Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

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Thursday, October 29, 2026 · sitting No. 158

Commons debates safe social media act as Poilievre presses on EU trade

The House spent most of the day on second reading of Bill C-34, the safe social media act. Liberal MP Yasir Naqvi said the bill would protect children from evolving algorithms while remaining technology neutral. Conservative MP Rachael Thomas said the bill left key details such as which platforms would be covered to future regulations.

In question period Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre asked whether the Prime Minister would secure ratification of the Canada-EU trade agreement by the nine holdout countries or whether the Montreal summit was merely for show. Minister Steven MacKinnon said the government was pursuing broader cooperation with Europe beyond the existing trade deal.

Decided that day

  • C-38 received royal assent
  • S-210 received royal assent
  • S-253 introduced
  • S-237 advanced in first chamber
  • C-34 passed second reading

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

Question Period – October 29, 2026. Video from CPAC. Watch on YouTube

Who held the floor · 2026-10-29

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 48%, opposition 52% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment businessPrivate members▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0011:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:00Last speech 18:00Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 8 h 0 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
100Bills Advance Amid Mostly Dodged AnswersThe sitting devoted nearly all its time to substantive work, chiefly the Safe Social Media Act, and moved five bills forward including two that received royal assent. Question period produced almost no direct answers, yet only one point of order arose and no votes were recorded.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

Provisional score. Question Period for this sitting has not been rated yet, so the score rests only on what was decided and how much time went to the business at hand. It will change when the exchanges are read.

Other moments

Finance

Conservative MP Jacob Mantle said the Auditor General found FINTRAC took an average of 112 days to share information with police and asked why the Minister of Finance had not given officers timely tools. Liberal MP Ryan Turnbull said the government was creating a financial crimes agency and urged Conservatives to support Bill C-29.

Read the exchange

Justice

Conservative MP Arpan Khanna described a Kelowna case in which a man was released on bail twice within 30 minutes after choking his wife and asked how many attacks must occur before the government acts. Liberal MP Ruby Sahota said the Protecting Victims Act and bail reforms passed in June and that provinces must now apply the new rules.

Read the exchange

Intergovernmental Relations

Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe said federal officials were unfamiliar with the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine and asked why Ottawa did not understand Quebec prerogatives. Liberal MP Mona Fortier said Quebec is a distinct nation and that the government works with provinces on international files.

Read the exchange

Public Safety

Conservative MP Alex Ruff said constituents received letters requiring them to ship firearms to Ottawa and asked about delays in compensation. Liberal parliamentary secretary Jacques Ramsay said owners should receive fair compensation and that the government would extend deadlines if needed.

