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

128 sittings in 2009; 9 decided nothing at all. 2,259 sittings on record, 2,259 with a written account so far.

December

  1. 58Thursday, December 10, 2009 · sitting No. 128Opposition motion demands uncensored Afghan detainee documentsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a supply day motion moved by Liberal MP Ujjal Dosanjh that calls for the immediate production in uncensored form of all documents listed in the October 5 affidavit of diplomat Richard Colvin and related records from the departments of Foreign Affairs, National Defence and the Canadian Forces. The motion asserts that the government has improperly invoked the Canada Evidence Act to withhold material from Parliament. Debate continued through the afternoon with interventions from Conservative MP Jim Abbott and NDP MP Jack Harris.5 votes · 5 bills moved
  2. 62Wednesday, December 9, 2009 · sitting No. 127Afghanistan detainee abuse inquiry sought in commonsOral questions on Afghanistan took up the largest share of the sitting. Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff pressed the government to launch an independent judicial public inquiry after General Walter Natynczyk confirmed that at least one detainee transferred by Canadian forces in June 2006 was abused. Prime Minister Stephen Harper replied that the forces acted with integrity when evidence of abuse arose and that the government had already improved transfer arrangements in 2007.5 votes · 5 bills moved
  3. 65Tuesday, December 8, 2009 · sitting No. 126Commons opens debate on provincial choice tax framework actThe House spent nearly half the sitting on second reading of the provincial choice tax framework act. Parliamentary secretary Ted Menzies told members the bill simply confirms that provincial taxation is a provincial responsibility and urged quick passage to meet January 1 deadlines set by Ontario and British Columbia. NDP MP Brian Masse called the measure an implementation of a tax on Canadian citizens that would require borrowing to finance rebates.1 vote · 4 bills moved
  4. 56Monday, December 7, 2009 · sitting No. 125Commons backs closure on HST bill for Ontario and British ColumbiaGovernment House Leader Jay Hill moved a motion to end debate on Government Business No. 8, which would limit further consideration of legislation to implement the harmonized sales tax in Ontario and British Columbia. NDP MP Yvon Godin said the measure would impose new taxes on heating and other items and accused the government of denying Parliament a real debate. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty replied that the changes fall under provincial jurisdiction and that Ontario and British Columbia are exercising their own tax authority.3 votes · 3 bills moved
  5. 48Friday, December 4, 2009 · sitting No. 124Bloc opposes self-employed benefits bill over Quebec costsThe House spent the largest share of its time on government orders debating Bill C-56, the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act. Bloc Québécois MP Pierre Paquette said the party had voted against the bill at report stage because amendments to ensure equity for Quebec workers were rejected by Conservatives and Liberals. Bloc Québécois MP Diane Bourgeois said Quebeckers would again pay for the rest of Canada as the employment insurance fund moved into deficit.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  6. 50Thursday, December 3, 2009 · sitting No. 123Commons debates committee report on torture cases amid stimulus bill time allocationThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on committees business. Members considered multiple reports including the third report of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. New Democrat MP Don Davies moved concurrence in the report that examined post-9/11 policies and cases involving Maher Arar, Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad El Maati and Muayyed Nureddin.2 votes · 1 bill moved
  7. 65Wednesday, December 2, 2009 · sitting No. 122Self-employed gain EI benefits as House advances fairness billThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act. Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki told members the measure would extend maternity, parental and other special benefits to self-employed Canadians for the first time, fulfilling a 2008 pledge, and the bill advanced after limited committee changes.3 votes · 2 bills moved
  8. 38Tuesday, December 1, 2009 · sitting No. 121NDP motion for Afghan detainee inquiry dominates supply dayThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on a New Democratic motion calling on the government to launch a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act into the transfer of detainees from Canadian custody to Afghan authorities between 2001 and 2009. NDP MP Paul Dewar moved the motion and argued that an independent review was required to examine evidence already presented to committee. Conservative ministers Peter MacKay and Laurie Hawn countered that the motion would politicize the issue and defended the government’s handling of the files.1 vote · 0 bills moved

