Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

Every sitting

The House of Commons, day by day

Each sitting since 2006, scored for what it decided, how fully questions were answered, how much time went to the business at hand and how civil it was. Open any day for its account, who held the floor and the Question Period exchanges. Earlier sittings are added as the record is read back toward 2006.

AI-rated Each day’s score out of 100 rests partly on a language model’s rating of Question Period answers. How the AI rates this

93 sittings in 2008; 13 decided nothing at all. 2,259 sittings on record, 2,259 with a written account so far.

December

  1. 30Thursday, December 4, 2008 · sitting No. 13Commons debates economic update before prorogationThe House devoted the bulk of its sitting to government orders on the economic and fiscal statement. Conservative MP Pierre Lemieux defended the update as a necessary step to protect Canada's future and warned against a coalition that includes the Bloc Québécois. He said former premier Jacques Parizeau had applauded the Bloc's election result.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  2. 56Wednesday, December 3, 2008 · sitting No. 12Commons debates economic statement as coalition tensions riseThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on the economic and fiscal statement under government orders. Members discussed the absence of detailed stimulus measures in the statement and the need for a budget response to job losses and the global downturn.0 votes · 15 bills moved
  3. 21Tuesday, December 2, 2008 · sitting No. 11Commons devotes day to economic statement amid coalition challengeThe House spent the majority of its time on government orders debating the economic and fiscal statement. Members from all parties addressed the update's measures while raising points of order on relevance and the emerging opposition agreement.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  4. 64Monday, December 1, 2008 · sitting No. 10House devotes majority of sitting to economic statement debateThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate of the government's economic and fiscal statement under Government Orders. Bloc Québécois MP Pierre Paquette said the statement contained only insignificant measures and lacked a plan to address the crisis or assist its victims. Conservative MP Ted Menzies replied that the government would examine suggestions from the Bloc during its pre-budget consultations.0 votes · 7 bills moved

November

  1. 23Friday, November 28, 2008 · sitting No. 9Commons debates economic statement as opposition attacks party funding cutsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on the government motion to take note of the Economic and Fiscal Statement tabled November 27. Conservative parliamentary secretary Ted Menzies defended the statement's tax cuts and infrastructure plans while Liberal MP John McCallum and Bloc Québécois MP Luc Malo said the measures offered no stimulus and attacked pay equity and political financing rules.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  2. 20Thursday, November 27, 2008 · sitting No. 8Commons resumes throne speech debate amid economic warningsThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to resuming debate on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. Bloc Québécois MP Serge Cardin told the House that Quebec must hold sole authority over infrastructure investments and that the tax rebate to municipalities must be adjusted. Conservative MP Steven Blaney said the speech would position the Canadian economy and expedite infrastructure projects across Quebec and Canada.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  3. 55Wednesday, November 26, 2008 · sitting No. 7House resumes debate on throne speech as economy dominates question periodThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to resumption of debate on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. Liberal MP Francis Valeriote opened the resumed debate by criticizing the government's failure to prepare for recession and by urging immediate support for the auto sector. Conservative MP Bruce Stanton defended the government's fiscal record and its capacity to respond to economic pressures.0 votes · 11 bills moved
  4. 39Tuesday, November 25, 2008 · sitting No. 6Commons resumes throne speech debate as economy dominates question periodThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to resuming debate on the address in reply to the speech from the throne. Conservative MP Jeff Watson opened the resumed debate by congratulating the Speaker and outlining the government's five pillars. Liberal MP John Cannis pressed Watson on whether promised auto-sector funding had been delivered.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  5. 39Monday, November 24, 2008 · sitting No. 5Throne speech debate resumes as MPs clash over economyThe resumption of debate on the address in reply to the speech from the throne occupied half the sitting. Bloc Québécois MP Jean-Yves Roy said the address offered no concrete measures for the manufacturing sector despite the early recall of the House. Bloc Québécois MP Paul Crête said the government had ignored the recent election results in Quebec.1 vote · 1 bill moved
  6. 55Friday, November 21, 2008 · sitting No. 4Commons resumes throne speech debate as economy dominates question periodThe House devoted the largest share of its time to resuming debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne. Thirty-five interventions took place under that heading, leaving the matter still before the House at adjournment.0 votes · 26 bills moved
  7. 20Thursday, November 20, 2008 · sitting No. 3House resumes debate on address in reply to throne speechThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on resumption of debate on the address in reply to the Speech from the Throne. Liberal MP Stéphane Dion opened the opposition reply, stressing the need for the government to present a detailed economic plan and criticizing its handling of the deficit. Bloc Québécois MP Pierre Paquette and others continued the debate later in the day, faulting the speech for lacking concrete measures on the economy and Quebec priorities.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  8. 70Wednesday, November 19, 2008 · sitting No. 2Commons devotes day to address in reply to throne speechThe House of Commons spent most of its time on the address in reply to the speech from the throne. Conservative MP Candice Hoeppner opened the debate by thanking the Governor General for her remarks on global economic instability. She said the government would focus its efforts on the challenges facing Canadian families and businesses.0 votes · 13 bills moved
  9. 0Tuesday, November 18, 2008 · sitting No. 1Plamondon takes chair as candidates withdraw from speaker electionThe election of the speaker occupied 98 per cent of the sitting. The clerk invited Louis Plamondon to preside under standing order 3. Plamondon thanked members for the role and congratulated the 308 members elected on October 14.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere