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
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general collaboration but avoids any commitment on ratification by the nine countries.We will explore a wide range of opportunities for collaboration beyond the free trade agreement we have already negotiated.
  2. deflected
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer pivots to a personal attack on the questioner instead of addressing ratification or the summit outcomes.if anyone would know anything about Seinfeld, it is that leader who wakes up every day and lives the same recurring nightmare, every single day.
  3. deflected
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer responds with insults and lists unrelated topics rather than committing to ratification or removing blockages.this guy talks like Kramer. He just walks into the room and, every time, says something weird.
  4. deflected
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to energy cooperation and LNG shipments without addressing the carbon tariff threat.among the many areas of co-operation with Europe that we will obviously be discussing today and will be discussing going forward, in terms of our much closer arrangement with the European Union, will indeed be energy.
  5. deflected
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights export targets and investments but ignores the specific demands on ratification, beef access, and carbon tariffs.The Prime Minister has set an ambitious objective for Canada to double our non-U.S. exports.
  6. deflected
    International TradePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer praises the summit and lists broad areas of cooperation without engaging the specific criticisms raised.our Prime Minister is going to break new trails in terms of co-operation with the European Union, and with new arrangements in AI, in democracy, in transportation and in trade.
  7. misdirected
    International TradeChristine Normandin (Bloc) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer accuses the asker of falsehoods and pivots to LNG exports instead of addressing the carbon tariff impact on Quebec exports.the Bloc Québécois is peddling all sorts of falsehoods.
  8. deflected
    International TradeChristine Normandin (Bloc) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promotes aluminum investments and high-speed rail rather than addressing the tariff exposure from ending carbon pricing.Quebec's aluminum is one of the greenest in the world.
  9. deflected
    International TradeMario Simard (Bloc) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to positive EU cooperation without addressing tariffs or pesticide deregulation.Europe is throwing open its doors to co-operation with Canada.
  10. deflected
    FinanceJacob Mantle (Conservative) asked Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promotes government actions and a bill instead of addressing the Auditor General's specific findings on FINTRAC.If the Conservatives are concerned about combatting money laundering, we encourage them to support Bill C-29
  11. deflected
    FinanceJacob Mantle (Conservative) asked Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats prior points about strategy and a bill without addressing the 112-day delay or missed deadlines.If the Conservatives are concerned about this issue, they should support our bill, Bill C-29
  12. misdirected
    FinancePat Kelly (Conservative) asked Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer blames external factors and attacks Conservatives rather than addressing deficit spending.Unlike the Conservatives, we are stepping up every single day in this House to offer more affordability supports for Canadians when they need it most.
  13. misdirected
    FinanceKelly Block (Conservative) asked Buckley Belanger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the questioner's province and caucus instead of addressing inflationary spending or interest rates.as the Conservative caucus members from Saskatchewan awaken from their slumber, this is what has been happening in Saskatchewan.
  14. misdirected
    FinanceGérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to criticizing the member's voting record instead of addressing debt, deficits, and inflation.why did he vote against the Canada child benefit, which provides $79 million for 22,845 children in his riding of Louis-Saint-Laurent—Akiawenhrahk?
  15. misdirected
    FinanceGérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Joël Lightbound (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights fiscal ratings then attacks the member's votes rather than addressing inflationary policies.why the member insists on systematically voting against measures that have a very direct impact
  16. deflected
    FinanceTamara Kronis (Conservative) asked Leslie Church (Liberal). substantive question.The answer dismisses the question without providing data or addressing the purchasing power loss or costing claims.we absolutely take no lessons from the other side of the House when it comes to the national school food program.
  17. deflected
    Intergovernmental RelationsAlexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). loaded question.Answer promotes general cooperation without addressing the Gérin-Lajoie doctrine or bureaucracy knowledge.We recognize Quebec's unique economic and cultural interests, and we will continue to work with its government, particularly in areas such as education, culture and the francophone community.
  18. deflected
    Intergovernmental RelationsAlexis Brunelle-Duceppe (Bloc) asked Mona Fortier (Liberal). loaded question.Answer highlights Montreal hosting without addressing refusal of Plamondon or respect for Quebec prerogatives.The fact that Montreal is hosting the Canada-European Union summit reflects Quebec's important role in strengthening this partnership.
  19. partly answered
    JusticeArpan Khanna (Conservative) asked Ruby Sahota (Liberal). loaded question.Answer notes new laws and provincial role but does not address the specific repeated bail failure or 40% violence rise.it is the job of the provinces to make sure they are applying these pieces of legislation.
  20. deflected
    JusticeArpan Khanna (Conservative) asked Ruby Sahota (Liberal). loaded question.Answer restates federal changes without addressing specific examples like 274 convictions or drone deliveries.We have made an unprecedented number of changes to stiffen our laws, to make sure criminals will serve longer sentences and so repeat offenders do not get bail
  21. partly answered