November

  1. 60Monday, November 30, 2009 · sitting No. 120Government moves to end CN Rail strike with back-to-work billThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a government motion to expedite passage of back-to-work legislation for CN Rail. Conservative MP Ed Komarnicki said the measure was needed to protect the national economy while it remained fragile. NDP MP Chris Charlton objected that the motion imposed a time limit on debate of a bill members had not yet seen.1 vote · 3 bills moved
  2. 58Friday, November 27, 2009 · sitting No. 119Commons advances bill to streamline criminal justice proceduresThe House spent the largest share of its time on Government Orders debating Bill C-31, which would amend the Criminal Code and other acts to make the justice system more efficient. Conservative MP Daniel Petit told the House the bill would allow better use of technology and adapt to scientific advances while remaining fair. Liberal MP Brian Murphy and NDP MP Jim Maloway questioned aspects of fingerprinting rules and mixed martial arts provisions.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  3. 64Thursday, November 26, 2009 · sitting No. 118Speaker rules mailing breached Liberal MP's privilegeThe House spent the largest share of its time on a question of privilege. Speaker Milliken ruled that a Conservative ten percenter comparing party positions on Middle East policy breached the privilege of Liberal MP Irwin Cotler by impeding his work as a member. The matter was referred to the procedure and House affairs committee.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  4. 63Wednesday, November 25, 2009 · sitting No. 117Commons advances bill on mandatory reporting of child pornography onlineThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-58, the child protection act, which would require Internet service providers to report suspected child pornography to a designated agency. Minister of State Helena Guergis said the measure would strengthen protections for children, while Liberal MP Brian Murphy and NDP MP Jim Maloway questioned whether the offences should be placed in the Criminal Code and whether new police resources would be provided.4 votes · 1 bill moved
  5. 47Tuesday, November 24, 2009 · sitting No. 116Commons debates bill to end faint hope clause for murderersThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on Bill C-36, an act to amend the Criminal Code by eliminating the faint hope clause that permits early parole applications for persons convicted of murder or high treason. Conservative MP Brent Rathgeber asked NDP MP Jim Maloway what response the bill offers to victims' families who oppose repeated faint hope hearings. The bill stands referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.1 vote · 1 bill moved
  6. 34Monday, November 23, 2009 · sitting No. 115Commons debates bill to end faint hope parole for murderersThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on government orders for Bill C-36, the serious time for the most serious crime bill. Paul Calandra told the House the legislation would repeal the faint hope regime for murderers convicted after it takes effect and tighten procedures for those already serving life sentences. The bill, reported back from the justice committee, remained before the House at second reading.1 vote · 0 bills moved
  7. 29Friday, November 20, 2009 · sitting No. 114Bloc climate motion debate ends with vote deferred to TuesdayThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to government orders on an opposition day motion from the Bloc Québécois. Mr. Bernard Bigras moved that Canada commit at the Copenhagen conference to absolute greenhouse gas reductions of 25 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020 in industrialized countries, a limit of less than 2 degrees Celsius global temperature rise and support for developing countries. After Mr. Michel Guimond secured unanimous consent, all questions were deemed put and the recorded division was deferred to Tuesday at the expiry of Oral Questions.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  8. 29Thursday, November 19, 2009 · sitting No. 113House approves committee travel motions for studies on poverty, crime and Arctic sovereigntyThe House spent the largest share of its time on committee business. The Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food presented a report on Canada's state trading enterprises and supply management. The Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities received authorization for eight members to travel to Vancouver, Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Edmonton and Winnipeg for a study on federal contributions to reducing poverty. Similar travel motions passed for the justice committee's organized crime study and the national defence committee's Arctic sovereignty study.1 vote · 0 bills moved
  9. 47Wednesday, November 18, 2009 · sitting No. 112Commons committees table reports on veterans benefits and access to informationThe Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs reported Bill C-201 with amendments to delete annuity deductions under the Canadian Forces Superannuation Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act. The Standing Committee on Access to Information Privacy and Ethics presented a report expressing displeasure with the Minister of Justice response to its 11th report and calling for new access-to-information legislation by March 30 2010. The Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs listed items added to private members business after the November 2 replenishment.2 votes · 1 bill moved
  10. 63Tuesday, November 17, 2009 · sitting No. 111Commons debates Colombia trade deal amid human rights objectionsThe House devoted nearly half the sitting to debate on the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement implementation act. NDP and Bloc Québécois members opposed the bill on the grounds that Colombia's record on human rights and environmental protection made the agreement unacceptable.1 vote · 4 bills moved
  11. 31Monday, November 16, 2009 · sitting No. 110Commons advances stimulus bill as Liberals press on deficits and EI premiumsThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-51, the Economic Recovery Act that implements budget measures including the home renovation tax credit. Liberal MP Paul Szabo said the bill would raise EI premiums by $13 billion a year despite the government's tax pledge and warned of a $60 billion or $70 billion deficit. Conservative MP David Anderson defended the tax credit and accused the Liberals of opposing popular relief measures.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  12. 37Friday, November 6, 2009 · sitting No. 109Commons advances economic recovery bill amid H1N1 and jobs clashesThe House devoted the largest share of its time to third reading debate on Bill C-51, the economic recovery act, which implements key measures from the 2009 budget. Conservative MP Ted Menzies opened the debate by urging quick passage and thanking finance committee members for setting aside partisanship. Bloc Québécois MP André Bellavance later confirmed his party's support while calling for permanent drought and flood relief for livestock producers.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  13. 62Thursday, November 5, 2009 · sitting No. 108House begins debate on bill extending EI benefits to self-employedThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-56, the Fairness for the Self-Employed Act. Human Resources Minister Diane Finley told the House the measure would allow self-employed Canadians to opt into employment insurance special benefits without having to choose between family and business. Liberal MP Michael Savage said his party would support the bill at second reading but wanted cost and eligibility questions resolved in committee.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  14. 65Wednesday, November 4, 2009 · sitting No. 107Liberals move supply motion calling for full H1N1 fundingThe House spent the largest share of its time on a Liberal supply motion that calls on the government to release the full $400 million pandemic reserve from the 2006 budget, increase support for emergency planning and guarantee reliable vaccine supply to provinces and territories. Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett moved the motion, which remained before the House at adjournment.4 votes · 4 bills moved
  15. 66Tuesday, November 3, 2009 · sitting No. 106Commons advances bill to extend EI benefits for long-tenured workersThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate at third reading of Bill C-50, An Act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and to increase benefits. Conservative MP Ed Komarnicki said the measure would assist experienced workers who have exhausted regular benefits after long periods of steady contributions. Liberal MP Scott Simms and NDP MP Michael Savage pressed the government on coverage for seasonal workers and on the adequacy of earlier five-week extensions.1 vote · 3 bills moved
  16. 59Monday, November 2, 2009 · sitting No. 105House holds emergency debate on H1N1 vaccine supplyThe House devoted the largest share of the sitting to an emergency debate on H1N1 vaccine supply and distribution, moved by Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett. Members from all parties described long lineups, short supplies in some provinces and calls for the federal government to take greater responsibility for delivery shortfalls.2 votes · 4 bills moved