June

  1. 28Friday, June 20, 2008 · sitting No. 117Liberals defend carbon tax plan against Conservative attacks in question periodOral questions on the environment occupied the largest portion of the sitting as Liberals pressed the government over rising energy prices and defended their carbon tax proposal while Conservatives accused them of breaking a promise.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  2. 52Thursday, June 19, 2008 · sitting No. 116Commons debates nuclear liability bill as carbon tax plan sparks clashesThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on Bill C-5, the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act. NDP MP Dennis Bevington said the bill favoured industry over claimants and set inadequate compensation limits. The legislation remained before the House at the end of the day.1 vote · 2 bills moved
  3. 58Wednesday, June 18, 2008 · sitting No. 115Commons committees table reports on Afghanistan and CBC as session winds downThe House devoted the largest share of its time to committee business. The Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan tabled its first report while the heritage committee reported on the dismantling of the CBC Radio Orchestra and changes to CBC Radio 2. Status of Women committee chair Maria Minna moved concurrence in a report recommending appointment of an equality commissioner.3 votes · 14 bills moved
  4. 57Tuesday, June 17, 2008 · sitting No. 114Commons debates customs charges at Mont Tremblant airportThe House spent the largest share of its time on a motion to concur in the third report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. Bloc Québécois MP Johanne Deschamps argued that the Canada Border Services Agency had imposed unfair daytime customs charges solely on the Mont Tremblant airport while exempting other certified airports of entry. Independent MP Louise Thibault pressed Deschamps to clarify that the airport alone faces these charges.1 vote · 7 bills moved
  5. 62Monday, June 16, 2008 · sitting No. 113House debates Canada Elections Act reforms on candidate loansThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on Government Orders debate of Bill C-60 to amend the Canada Elections Act. New Democrat MP Joe Comartin said the bill would advance reform of political financing for campaigns, leadership contests and nominations. Bloc Quebecois MP Paul Crête said his party supported the bill but objected to provisions that would hold parties liable for candidate debts without their involvement.0 votes · 10 bills moved
  6. 55Friday, June 13, 2008 · sitting No. 112Commons debates political loans bill as Couillard questions dominate QPGovernment orders on the Canada Elections Act took the largest share of the sitting. Debate continued on Bill C-29, which would regulate loans for elections, leadership contests and nominations. Liberal MP Derek Lee said the bill addresses an area that needs regulation, while Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski questioned Liberal leadership candidates' handling of debts and Liberal MP Pat Martin pressed on rules for loans from individuals versus institutions.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  7. 67Thursday, June 12, 2008 · sitting No. 111House advances committee reports on immigration and fisheriesRoutine proceedings on committees of the House took the largest share of the sitting as members presented reports including the tenth report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on regulating immigration consultants by Norman Doyle and the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on eelgrass beds in James Bay by Fabian Manning.8 votes · 3 bills moved
  8. 70Wednesday, June 11, 2008 · sitting No. 110Commons hears apology for residential schoolsThe House devoted the majority of its time to statements by ministers on the federal government's apology for the residential school system. Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered the apology and credited ministers for their work on the file.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  9. 60Tuesday, June 10, 2008 · sitting No. 109Drug bill debate consumes most House time as Liberals raise natural health concernsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-51, which would amend the Food and Drugs Act. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal told the House his constituents feared inspectors could enter homes and that the bill would limit access to natural health products. Conservative MP Gary Goodyear replied that the government had consulted stakeholders and that proposed amendments addressed those worries.6 votes · 4 bills moved
  10. 62Monday, June 9, 2008 · sitting No. 108House extends sittings for final two weeks of spring sessionGovernment House leader Peter Van Loan moved a motion to extend daily sittings until 11 p.m. from June 9 to June 19 so the House could complete its business before the summer recess. Opposition members criticized the move as an attempt to compensate for weeks of government delays in committees on justice and environment files. The motion was debated at length during routine proceedings.2 votes · 3 bills moved
  11. 34Friday, June 6, 2008 · sitting No. 107Opposition criticizes immigration overhaul tucked into budget billNDP MP Olivia Chow told the House that Bill C-50 would allow applications meeting all points criteria to be returned without processing and that the immigration system already suffers from a backlog of 925,000 applicants. She said the Canadian Federation of Independent Business had warned of a mismatch between immigrant skills and labour needs. Bloc Québécois MP Raymonde Folco said the immigration provisions should have been introduced as a stand-alone bill rather than hidden inside the budget implementation legislation.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  12. 65Thursday, June 5, 2008 · sitting No. 106Commons debates speech privileges in lengthy supply motionThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a supply day motion by Liberal MP Derek Lee that seeks to reaffirm parliamentary privileges, particularly freedom of speech, and to amend the Conflict of Interest Code by adding an exception for members facing legal actions related to their parliamentary duties. Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski and NDP MP Joe Comartin questioned the balance between accountability and protection, while Liberal MP Brian Murphy and others stressed that the public interest must prevail over external lawsuits.10 votes · 7 bills moved
  13. 63Wednesday, June 4, 2008 · sitting No. 105Commons debates budget bill amid opposition attacks on economyThe House spent the largest share of its time on the Budget Implementation Act, 2008, under government orders. Members from all parties continued debate on the legislation without a vote recorded in the excerpts.8 votes · 5 bills moved
  14. 46Tuesday, June 3, 2008 · sitting No. 104Commons advances budget bill amid clashes over economy and foreign affairsThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on third reading of Bill C-50, the Budget Implementation Act, 2008. Parliamentary secretary Ed Komarnicki told members the bill continues debt and tax reduction while keeping Canada secure amid global uncertainty. New Democratic Party MP Peter Julian countered that the government has overseen an erosion of family-sustaining jobs and that Conservative fiscal management claims are far-fetched.1 vote · 1 bill moved
  15. 65Monday, June 2, 2008 · sitting No. 103Commons debates budget bill as Liberals split on immigration changesThe House spent the largest share of its time on the budget implementation bill, Bill C-50. Debate focused on changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act in Part 6, with Conservative MP Jim Abbott questioning Liberal support and Liberal MP Andrew Telegdi confirming he voted against the bill in committee. NDP MP Peter Julian pressed Liberals to join the NDP and Bloc to defeat the legislation.3 votes · 3 bills moved

