twisting facts and reiterates that BC Ferries is arm's-length rather than addressing the duty to inform the House.the opposition is twisting the facts around here.
  35. deflected
    Marine TransportationLeslyn Lewis (Conservative) asked Gregor Robertson (Liberal). loaded question.The answer again insists the decision rests with BC Ferries and promotes a buy-Canada strategy without addressing the claim that Parliament was misled.This is a BC Ferries procurement.
  36. misdirected
    Public SafetyRoman Baber (Conservative) asked Gregor Robertson (Liberal). loaded question.The reply shifts to a $1-billion housing investment and never addresses whether the government will fund or reject the proposed shelters.I appreciate the member opposite's giving me the opportunity to talk about an unprecedented $1-billion investment in supportive housing
  37. partly answered
    LabourHeather McPherson (NDP) asked Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges Canada Post's role and expresses hope for an agreement but does not explain why section 107 was used.As for the current dispute, I hope that both sides will be able to reach an agreement.
  38. answered
    Northern AffairsLori Idlout (NDP) asked Rebecca Chartrand (Liberal). substantive question.The response directly lists current federal programs and investments aimed at lowering food costs in the North.We are supporting indigenous-led housing solutions and building more homes right across the three territories.
  39. answered
    Business of the HouseAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer supplies the requested weekly and upcoming business schedule and notes the budget date.This afternoon, we will continue to debate the Conservative Party's supply day motion.