October

  1. 33Friday, October 30, 2009 · sitting No. 104Terrorism victims bill advances amid second reading debateConservative MP Peter Kent moved that Bill C-35, An Act to deter terrorism and to amend the State Immunity Act, be read a second time and referred to a committee. The bill would permit victims of terrorism to file actions in Canadian courts against listed terrorist entities and their supporters for damages.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  2. 62Thursday, October 29, 2009 · sitting No. 103Commons debates bill to modernize police access to digital recordsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-47, the Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act. Bloc Québécois MP Guy André said the party supports the principle of the bill but seeks amendments to protect privacy, while Conservative MP Gordon Brown said the measures would equip police to confront sophisticated criminals and terrorists.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  3. 65Wednesday, October 28, 2009 · sitting No. 102House debates NDP motion on Quebec nation and French for immigrantsThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to debate on an NDP motion affirming that recognition of the Québécois as a nation within Canada means Quebec has the right to ensure immigrants learn French first and foremost. NDP MP Thomas Mulcair moved the motion and argued that the Supreme Court of Canada decision on language of instruction requires Quebec to protect French through its integration model. Bloc Québécois MP Thierry St-Cyr and others supported the position that Canadian multiculturalism does not meet Quebec's needs.2 votes · 5 bills moved
  4. 48Tuesday, October 27, 2009 · sitting No. 101Commons debates cybercrime bills on investigative powersGovernment Orders on the Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act occupied the largest share of the sitting as members discussed Bill C-46. Bloc Québécois MP Marc Lemay said the bill addresses cybercrime but warned that committee study must set guidelines to prevent police fishing expeditions. He added that the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security or the justice committee will do the real work on balancing rights.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  5. 65Monday, October 26, 2009 · sitting No. 100Commons debates bill to end conditional sentences for serious crimesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-42, the Ending Conditional Sentences for Property and Other Serious Crimes Act. Liberal MP Paul Szabo said the party would support the bill at this stage to allow committee study of costs and judicial discretion. Conservative MP Gordon Brown said constituents in Leeds-Grenville welcomed the measure as part of the government's broader crime agenda.2 votes · 5 bills moved
  6. 29Friday, October 23, 2009 · sitting No. 99Commons debates bill on mandatory sentences for white-collar crimeThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of the Retribution on Behalf of Victims of White Collar Crime Act. NDP MP Pat Martin opened the debate by calling for mandatory prison terms for those who defraud seniors, while Conservative MP Richard Harris defended professionals in the financial sector and accused Martin of casting unfair aspersions.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  7. 61Thursday, October 22, 2009 · sitting No. 98Commons debates bill to toughen sentences for white-collar fraudThe House spent most of the day on second reading of Bill C-52, the retribution on behalf of victims of white collar crime act. Minister of State Gordon O'Connor told members the legislation would impose a two-year minimum sentence for fraud over $1 million and referred the bill to committee. Liberal MP Larry Bagnell and Bloc Québécois MP Marc Lemay questioned the value of mandatory minimums and asked the minister to cite cases where such sentences had been avoided.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  8. 60Wednesday, October 21, 2009 · sitting No. 97Commons debates bill to end conditional sentences for serious crimesThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-42, which would eliminate conditional sentences for serious property and other offences. Conservative MP Ed Fast told the House the measure targets crimes such as child exploitation that currently draw sentences served at home. NDP MP Don Davies said his party supports tougher measures against gun crime and more police but rejects the notion that only Conservatives care about victims.2 votes · 2 bills moved
  9. 64Tuesday, October 20, 2009 · sitting No. 96Commons advances identity theft bill amid clashes over Conservative logosThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to third reading of Bill S-4, which amends the Criminal Code to create offences related to identity theft. Conservative MP Brent Rathgeber told the House that the legislation responds to new technologies exploited by criminals and has been reported back from committee without amendment. Liberal MP Francis Valeriote asked whether the committee had considered reversing the onus on an accused to prove permission to possess another person's identity information.1 vote · 3 bills moved
  10. 29Monday, October 19, 2009 · sitting No. 95Bloc forestry aid motion leads opposition day as vote deferredThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on an opposition day motion from the Bloc Québécois calling for federal assistance to the forestry industry comparable to that given the auto sector, primarily through tax credits, loans and loan guarantees. Bloc MP Claude Guimond moved the motion and argued that Quebec had acted alone because Ottawa had failed to provide immediate cash flow support. At the close of debate the House agreed to defer the recorded division until the following day at 5:30 p.m.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  11. 30Friday, October 9, 2009 · sitting No. 94Commons advances Colombia trade bill after limiting amendmentsThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-23, the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. Government House leader Jay Hill moved to end further amendments or sub-amendments at that stage, a motion adopted after initial unanimous-consent request failed.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  12. 58Thursday, October 8, 2009 · sitting No. 93NDP motion to split climate bill meets resistance over committee delaysThe House spent the largest portion of its sitting on a motion by NDP MP Libby Davies to divide Bill C-311 into separate measures on targets and accountability. Conservative MP James Bezan said the environment committee had not finished hearing witnesses and had valid reasons for requesting a 30-day extension. Davies replied that the committee had already delayed the bill for six months to avoid action before the Copenhagen conference.1 vote · 4 bills moved
  13. 66Wednesday, October 7, 2009 · sitting No. 92House advances economic recovery bill amid stimulus debateThe House spent the largest share of its time on the Economic Recovery Act in government orders. Members debated the stimulus measures and their effects on employment and competitiveness, with the bill remaining at second reading.2 votes · 4 bills moved
  14. 40Tuesday, October 6, 2009 · sitting No. 91Commons advances economic recovery act after lengthy debateThe House spent most of the sitting on government orders for the economic recovery act. Bloc Québécois MP Jean-Yves Laforest said the bill implements the home renovation tax credit and a first-time homebuyers tax credit, both inspired by Bloc proposals. Conservative MP Ted Menzies urged all opposition members to support the legislation as a key part of Canada's economic action plan.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  15. 60Monday, October 5, 2009 · sitting No. 90Commons debates Afghanistan report as trade bill advancesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on concurrence in the foreign affairs committee report on Afghanistan. Members discussed Canada's mission, political reconciliation and development challenges during the extended debate.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  16. 27Friday, October 2, 2009 · sitting No. 89Commons advances economic recovery act at second readingThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on the Economic Recovery Act at second reading. Conservative MP Andrew Saxton said the bill implements key portions of budget 2009 and Canada's economic action plan. Liberal MP John McCallum said the Liberals would vote against the bill because they have no confidence in the government.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  17. 59Thursday, October 1, 2009 · sitting No. 88Liberals move non-confidence motion in supply debateThe House spent the largest portion of its sitting on a motion by Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff that the House has lost confidence in the government. Ignatieff said the Conservatives have lost control of public finances and have abandoned many Canadians. Conservative minister John Baird replied that the opposition leader had supported the government for years and urged him to consider the needs of Canadians beyond his own riding.1 vote · 2 bills moved