May

  1. 35Friday, May 30, 2008 · sitting No. 102Commons debates bloc bid to scrap immigration clauses from budget billThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for the Budget Implementation Act 2008. Bloc Québécois MP Thierry St-Cyr moved five motions to delete clauses 116 through 120 concerning changes to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Conservative MP Ted Menzies spoke against the amendments and said they would remove needed improvements while Liberal MP Lloyd St. Amand questioned the emphasis on temporary workers over family reunification.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  2. 54Thursday, May 29, 2008 · sitting No. 101Commons devotes most of day to supply debate on security breachThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for business of supply, examining the circumstances of a security breach involving classified documents left in a private residence for at least five weeks. Liberal MP Bob Rae questioned government House leader Peter Van Loan on whether Julie Couillard held a diplomatic passport and whether official invitations were issued in her name. Van Loan declined to discuss individual passport status or private travel arrangements.1 vote · 5 bills moved
  3. 62Wednesday, May 28, 2008 · sitting No. 100Commons spends day on estimates amid contract questions for finance ministerThe House devoted most of its time to committee of the whole consideration of the 2008-09 main estimates. Debate focused on a sole-source contract let by the finance department and on whether the minister or his staff bore responsibility for administrative lapses.4 votes · 7 bills moved
  4. 66Tuesday, May 27, 2008 · sitting No. 99Commons presses government on foreign affairs security breachQuestion period consumed the largest share of the sitting as opposition members repeatedly challenged the government over the resignation of the member for Beauce as foreign affairs minister. Liberal leader Stéphane Dion said the Prime Minister showed an appalling lack of judgment by not taking the matter seriously earlier and called for a full independent investigation. Government House leader Peter Van Loan replied that the Prime Minister acted once a cabinet rule breach was confirmed and that Foreign Affairs would review the situation.1 vote · 7 bills moved
  5. 57Monday, May 26, 2008 · sitting No. 98Commons spends most time on environmental protection act amid QP clashesThe House devoted the largest portion of its sitting to debate on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which remains under consideration.1 vote · 3 bills moved
  6. 29Friday, May 16, 2008 · sitting No. 97Commons debates Tsawwassen treaty as opposition probes security lapsesThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement Act under Government Orders. Conservative MP John Cummins told the House that fewer than 200 band members voted in a referendum tainted by cash payments and other inducements, and that overlapping claims from eight other bands remain unresolved. Liberal MP Keith Martin praised Cummins for a well-researched speech and said the treaty is the first urban agreement in Canada.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  7. 51Thursday, May 15, 2008 · sitting No. 96Commons debates aboriginal women's shelters report as defence plan draws fireThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a concurrence motion for the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Status of Women, moved by Liberal MP Tina Keeper. The report calls for increased core funding for aboriginal women's shelters and an end to certain funding practices. Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge moved to adjourn the debate, leaving the motion unresolved.1 vote · 2 bills moved
  8. 57Wednesday, May 14, 2008 · sitting No. 95Commons debates bill to protect matrimonial rights on reservesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-47, the family homes on reserves and matrimonial interests or rights act. Liberal MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell said the measure is needed because no law currently governs division of property when relationships end on reserves and called for fuller consultation with first nations. Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge replied that several recommendations from ministerial representatives had been incorporated, including protections during and after relationship breakdown.1 vote · 6 bills moved
  9. 36Tuesday, May 13, 2008 · sitting No. 94Commons advances bill giving family property rights on reservesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-47, the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl moved the bill and said it would extend federal protections to first nations women on reserves that other Canadians already receive under provincial law. Liberal MP Larry Bagnell and Bloc Québécois MP Marc Lemay questioned the absence of a non-derogation clause and differences from earlier legislation.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  10. 38Monday, May 12, 2008 · sitting No. 93Commons advances specific claims tribunal bill amid heated exchangesThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on the Specific Claims Tribunal Act under Government Orders. Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Chuck Strahl moved third reading of Bill C-30, which would create an independent tribunal for claims under $150 million related to historic treaties and land management. The bill would provide binding decisions and greater certainty for first nations and investors.1 vote · 0 bills moved
  11. 32Friday, May 9, 2008 · sitting No. 92Commons opens debate on Canada-EFTA free trade billConservative MP David Emerson moved second reading of Bill C-55 to implement the Canada-EFTA free trade agreement and referred the bill to committee. Liberal MP Gerry Byrne asked whether the pact prevents the four EFTA countries from banning seal products. Emerson replied that WTO rules already prohibit such bans and Canada is pursuing consultations.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  12. 41Thursday, May 8, 2008 · sitting No. 91NDP non-confidence motion on income gap dominates supply dayThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a New Democratic Party motion under government orders that called on members to recognize the harmful effects on working and middle-income Canadians of the growing income gap and to declare they had lost confidence in the government. NDP MP Tony Martin moved the motion and shared his time with the member for Burnaby—Douglas while members from the Bloc Québécois and Conservative benches questioned the motion's emphasis on employment insurance reform and income statistics. No vote was recorded in the excerpts.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  13. 62Wednesday, May 7, 2008 · sitting No. 90House debates motion to require local news on conventional TVThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a supply day motion by Liberal MP Denis Coderre calling for locally or regionally produced news to be a licence condition for general interest television stations. The motion remains before the House after initial speeches from Coderre and Conservative MP Jim Abbott.3 votes · 2 bills moved
  14. 60Tuesday, May 6, 2008 · sitting No. 89House debates nuclear liability bill as opposition raises concernsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act. Liberal MP Omar Alghabra said the Liberal Party does not support NDP amendments and urged the government to return the bill for third reading. Conservative MP David Anderson defended the bill's increase of the liability limit from $75 million to $650 million.10 votes · 2 bills moved
  15. 38Monday, May 5, 2008 · sitting No. 88House advances Canada Marine Act changes after lengthy debateThe House devoted the largest share of its time to government orders on Bill C-23, which amends the Canada Marine Act along with related statutes. Liberal MP Larry Bagnell opened the debate by noting the bill's similarity to its predecessor, Bill C-61, and stressed the need for port security investments. NDP MP Olivia Chow argued the changes would reduce infrastructure funding for cities and shield the unelected Toronto Port Authority from accountability, while Conservative MP Brian Jean countered that the measures enjoyed unanimous support from port authorities and marine industry groups.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  16. 30Friday, May 2, 2008 · sitting No. 87Commons advances biofuels bill amid NDP oppositionConservative MP Gerry Ritz moved that Bill C-33, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, be read the third time and passed. The minister said the legislation would pass with support from the Liberal Party and the Bloc Québécois. NDP MP Dennis Bevington questioned greenhouse gas reductions from the 5 per cent biofuels program and cited analysis from the BIOCAP Canada Foundation showing only a 21 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions from corn ethanol.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  17. 63Thursday, May 1, 2008 · sitting No. 86Commons advances consumer product safety bill amid election spending clashesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate of Bill C-52, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Liberal MP Paul Szabo and NDP MP Bill Siksay raised concerns about pre-market import checks and enforcement resources while questioning the minister's approach.2 votes · 4 bills moved