    JusticeFrank Caputo (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). substantive question.Answer explains specific strangulation provisions added but shifts to provincial implementation without committing to further action.on the advice of the provincial government in British Columbia, we added specific provisions to address cases of intimate partner violence that involve strangulation
  22. misdirected
    JusticeFrank Caputo (Conservative) asked Sean Fraser (Liberal). loaded question.Answer praises past collaboration then criticizes the asker for ending non-partisan spirit instead of addressing bail failures.It is a shame that it seems to have come to an end.
  23. deflected
    Public SafetyMichael Guglielmin (Conservative) asked Ruby Sahota (Liberal). substantive question.Answer notes tragedy and investigation but avoids yes/no on passing the proposed acts, shifting to provincial courts.It is the job of local police and the local courts that are provincially run to now—
  24. partly answered
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipFred Davies (Conservative) asked Carlos Leitão (Liberal). substantive question.Answer discusses talent attraction strategy but does not address reversing brain drain or adjusting immigration levels.Budget 2025 launched an international talent attraction strategy and action plan.
  25. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipFred Davies (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer promotes the new strategy without addressing backlogs, deportations or reducing levels.We will, in the coming weeks and months, release specific strategies toward public safety, as well as intelligence, defence, the economy and foreign policy.
  26. partly answered
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges screening concerns and promises future details without confirming current coverage.I can assure her that as part of the public safety portfolio, we are working toward finalizing a more comprehensive response that includes security screening.
  27. deflected
    Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipMichelle Rempel Garner (Conservative) asked Gary Anandasangaree (Liberal). substantive question.The answer dismisses the Ctrl+F point and offers only vague future assurances without addressing the specific case or omission.I certainly hope the member opposite went beyond Ctrl+F to read this document.
  28. deflected
    Government AppointmentsCarol Anstey (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer shifts to general oceans programs and ministerial accountability without addressing the committee appearance request.Many ministers are responsible for a variety of these programs. They are, of course, always accountable for the spending that is undertaken in the name of oceans conservation.
  29. deflected
    Government AppointmentsCarol Anstey (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats prior points on ministerial responsibility without addressing transparency or blocking the committee appearance.Ministers remain responsible and accountable for answering any and all questions about our programming on oceans conservation.
  30. answered
    Steel and Aluminum IndustryKyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Carlos Leitão (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly defends the letter's value in assisting the company.A letter that contains a commitment by the Government of Canada to assist a company to modernize, to buy new equipment, to expand production and to find new markets, is that a useless letter?
  31. misdirected
    Steel and Aluminum IndustryKyle Seeback (Conservative) asked Carlos Leitão (Liberal). substantive question.The answer responds with a confrontational challenge rather than addressing the listed companies or support requests.Algoma Steel? Do you really want to go there?
  32. partly answered
    Steel and Aluminum IndustryJason Groleau (Conservative) asked Carlos Leitão (Liberal). substantive question.The answer claims visits and programs exist but does not confirm action on the specific recommendations submitted.We have visited dozens of small and medium-sized businesses.
  33. deflected
    The EconomyEric Lefebvre (Conservative) asked Caroline Desrochers (Liberal). loaded question.The answer attacks the Conservatives' record and promotes housing instead of addressing the Bank of Canada report or tariffs.I am confused about what my colleague is saying because, quite simply, the Conservatives have no plan to make life more affordable for families.
  34. deflected
    Families, Children and Social DevelopmentGarnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Leslie Church (Liberal). substantive question.The answer lists existing programs and claims opposition without addressing the specific CPP proposal.once again, we are going to take no lessons from the Conservatives in terms of affordability for families.
  35. misdirected
    Fisheries and OceansGarnett Genuis (Conservative) asked Ernie Klassen (Liberal). loaded question.The answer mocks the asker's province and reframes the subsidy issue as a single unrelated project.it is interesting that the Conservatives have a member from Alberta asking questions about the fisheries in Atlanta Canada.
  36. partly answered
    TaxationJacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). loaded question.The answer confirms fuel tax cuts for farmers but pivots to defending high-speed rail instead of addressing expropriation concerns.We have cut the tax and we have extended that cut in fuel prices for the farming community.
  37. deflected
    The EnvironmentLeah Gazan (NDP) asked Wade Grant (Liberal). loaded question.The answer lists environmental investments without addressing Bill C-39 or the wildfire deaths statistic.We have introduced the national electricity strategy, we are going to double the electrical grid by 2030, we have invested $3.8 billion in the nature strategy to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030
  38. deflected
    FinanceDon Davies (NDP) asked Ryan Turnbull (Liberal). substantive question.The answer cites external causes and lists supports without explaining action on the new rate hike or inflation forecast.Obviously, inflation is being driven by conflicts in the Middle East and the oil price shocks.
  39. partly answered
    Business of the HouseLuc Berthold (Conservative) asked Steven MacKinnon (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer outlines the upcoming schedule but ignores the debt, inflation and interest rate points raised.Tomorrow we will call Bill C-41 , the medical assistance in dying safeguards act, which was introduced earlier this week.