September

  1. 65Wednesday, September 30, 2009 · sitting No. 87Commons debates Canada-Colombia trade deal as most of dayThe House spent the largest share of its time debating the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act at second reading. New Democrat MP Libby Davies said paramilitary groups continue to murder trade unionists and cited the International Centre for Trade Union Rights report. Liberal MP Scott Brison replied that paramilitary groups have been disbanded and that the remaining violence stems from drug gangs rather than ideological conflict.4 votes · 8 bills moved
  2. 53Tuesday, September 29, 2009 · sitting No. 86House debates Canada-Colombia free trade bill as main businessThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for Bill C-23, the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement implementation act. New Democratic Party MP Bill Siksay said the government of Colombian President Uribe faced accusations of corruption, electoral fraud and links to paramilitary groups. Liberal MP Wayne Easter said the bill should move to committee so citizens could express concerns about human rights and labour standards.1 vote · 2 bills moved
  3. 53Monday, September 28, 2009 · sitting No. 85Commons debates employment insurance reforms for most of sittingThe House spent the largest share of its time on government orders for Bill C-50, an act to amend the Employment Insurance Act. Conservative MP Brian Jean said the government was delivering meaningful assistance to unemployed Canadians and faulted the opposition for missing committee meetings. NDP MP Charlie Angus argued that entire communities in the resource sector needed extended support to survive the winter.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  4. 59Friday, September 18, 2009 · sitting No. 84Commons advances bill to extend employment insurance for long-tenured workersThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-50, which would provide five to 20 additional weeks of regular employment insurance benefits to long-tenured workers. Conservative MP James Bezan told the House the changes would assist workers in forestry, manufacturing, auto and steel sectors and that more than $1.5 billion in prior EI measures had already helped 150,000 Canadians. Bloc Québécois MP Yves Lessard countered that the government's figures overstated the number of beneficiaries and that only about 60,000 people would qualify.1 vote · 2 bills moved
  5. 66Thursday, September 17, 2009 · sitting No. 83Commons opens debate on employment insurance changesThe House spent nearly half the sitting on second reading of Bill C-50, an act to amend the Employment Insurance Act and increase benefits. Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Diane Finley moved the bill and said it would extend regular benefits by five to 20 weeks for long-tenured workers who have rarely claimed EI. Liberal MP Larry Bagnell questioned the minister's focus on unrelated programs and the government's refusal to expedite passage.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  6. 62Wednesday, September 16, 2009 · sitting No. 82Commons debates national capital commission reforms amid opposition criticismThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-37, amendments to the National Capital Act that would modernize the National Capital Commission and strengthen protection of Gatineau Park. Conservative MP Royal Galipeau and Conservative MP Pierre Lemieux defended the bill's emphasis on accountability and ecological integrity, while Liberal MP Marcel Proulx and Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger pressed for similar safeguards for the greenbelt.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  7. 33Tuesday, September 15, 2009 · sitting No. 81Commons debates Canada-Colombia trade deal for half the sittingThe House devoted 52 per cent of its time to the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act under Government Orders. NDP MP Brian Masse and NDP MP Peter Julian criticized side agreements on labour and the environment as well as Colombia's human rights record, while Conservative MP Dean Allison defended the accord as a way to support reform through trade.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  8. 36Monday, September 14, 2009 · sitting No. 80Debate opens on Canada-Colombia free trade agreementThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to second reading of Bill C-23, the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. NDP MP Brian Masse said the bill would grant privileged access to Canadian markets for a country whose government had failed to protect citizens and trade unionists. International Trade Minister Stockwell Day accused the NDP of inflammatory language and defended Colombia's prosecution record.0 votes · 1 bill moved