April

  1. 35Wednesday, April 30, 2008 · sitting No. 85Commons opens debate on changes to Food and Drugs ActThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on second reading of Bill C-51, which would amend the Food and Drugs Act. Health Minister Tony Clement told the chamber that the legislation would give the government authority to recall unsafe products and introduce a life-cycle approach to product oversight. Members raised concerns about resources for implementation and effects on natural health products.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  2. 57Tuesday, April 29, 2008 · sitting No. 84Bloc motion on Elections Canada dominates supply day debateThe House spent the largest portion of the sitting on government business under the business of supply. Bloc Québécois MP Michel Guimond moved a motion that the House express its full and complete confidence in Elections Canada and the Commissioner of Canada Elections. Guimond said the motion was grounded in democracy and aimed to reaffirm support for an independent organization whose neutrality is above reproach.1 vote · 4 bills moved
  3. 43Monday, April 28, 2008 · sitting No. 83House debates biofuel rules in environmental protection act amendmentsGovernment orders on Bill C-33 to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 occupied the largest share of the sitting. Bloc Québécois MP André Bellavance said many of the party's amendments were rejected in committee yet the NDP motion under debate offered a chance to clarify government regulatory intentions. Liberal MP Raymonde Folco noted Canada's greenhouse gas emissions remain more than 25 per cent above 1990 levels and warned of global food price effects from expanded biofuel production.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  4. 24Friday, April 18, 2008 · sitting No. 82Commons debates Bill S-3 anti-terrorism provisions amid rights concernsThe House spent the largest share of its time on debate over Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (investigative hearing and recognizance with conditions). New Democratic Party MP Bill Siksay told the House the bill compromises principles of the justice system and allows detention based on unproven allegations. Bloc Québécois MP Réal Ménard said the measure revives provisions the House had allowed to expire and raises concerns about Charter guarantees.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  5. 55Thursday, April 17, 2008 · sitting No. 81House debates farm income crisis report amid elections Canada probeThe House spent the largest share of its time on concurrence in the first report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food on the beef and pork sector income crisis. Liberal MP Wayne Easter moved concurrence and said the unanimous report addressed a dire crisis facing efficient Canadian farmers. Conservative MP Chuck Strahl questioned the motion while other members defended the report's recommendations.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  6. 60Wednesday, April 16, 2008 · sitting No. 80RCMP search of Conservative headquarters dominates question periodOral questions on the RCMP search of Conservative Party headquarters consumed the largest share of the sitting. Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion pressed Prime Minister Stephen Harper on why a search warrant was needed if the party had already provided all requested information to Elections Canada. Harper replied that the matter is before the courts after the party initiated legal action.3 votes · 3 bills moved
  7. 52Tuesday, April 15, 2008 · sitting No. 79Commons debates mandatory minimum drug sentences at second readingThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-26, which would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Bloc Québécois MP Carole Freeman said the bill reflects a repressive Conservative ideology rather than a rehabilitation approach favoured by her party. New Democratic Party MP Libby Davies called the measures flawed and ineffective and said they would not address root causes of drug crime.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  8. 70Monday, April 14, 2008 · sitting No. 78Commons advances Judges Act amendments after lengthy debateThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for Bill C-31, which would increase the number of superior court judges from 30 to 50. NDP MP Joe Comartin said the bill addresses family-law pressures in Ontario and the Atlantic provinces as well as demands in aboriginal communities. Liberal MP Paul Szabo raised concerns that new federal laws could impose unfunded costs on the provinces and threaten judicial independence.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  9. 52Friday, April 11, 2008 · sitting No. 77Commons debates Canada Marine Act amendments at third readingThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on third reading of Bill C-23, amendments to the Canada Marine Act that would give port authorities greater flexibility in borrowing and access to federal infrastructure programs. Conservative MP Brian Jean said the changes would increase productivity and help Canadian ports compete with American facilities. Liberal MP Derek Lee asked why the word productivity appeared so rarely in the parliamentary secretary's remarks while Bloc Québécois MP Mario Laframboise said the Bloc supports more powers for ports but distrusts the Conservative government to distribute infrastructure money fairly across regions.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  10. 52Thursday, April 10, 2008 · sitting No. 76House passes budget bill at second reading with Liberal supportThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on the Budget Implementation Act 2008. New Democrat MP Jean Crowder said the bill failed to address housing, drinking water and education needs in first nations communities. Conservative MP Chuck Strahl said the measure contained important measures for the north.2 votes · 1 bill moved
  11. 58Wednesday, April 9, 2008 · sitting No. 75Commons debates immigration overhaul in budget billThe House spent the largest share of its sitting debating the Budget Implementation Act 2008 at report stage. New Democratic MP Bill Siksay moved an amendment to remove immigration provisions from the bill arguing they would grant the minister excessive discretion and should be examined separately.1 vote · 2 bills moved
  12. 64Tuesday, April 8, 2008 · sitting No. 74Liberals move motion for special Afghanistan committee on opposition dayThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a Liberal motion to create a 12-member special committee to examine the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. Bob Rae moved the motion under government business, which would grant the committee full standing-committee powers and require party whips to name members.2 votes · 3 bills moved
  13. 40Monday, April 7, 2008 · sitting No. 73Commons backs UN indigenous rights declaration in committee voteThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on a motion to concur in the third report of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, which endorses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. New Democrat MP Irene Mathyssen moved concurrence and told the House that Canada had driven the declaration's development yet withdrew support at the final stage. Several members from the New Democratic Party and Liberal Party pressed the government to implement the standards contained in the declaration.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  14. 41Friday, April 4, 2008 · sitting No. 72Commons debates budget bill amid immigration and human rights clashesThe House spent the largest share of its time on the Budget Implementation Act, 2008. Debate focused on changes to immigration processing and backlogs, with members questioning whether the measures would speed arrivals or reduce overall numbers.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  15. 43Thursday, April 3, 2008 · sitting No. 71Commons opens debate on budget implementation billThe House spent the largest portion of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-50, the Budget Implementation Act, 2008. Conservative MP Ted Menzies opened the debate by highlighting the government's fiscal position and tax reductions. Liberal MP Paul Szabo questioned the absence of a broader vision, while Bloc Québécois MP Paul Crête warned that the bill ignored the U.S. recession and its effects on Canadian exports.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  16. 63Wednesday, April 2, 2008 · sitting No. 70NDP motion on corporate tax cuts defeats governmentThe House defeated the government on an NDP supply-day motion that condemned Conservative corporate tax cuts for favouring profitable sectors while stripping fiscal capacity and neglecting manufacturing and forestry. NDP Leader Jack Layton said the cuts had failed ordinary Canadians and moved the confidence motion. The vote ended the sitting's main business.2 votes · 3 bills moved
  17. 52Tuesday, April 1, 2008 · sitting No. 69Bloc motion on Quebec labour language rules dominates supply day debateBloc Québécois MP Pierre Paquette opened debate on a supply motion calling on the government to apply Quebec's Charter of the French Language to private enterprises under federal jurisdiction in the province. The motion follows the House recognition of the Quebec nation and seeks to give 275000 workers in sectors such as banking and telecommunications the right to work in French. Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn replied that the Canada Labour Code addresses labour relations not language and that federal institutions already operate under the Official Languages Act.1 vote · 1 bill moved