June

  1. 65Friday, June 19, 2009 · sitting No. 79Liberals propose temporary change to supply-day rulesLiberal MP Ralph Goodale moved a motion to amend section 10 of Standing Order 81 for the balance of 2009, requiring the first allotted day in each supply period to fall no earlier than the ninth sitting day. The motion recognizes the House's constitutional duty to hold the government to account while preserving the government's ability to manage its legislative program. Some members agreed to the motion.9 votes · 10 bills moved
  2. 66Thursday, June 18, 2009 · sitting No. 78Commons opens debate on ending faint hope parole for murder and treasonGovernment orders on Bill C-36, the Serious Time for the Most Serious Crime Act, occupied the largest share of the sitting. Bloc Québécois MP Mario Laframboise opened the debate by tracing the history of the faint hope clause and outlining the bill's proposed restrictions on early parole eligibility for those convicted of murder or treason. New Democratic Party MP Libby Davies questioned the process an offender must follow to seek such parole and criticized the government's handling of justice legislation.0 votes · 15 bills moved
  3. 66Wednesday, June 17, 2009 · sitting No. 77Commons backs summer talks on employment insurance changesThe House spent the largest share of its time on petitions and members' statements, followed by extended exchanges on employment insurance reforms. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff agreed to form a working group that will examine changes to eligibility rules and possible voluntary coverage for self-employed workers, with proposals expected in the autumn.3 votes · 14 bills moved
  4. 68Tuesday, June 16, 2009 · sitting No. 76Commons advances bill creating new auto-theft offencesThe House spent the largest share of its time debating Bill C-26 at the report stage. The measure would create a distinct offence of motor vehicle theft, prohibit the alteration or removal of vehicle identification numbers and establish new offences for trafficking in property obtained by crime. Conservative MP Ed Fast told the House the bill targets a pervasive problem while Liberal MP Brian Murphy and New Democrat MP Joe Comartin pressed for details on resources for the Canada Border Services Agency.3 votes · 9 bills moved
  5. 73Monday, June 15, 2009 · sitting No. 75Bloc motion on securities regulator takes up most of Commons dayThe House devoted 41 per cent of its time to a Bloc Québécois supply-day motion asserting that securities regulation falls under exclusive provincial jurisdiction. Mr. Jean-Yves Laforest moved that Ottawa abandon any plan for a single national regulator and respect the unanimous position of the Quebec National Assembly. Conservative MP James Rajotte countered that the International Monetary Fund and others have warned that the current passport system risks regulatory arbitrage.0 votes · 7 bills moved
  6. 48Friday, June 12, 2009 · sitting No. 74Commons advances consumer product safety bill amid isotope and EI clashesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders debating Bill C-6, the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. NDP MP Jim Maloway said the bill represented progress that parties could achieve through cooperation in a minority Parliament. NDP MP Chris Charlton and NDP MP Olivia Chow pressed concerns over imported goods and hazardous chemicals in toys while Liberal MP Paul Szabo questioned the limited list of prohibited products in schedule 2.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  7. 69Thursday, June 11, 2009 · sitting No. 73NDP motion on pension security leads supply day debateNew Democrat MP Wayne Marston moved an opposition motion calling on the government to expand the Canada and Quebec pension plans, old age security and the guaranteed income supplement, and to create a self-financing pension insurance program. The motion, which also urges stronger protections for defined-benefit plans and improved oversight of pension funds, occupied 45 per cent of the sitting and remained before the House at adjournment.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  8. 66Wednesday, June 10, 2009 · sitting No. 72Liberals press Conservatives on medical isotope shortageThe House spent the largest single block of its day on oral questions about the medical isotope shortage. Liberal MP Michael Ignatieff said hospitals would run out of isotopes within 48 hours and asked when Canadians would receive diagnostic tests. Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt replied that hospitals would receive more than 50 per cent of orders next week and that Canada was working with global suppliers. Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said alternatives identified by medical experts were already available to provinces and territories.5 votes · 9 bills moved
  9. 63Tuesday, June 9, 2009 · sitting No. 71House debates Criminal Code anti-terrorism provisions at second readingThe House spent the largest share of its time on government orders debating Bill C-19, which would restore investigative hearing and recognizance-with-conditions powers under the Criminal Code. Conservative MP Rob Moore told the House the provisions contain safeguards and have never been abused. New Democrat MP Don Davies said the bill deepens problems of secret evidence and compelled testimony that depart from Canadian legal tradition.1 vote · 7 bills moved
  10. 72Monday, June 8, 2009 · sitting No. 70House debates expansion of sex offender registry at third readingThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate of Bill C-26, the Protecting Victims From Sex Offenders Act, at third reading. Liberal MP Mark Holland said every effective tool must be given to police to prevent sexual offences against children and to locate victims quickly. NDP MP Linda Duncan and Bloc Québécois MP Serge Ménard raised concerns about insufficient time for public input and the need for judicial discretion on the registry.2 votes · 5 bills moved
  11. 62Friday, June 5, 2009 · sitting No. 69Commons advances truth in sentencing bill at third readingThe House spent the largest share of its time on third reading of Bill C-25, the truth in sentencing act. Conservative MP Gord Brown said the measure would restrict credit for pre-sentencing custody and form part of the government's plan to tackle crime. Liberal MP Brian Murphy said the Liberal Party could support the bill in principle but warned it would add pressure on rehabilitation and incarceration systems.0 votes · 2 bills movedProvisional score
  12. 54Thursday, June 4, 2009 · sitting No. 68Commons debates mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimesThe House spent most of the day at third reading of Bill C-15, which amends the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offences. Conservative MP Brent Rathgeber said the bill targets trafficking and that amendments from the Bloc Québécois and NDP had been accepted in committee. NDP MP Libby Davies questioned the approach citing a letter from the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police that called for a balanced strategy including prevention and treatment.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  13. 64Wednesday, June 3, 2009 · sitting No. 67House debates tobacco marketing restrictions as Raitt faces opposition fire over lost documentsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate of Bill C-32, An Act to amend the Tobacco Act, also known as the Cracking Down on Tobacco Marketing Aimed at Youth Act. Members from the Bloc Québécois, NDP and Liberal Party spoke to the bill at second reading, with several noting its limits and calling for stronger measures against smoking.8 votes · 11 bills moved
  14. 43Tuesday, June 2, 2009 · sitting No. 66House debates mandatory minimum sentences in drug billThe House spent the largest share of its time on Bill C-15, an act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. NDP MP Libby Davies moved an amendment to delete clause 3 and argued that mandatory minimum sentences would increase court backlogs and incarceration costs without reducing drug use. Conservative MP Brent Rathgeber and Liberal MP Brian Murphy opposed the change, while Justice Minister Rob Nicholson defended the bill's focus on traffickers.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  15. 68Monday, June 1, 2009 · sitting No. 65House debates Canada-Peru free trade agreement implementation billGovernment orders on the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement Act occupied the largest share of the sitting. Bloc Québécois MP Serge Cardin said the deal relies on side agreements that fall short of protecting workers and the environment and urged rejection of the approach. New Democratic Party MP Peter Julian said the agreement is inferior to the revised United States version and questioned why Liberals would support it.1 vote · 8 bills moved

May

  1. 38Friday, May 29, 2009 · sitting No. 64Commons debates Canada-Peru free trade agreement as economy dominates question periodThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for Bill C-24, the Canada-Peru free trade agreement. Parliamentary secretary Gerald Keddy said the Conservative government's global commerce strategy would help Canada emerge from recession through expanded market access for Canadian companies. Liberal MP John McKay pressed Keddy on the government's failure to respond to parliamentary reports on corporate social responsibility from 2005 and 2007 and on his own private member's bill, Bill C-300.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  2. 41Thursday, May 28, 2009 · sitting No. 63Commons debates fisheries estimates during extended supply proceedingsThe House spent most of the day in committee of the whole considering all votes under Fisheries and Oceans as part of the business of supply. The debate proceeded under Standing Order 81(4)(a) and a motion adopted by unanimous consent on May 26 with members allocated 15 minutes each.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  3. 59Wednesday, May 27, 2009 · sitting No. 62Commons debates nuclear liability bill as deficit concerns dominate question periodThe House spent the largest share of its time on debate of Bill C-20, the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act. Liberal MP Geoff Regan said the legislation requires a coherent nuclear energy policy from the government and questioned whether the proposed $650 million liability cap is adequate. Bloc Québécois MP Christian Ouellet asked whether the Liberal Party supports building more nuclear plants.3 votes · 6 bills moved
  4. 59Tuesday, May 26, 2009 · sitting No. 61House concurs in health estimates and procedure committee reportsRoutine proceedings on committees of the House took the largest share of sitting time. Conservative MP Joy Smith presented the second report of the Standing Committee on Health on main estimates for 2009-10. Conservative MP Joe Preston presented the 14th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on committee memberships and moved concurrence, which the House granted.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  5. 64Monday, May 25, 2009 · sitting No. 60Commons opens second reading on Canada-Colombia free trade billStockwell Day moved second reading of Bill C-23 to implement the free trade agreement with Colombia along with side accords on labour and the environment. Scott Brison asked why the government had not responded to the international trade committee report or supplied an independent human rights assessment before sending the bill to committee. Serge Cardin and Peter Julian cited rising killings of union members and said no reputable human rights group supported the measure.1 vote · 4 bills moved
  6. 68Friday, May 15, 2009 · sitting No. 59Commons advances nuclear liability bill after extensive debateGovernment orders on the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act consumed the largest share of the sitting. Conservative MP David Anderson told the House the bill updates liability caps to align with other jurisdictions and builds on prior consultations. NDP MP Nathan Cullen pressed for details on public consultations conducted before introduction.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  7. 68Thursday, May 14, 2009 · sitting No. 58Liberals move hoist to kill first nations matrimonial rights billThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on Bill C-8, the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act. Liberal MP Todd Russell moved a six-month hoist motion that would kill the bill, citing lack of support from first nations women and groups. Conservative MP John Duncan said the motion blindsided the aboriginal affairs committee and ignored 103 prior consultations.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  8. 66Wednesday, May 13, 2009 · sitting No. 57Commons debates environmental enforcement and marine liability billsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders, advancing Bill C-16 to amend nine environmental statutes and create an environmental damages fund, and Bill C-7 to update the Marine Liability Act. Debate on the environmental enforcement measure highlighted concerns over enforcement capacity and past funding cuts, while the marine liability bill received cross-party support after committee stage.3 votes · 8 bills moved
  9. 62Tuesday, May 12, 2009 · sitting No. 56Commons advances RCMP pension bill at third readingThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on third reading of Bill C-18, An Act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act. Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie said the measure would modernize pension portability for RCMP members. Liberal MP Dan McTeague and NDP MP Paul Dewar raised questions about wage restraint and seniority recognition during the debate.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  10. 43Monday, May 11, 2009 · sitting No. 55Commons concurs in fisheries committee report on seal huntThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on concurrence in the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans concerning Canada's seal hunt. Conservative MP Mike Allen moved concurrence and outlined recent regulatory changes, apprenticeship requirements and extensive consultations with fishers. Bloc Québécois MP Raynald Blais and Liberal MP Gerry Byrne supported the motion and stressed the need for an information campaign in Europe to counter misinformation.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  11. 37Friday, May 8, 2009 · sitting No. 54Commons advances electronic commerce bill amid job and EI clashesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders debating the Electronic Commerce Protection Act. Liberal MP Alan Tonks described the damage caused by spam and supported the bill's private right of action while NDP MP Jim Maloway questioned whether the government would enforce the measure. Conservative and opposition members also raised concerns about penalties and effects on small business during the 30 interventions.0 votes · 1 bill moved
  12. 66Thursday, May 7, 2009 · sitting No. 53House debates anti-spam bill and Cree-Naskapi amendmentsThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to second reading of Bill C-27, the electronic commerce protection act. Conservative MP Mike Lake opened debate by outlining measures to reduce spam, protect consumer confidence and assign enforcement roles to the CRTC, the Competition Bureau and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. NDP MP Charlie Angus questioned the bill's effect on the existing do-not-call registry while Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal pressed for resources to ensure aggressive enforcement.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  13. 62Wednesday, May 6, 2009 · sitting No. 52Commons advances energy efficiency bill at third readingThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on third reading of Bill S-3, which amends the Energy Efficiency Act to remove the least efficient energy-using products from the Canadian market. Conservative MP David Anderson told members the changes will reduce greenhouse gases and atmospheric pollutants while lowering household energy costs.5 votes · 3 bills moved
  14. 66Tuesday, May 5, 2009 · sitting No. 51Commons holds take-note debate on seal hunt after EU banThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on a take-note debate about the European Parliament's decision to ban imports of Canadian seal products. Fisheries Minister Gail Shea told members the government rejects the move as misinformed and will pursue trade remedies. Opposition members from Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec pressed the minister on the scale of the government's earlier public-information campaign in Europe.1 vote · 5 bills moved
  15. 70Monday, May 4, 2009 · sitting No. 50House advances customs legislation amid EI clashes in question periodThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of amendments to the Customs Act. Parliamentary secretary Dave MacKenzie told the House the changes would strengthen the Canada Border Services Agency's risk management tools at 1,200 service points. Opposition members pressed for further detail on the scope of proposed customs controlled areas and on exit controls.0 votes · 4 bills moved