March

  1. 51Monday, March 31, 2008 · sitting No. 68Liberals move supply motion on Ontario economy amid federal-provincial tensionsThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on a Liberal supply motion moved by John McCallum that expressed confidence in the economic vitality of Ontario and called on the federal government to work cooperatively with all provinces and territories. McCallum said the motion was needed because the federal finance minister had trashed the business climate of Ontario. Jim Flaherty replied that the concern was with Ontario workers and businesses hurt by the province's business tax policies.1 vote · 1 bill moved
  2. 32Friday, March 14, 2008 · sitting No. 67House debates bill to appoint 20 new judges to provincial courtsThe House devoted its longest stretch to government orders on Bill C-31, an act to amend the Judges Act. Greg Thompson said the bill would authorize the appointment of 20 new judges to provincial superior trial courts to address mounting caseloads and delays across jurisdictions and to support the specific claims tribunal. Robert Thibault pressed for more bilingual judges in Nova Scotia after two retirements left the province with none.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  3. 66Thursday, March 13, 2008 · sitting No. 66Commons debates Afghanistan mission as ethics clash erupts in question periodThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders debating a motion on Canada's mission in Afghanistan. Conservative MP Joy Smith told the House she would support the motion while acknowledging the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers. Bloc Québécois MP Paul Crête questioned the government's handling of the mission and called it unbalanced.3 votes · 6 bills moved
  4. 68Wednesday, March 12, 2008 · sitting No. 65House concurs in interim supply after lengthy debateThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on government supply business. Members concurred in supplementary estimates (B) for 2007-08 and in interim supply for 2008-09 after recorded divisions.10 votes · 12 bills moved
  5. 83Tuesday, March 11, 2008 · sitting No. 64Bloc motion urges end to common securities regulator planThe House spent the largest share of its time on a Bloc Québécois supply-day motion calling on the government to drop plans for a national securities regulator. Bloc MP Paul Crête said the proposal would strip Quebec and the provinces of their jurisdiction and lacked support in the National Assembly. Conservative MP Brian Fitzpatrick countered that multiple regulators raise costs for companies and that most Quebec firms already trade on the Toronto exchange.1 vote · 2 bills movedProvisional score
  6. 48Monday, March 10, 2008 · sitting No. 63Commons holds take-note debate on Afghanistan missionThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on a take-note motion regarding Canada's role in Afghanistan. Liberal MP Bryon Wilfert moved the motion and said the mission must change and become more than military. Conservative MP Larry Miller said the opposition had finally recognized that extending the mission to 2011 was the right course.1 vote · 0 bills movedProvisional score
  7. 33Friday, March 7, 2008 · sitting No. 62NDP moves no-confidence motion over climate change failureJack Layton moved a motion that the House regrets the government's failure to live up to Canada's international climate change agreements and its refusal to bring forward the Clean Air and Climate Change Act, and that the House therefore no longer has confidence in the government. Dean Del Mastro asked whether the previous government had acted proactively on the environment. Richard Harris said the NDP and the former Liberal government supported a Kyoto plan that had no cost attached.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  8. 41Thursday, March 6, 2008 · sitting No. 61Liberals press women's equality motion as Speaker weighs admissibility challengeThe House spent nearly half its sitting on an opposition day motion moved by Liberal MP Maria Minna that called for reinstatement of the Court Challenges Program, expanded research and advocacy funding through the Women's Program and creation of 125,000 child-care spaces. Conservative House leader Peter Van Loan raised points of order arguing that the motion's use of the word "condemn" in reference to the New Democratic Party and the Bloc Québécois violated parliamentary rules against questioning the conduct of an opposition party on an allotted day. Speaker Peter Milliken heard arguments and later delivered a ruling on the matter.1 vote · 0 bills moved
  9. 64Wednesday, March 5, 2008 · sitting No. 60Bloc motion targets film tax credit wording in Bill C-10The House spent the largest share of the sitting on a Bloc Québécois supply motion calling for an immediate amendment to Bill C-10 to delete the new reference to public policy in subsection 125.4(1) of the Income Tax Act. Bloc Québécois MP Maria Mourani argued the clause would introduce government censorship of film and video production. Conservative MP Jim Abbott replied that the existing certification rules already bar such content and that members are responsible for reading legislation before voting.13 votes · 4 bills moved
  10. 67Tuesday, March 4, 2008 · sitting No. 59House debates budget as Liberals press Cadman ethics questionsThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on the budget. Members from all parties discussed the Conservative fiscal plan under government orders.1 vote · 6 bills moved
  11. 64Monday, March 3, 2008 · sitting No. 58Commons debates budget as Liberals press Cadman bribe claimThe House spent the largest share of its time on debate of budget 2008 under Government Orders. Conservative members defended the plan's tax reductions, debt repayment and targeted industry support while opposition members questioned its environmental measures and priorities for families.3 votes · 8 bills moved