April

  1. 65Thursday, April 30, 2009 · sitting No. 49Commons advances human pathogens bill after committee amendmentsThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on third reading debate of Bill C-11, the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act. Parliamentary Secretary Colin Carrie told members that amendments proposed by the NDP critic had been accepted at committee and that the bill had benefited from cooperation among all three opposition parties.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  2. 62Wednesday, April 29, 2009 · sitting No. 48Commons spends day debating consumer product safety billGovernment orders on the Canada consumer product safety act occupied the largest share of sitting time. Parliamentary secretary Colin Carrie told the House that the bill would modernize the system by raising standards for industry and improving protection against unsafe products. New Democrat Kirsty Duncan asked whether the precautionary principle was being applied consistently to known toxic chemicals.3 votes · 4 bills moved
  3. 53Tuesday, April 28, 2009 · sitting No. 47Bloc motion on Quebec GST harmonization compensation dominates supply dayThe House spent the largest share of the sitting debating a Bloc Québécois supply motion calling on the government to negotiate with Quebec and pay the province $2.6 billion in compensation for harmonizing the QST with the GST in the early 1990s while allowing Quebec to continue administering the taxes. Bloc MP Jean-Yves Laforest moved the motion and said the federal finance minister had invented new conditions Quebec would never accept. Liberal MP Paul Szabo pressed Laforest on the minister's commitment and the principle of fairness.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  4. 70Monday, April 27, 2009 · sitting No. 46Liberals move supply motion on Canada-U.S. border amid swine flu debateThe House spent the largest share of its time on a Liberal motion under government orders calling on the government to ensure the United States understands the importance of the shared border to trade and security. Liberal MP Mark Holland moved the motion and said the politics of fear were causing enormous damage. Conservative MP Kevin Sorenson questioned the member about trade figures while Bloc Québécois MP Guy André asked about border service cuts.3 votes · 5 bills moved
  5. 46Friday, April 24, 2009 · sitting No. 45Commons passes organized crime bill at third readingThe House concurred in Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (organized crime and protection of justice system participants), and gave it third reading. Conservative MP Daniel Petit said the bill strengthens responses to organized crime and was approved without amendment by the justice committee. NDP MP Keith Martin called for action on drug revenues that fund gangs and noted 19 murders in British Columbia this year.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  6. 97Thursday, April 23, 2009 · sitting No. 44House debates NDP motion on credit card consumer protectionsThe 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.1 vote · 4 bills movedProvisional score
  7. 64Wednesday, April 22, 2009 · sitting No. 43Liberals press government on climate inaction during question periodQuestion period on the environment consumed the largest share of the sitting. Liberal MP David McGuinty questioned why three ministers in three years have produced no absolute greenhouse-gas reductions and no carbon pricing. Conservative MP Mark Warawa replied that the government is advancing a clean-energy dialogue with the United States and has set an absolute reduction target of 20 per cent by 2020.4 votes · 9 bills moved
  8. 62Tuesday, April 21, 2009 · sitting No. 42Bloc motion to preserve gun registry dominates supply dayThe House devoted half its sitting to a Bloc motion urging the government not to extend the amnesty on long-gun registration requirements set to expire May 16 and to maintain registration of all firearms. Serge Ménard moved the motion and defended the existing law as necessary for public safety despite its cost. Conservative members questioned statistics on firearm deaths and argued that registration does not prevent misuse.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  9. 54Monday, April 20, 2009 · sitting No. 41Commons opens second reading debate on truth in sentencing actGovernment Orders on the truth in sentencing act occupied the largest share of the sitting. Conservative MP Rob Nicholson moved second reading of Bill C-25 and said the amendments would limit credit for pre-sentencing custody. Bloc Québécois MP Réal Ménard said his party would support the bill and had called for the measure since 2007.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  10. 50Friday, April 3, 2009 · sitting No. 40RCMP pension bill advances amid debate on portability and training creditsThe House spent the largest share of its time on government orders debating Bill C-18, an act to amend the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superannuation Act. Conservative MP Dave MacKenzie said the bill would improve pension portability and allow lateral movement between police forces. Liberal MP John McKay said the Liberal Party would support passage, while New Democratic MP Jack Harris raised concerns about credit for the six-month training period for senior officers.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  11. 70Thursday, April 2, 2009 · sitting No. 39Grain act amendments spark opposition attack as house debates bill C-13The House spent the largest share of its time on government orders debating Bill C-13, an act to amend the Canada Grain Act. Bloc Québécois MP André Bellavance said the bill repeats the flaws of its predecessor, Bill C-39, by shifting the Canadian Grain Commission's mandate toward industry interests and away from producers. New Democratic Party MP Alex Atamanenko and Liberal MP Wayne Easter pressed the same point, warning that the measure would eliminate independent inward inspection and expose farmers to greater risk.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  12. 69Wednesday, April 1, 2009 · sitting No. 38Commons debates energy efficiency bill as recession dominates question periodThe House devoted the largest share of its time to debate on Bill S-3, which amends the Energy Efficiency Act to broaden regulation of energy-using consumer products. Liberal MP Geoff Regan said the changes would allow standards, labelling and promotion of efficient appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators. Bloc Québécois MP Christian Ouellet pressed for faster action and comparison with Nordic standards.1 vote · 6 bills moved