February

  1. 46Friday, February 29, 2008 · sitting No. 57Liberals press Conservatives on Cadman insurance offer during question periodLiberal MP Ralph Goodale asked whether Conservatives offered life insurance benefits to Chuck Cadman in exchange for his vote on the 2005 budget. Conservative MP James Moore answered that no offer was made, noting that Cadman himself stated this on two national television interviews.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  2. 62Thursday, February 28, 2008 · sitting No. 56Commons debates budget amid clashes over Cadman allegationsThe House spent nearly half the day on government orders debating the budget. Members from all parties exchanged views on tax measures, savings accounts and support for sectors including manufacturing and agriculture.1 vote · 4 bills moved
  3. 60Wednesday, February 27, 2008 · sitting No. 55Liberals say they will let Conservative budget passThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on the budget. Liberal MP John McCallum told the House that his party sees no reason to force an election over the document and will allow it to pass.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  4. 35Tuesday, February 26, 2008 · sitting No. 54Afghanistan debate consumes most of Commons dayThe House devoted 41 per cent of its time to government orders on the future of the mission in Afghanistan. Liberal MP Dan McTeague told the House the deployment since 2002 ranks as Canada's largest commitment since Korea and noted the 79 soldiers killed. Conservative MP Laurie Hawn replied that respect for Canada has risen because the government backs the responsibility to protect with action.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  5. 65Monday, February 25, 2008 · sitting No. 53Commons debates motion to extend Afghanistan mission past 2009Government orders on Afghanistan occupied half the sitting as members considered a motion moved by Defence Minister Peter MacKay to continue Canadian Forces and civilian participation in the UN-mandated NATO-led mission beyond February 2009. MacKay told the House that the government sought a united position reflecting the best interests of the country and its soldiers. Liberal MP Denis Coderre said the party supported the Afghanistan Compact yet wanted clarification on several elements of the motion.0 votes · 9 bills moved
  6. 65Friday, February 15, 2008 · sitting No. 52House concurs in official languages report after extended debateRoutine proceedings on committees of the House consumed the largest share of sitting time as the House debated concurrence in the second report of the standing committee on official languages. Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger moved adoption of the report, which contained two main recommendations following extensive witness testimony, while other members raised points about the court challenges program.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  7. 64Thursday, February 14, 2008 · sitting No. 51Fisheries committee report faces delay after point of orderRoutine proceedings on committees of the House took the largest share of the sitting. Bloc Québécois MP Raynald Blais moved concurrence in the second report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski raised a point of order on a prior matter concerning a government motion on Afghanistan, and the House agreed to defer the point of order.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  8. 62Wednesday, February 13, 2008 · sitting No. 50Commons advances bill to adjust House seat distributionThe House spent the largest portion of the sitting debating Bill C-22 at second reading. The legislation proposes to amend the Constitution Act 1867 to bring representation by population closer to equality while protecting the existing seat counts of smaller provinces. Government House leader Peter Van Loan said the measure restores fairness without a pure representation-by-population formula that would cut seats from some provinces. Liberal MP Omar Alghabra countered that the formula remains unfair to Ontario.2 votes · 8 bills moved
  9. 72Tuesday, February 12, 2008 · sitting No. 49Senate reform bill referred to legislative committeeThe House spent the largest share of its time on government orders referring Bill C-20, the Senate Appointment Consultations Act, to a legislative committee. Leader of the Government in the House Peter Van Loan said the measure would let Canadians choose preferred Senate candidates by province or territory. Liberal MP Brian Murphy questioned the absence of provincial consultations and said the bill bypassed constitutional requirements for regional representation.1 vote · 3 bills moved
  10. 56Monday, February 11, 2008 · sitting No. 48Commons urges Senate to pass crime bill as Liberals accuse delay tacticsGovernment Orders on Tackling Violent Crime Legislation occupied the largest share of House time. Gerry Ritz moved a motion declaring passage of Bill C-2 a matter of confidence and calling on the Senate to pass the bill without further delay. Rob Nicholson told the House the government considers the justice measures a priority while John McKay said the government had killed its own earlier version of the legislation by prorogation.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  11. 34Friday, February 8, 2008 · sitting No. 47Prebudget consultations lead Commons agenda amid Conservative fiscal attacksGovernment orders on prebudget consultations occupied the largest share of the sitting. Liberal MP Yasmin Ratansi said the Conservative government made social spending cuts despite a $17 billion surplus and pursued a neo-conservative agenda. Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro replied that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty had turned the Ontario economy into the hottest in the G-8 and was creating jobs across Canada.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  12. 58Thursday, February 7, 2008 · sitting No. 46Prebudget consultations take up most of Commons timeConservative MP Diane Ablonczy moved that the House take note of the prebudget consultations undertaken by the Standing Committee on Finance. Members agreed to split the allotted time into two 10-minute speeches each. Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro opened the debate by thanking groups that appeared before the committee and noting the quality of their presentations.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  13. 62Wednesday, February 6, 2008 · sitting No. 45House rejects two Senate changes to Criminal Code billThe House spent the largest share of its time on government orders for Bill C-13, an act to amend the Criminal Code on criminal procedure, language of the accused, sentencing and other matters. Conservative MP Rob Nicholson moved that the House accept Senate amendments numbered 2, 4, 5 and 6 but reject amendments 1 and 3 on grounds that amendment 1 would place an undue burden on judges and amendment 3 would require the minister of justice to prepare an annual report on language rights.3 votes · 4 bills moved
  14. 61Tuesday, February 5, 2008 · sitting No. 44Finance committee report on manufacturing aid debated as trust bill passesThe House spent the largest portion of its sitting on concurrence in the first report of the Standing Committee on Finance. Bloc Québécois MP Paul Crête moved the motion and said the report addressed urgent needs in manufacturing and forestry after the government agreed to separate the $1 billion community development trust from budget legislation.3 votes · 5 bills moved
  15. 65Monday, February 4, 2008 · sitting No. 43Youth justice bill debate takes up most of Commons timeGovernment orders on Bill C-25, which amends the Youth Criminal Justice Act to add denunciation and deterrence as sentencing principles, occupied 29 per cent of the sitting. Liberal MP Dominic LeBlanc said the Liberal Party remains committed to rehabilitation as the paramount principle and criticized the bill for drawing on failed American models. Bloc Québécois MP Guy André said Quebec has long favoured rehabilitation and reintegration over immediate criminalization and detention.2 votes · 3 bills moved
  16. 27Friday, February 1, 2008 · sitting No. 42Afghan detainee allegations consume question periodOral questions on Afghanistan took the largest share of House time. Liberal MP Ralph Goodale pressed the government on reports that it had known since last April of torture allegations against Kandahar governor Asadullah Khalid yet continued dealings with him. Conservative House leader Peter Van Loan and Defence Minister Peter MacKay replied that the government had strengthened the detainee agreement and that opposition members were blocking committee study of the Manley report.0 votes · 1 bill moved

January

  1. 31Thursday, January 31, 2008 · sitting No. 41Commons debates human trafficking report amid clashes over detainees and ethicsThe House spent the largest share of its time on a motion to concur in the first report of the Standing Committee on Status of Women. New Democrat MP Irene Mathyssen moved concurrence and warned that the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver risk increasing human trafficking of women and girls. Conservative MP Joy Smith said the government takes the issue seriously and has already acted through legislation and other initiatives while New Democrat MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis and Liberal MP Karen Redman pressed for concrete government action on trafficking inside Canada.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  2. 53Wednesday, January 30, 2008 · sitting No. 40House begins debate on biofuels bill after Afghanistan and ethics clashesGovernment orders on Bill C-33 to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 took the largest share of the sitting. Agriculture minister Gerry Ritz moved second reading and the bill was referred to committee after brief exchanges with Liberal MP Larry Bagnell on impacts for corn prices and livestock feed.1 vote · 2 bills moved
  3. 33Tuesday, January 29, 2008 · sitting No. 39Commons advances identity theft bill amid Afghan detainee clashesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-27, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (identity theft and related misconduct). Justice Minister Rob Nicholson told members the bill implements a Speech from the Throne commitment and forms part of the government's broader crime agenda. NDP MP Joe Comartin said the bill's core provisions enjoy cross-party support but urged stronger rules on database security in both public and private sectors.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  4. 61Monday, January 28, 2008 · sitting No. 38House advances investment disputes bill as Afghanistan detainee row intensifiesThe House devoted the largest share of its time to Government Orders on Bill C-9, An Act to implement the Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Deepak Obhrai told the House the convention would facilitate international investment flows through binding conciliation or arbitration rules. NDP MP Chris Charlton raised concerns over limited appeal grounds and transparency during the debate.0 votes · 5 bills moved