March

  1. 50Tuesday, March 31, 2009 · sitting No. 37Liberals move supply motion to fund CBC as auto sector dominates question periodLiberal MP Pablo Rodriguez moved a supply motion that the House recognize the role of CBC-Radio Canada and urge the government to provide bridge financing to maintain 2008 staffing and service levels. The motion, which took up 52 per cent of the sitting, was debated by members from all parties including Conservative MP Dean Del Mastro, NDP MP Judy Wasylycia-Leis and Liberal MP Mauril Bélanger.1 vote · 1 bill moved
  2. 71Monday, March 30, 2009 · sitting No. 36Commons devotes most of day to energy efficiency legislationThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill S-3, An Act to amend the Energy Efficiency Act. Conservative MP David Anderson said the bill would help families cut energy use and costs while protecting the environment during the recession. Bloc Québécois MP Bernard Bigras supported the principle but faulted the government for failing to match the scale of spending in the Obama plan.3 votes · 7 bills moved
  3. 65Friday, March 27, 2009 · sitting No. 35Commons debates mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders for Bill C-15, which would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offences and amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Debate began with NDP MP Libby Davies arguing that the bill required full examination because it marked a decisive turn in Canadian drug policy. Conservative MP Richard Harris replied that earlier approaches relying on harm reduction had failed and that stronger enforcement was required.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  4. 61Thursday, March 26, 2009 · sitting No. 34House debates war resisters report amid delays to crime billsThe House devoted the largest share of its sitting to a concurrence motion on the second report of the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. NDP MP Olivia Chow moved concurrence and argued that war resisters such as Kimberly Rivera should be allowed to remain in Canada. Conservative MP Laurie Hawn countered that the Iraq conflict differed from Vietnam and that the debate delayed consideration of criminal justice measures.1 vote · 7 bills moved
  5. 66Wednesday, March 25, 2009 · sitting No. 33Commons advances environmental enforcement bill amid EI, CBC clashesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on second reading of Bill C-16, the Environmental Enforcement Act. Conservative and opposition MPs debated the omnibus measure that amends nine statutes to raise fines and standardize penalties for polluters. The bill remained before the House at the end of the day.1 vote · 9 bills moved
  6. 67Tuesday, March 24, 2009 · sitting No. 32Liberals press for list of projects to draw on $3 billion fundThe House spent most of the sitting on an opposition day motion moved by Liberal MP John McCallum that calls on the government to table by April 3 a list of departments likely to use Treasury Board Vote 35 and to report each use of the $3 billion authority within one sitting day. McCallum said the request seeks only basic accountability at no cost. Bloc Québécois MP Guy André and NDP MP Charlie Angus supported the motion and warned of partisan spending.9 votes · 7 bills moved
  7. 69Monday, March 23, 2009 · sitting No. 31Commons debates Canada-EFTA trade deal amid shipbuilding concernsThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on second reading of Bill C-2, the Canada-EFTA free trade agreement implementation act. New Democratic members argued the agreement threatens domestic shipbuilding and raw-material supply chains while government members said it opens European markets and has broad industry support.2 votes · 2 bills moved
  8. 26Friday, March 13, 2009 · sitting No. 30Commons advances Canada-EFTA trade bill at third readingStockwell Day moved third reading of Bill C-2 to implement the Canada-EFTA free trade agreement and related agriculture accords. Day said the measure forms part of a wider plan to expand global trade during economic difficulty. Peter Stoffer questioned the adequacy of shipbuilding support measures contained in the bill.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  9. 59Thursday, March 12, 2009 · sitting No. 29House concurs in report reaffirming parliamentary privilegesThe House spent the largest share of its time on committee business. Liberal MP Paul Szabo presented the third report of the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics, which recommends that the House reaffirm the privileges, powers and immunities of the House of Commons without change. After consultations among parties, the House gave unanimous consent to concur in the report.2 votes · 4 bills moved
  10. 66Wednesday, March 11, 2009 · sitting No. 28Commons debates Canada-EFTA trade pact at report stageThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on report stage of Bill C-2, the Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. New Democratic MP Nathan Cullen argued that the bill's tariff provisions on ships would harm Canadian shipyards and urged the government to split that section from the rest of the legislation. Bloc Québécois MP Serge Cardin said the government had failed to provide impact studies on the agreement's effects on Quebec.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  11. 70Tuesday, March 10, 2009 · sitting No. 27Bloc motion faults forestry aid in supply debateThe House spent most of the day on a Bloc Québécois supply motion moved by Robert Bouchard that criticized the government's $170 million forestry allocation over two years as inadequate for Quebec and the rest of Canada. Bouchard called for a comprehensive plan instead of extensions to existing programs. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal supported the need for a national plan while Conservative MP Cathy McLeod pointed to pine-beetle funding already provided in British Columbia.3 votes · 1 bill moved
  12. 59Monday, March 9, 2009 · sitting No. 26Liberals move opposition day motion on research fundingLiberal MP Marc Garneau moved an opposition day motion calling on the government to reinvest in research, science and innovation with long-term, predictable and globally competitive federal funding. The motion, which occupied 44 per cent of the sitting, charged that the government has failed to improve Canada’s research funding to build a competitive knowledge-based economy.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  13. 49Friday, March 6, 2009 · sitting No. 25NDP seeks to delete clause in Canada-EFTA trade bill amid shipbuilding concernsThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-2, the Canada-EFTA Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. NDP MP Peter Julian moved to delete Clause 33, which he said the shipbuilding industry has labelled a sellout, while Conservative MP Richard Harris defended the measure and said it imposes no new procurement obligations on Canadian governments.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  14. 58Thursday, March 5, 2009 · sitting No. 24NDP employment insurance motion leads Commons debateThe House spent most of the day on an opposition motion moved by New Democrat MP Chris Charlton that calls on the government to expand eligibility for employment insurance, eliminate the two-week waiting period and reduce the qualifying period to 360 hours. The motion remains before the House after debate that included interventions by Conservative MP Ed Komarnicki, Liberal MP Michael Savage and Bloc Québécois MP Yves Lessard.0 votes · 3 bills moved
  15. 71Wednesday, March 4, 2009 · sitting No. 23Commons advances budget bill after Liberals agree to support itThe House spent the largest share of its time on the budget implementation bill, which the Liberals said they would allow to pass despite serious concerns over accountability measures and the pace of infrastructure spending. Members from several parties questioned the government's request for a $3 billion fund and its failure to spend previously approved infrastructure money before the March 31 deadline.2 votes · 2 bills moved
  16. 70Tuesday, March 3, 2009 · sitting No. 22Commons advances budget bill after report-stage motion passesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate at report stage of Bill C-10, the budget implementation act. Government House leader Gordon O'Connor secured consent for a motion that deemed all questions at report stage put and recorded divisions deferred to later the same day.9 votes · 2 bills moved
  17. 72Monday, March 2, 2009 · sitting No. 21Commons debates budget bill as Liberals press Harper on recessionThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-10, the Budget Implementation Act, 2009. Liberal MP Paul Szabo told the House the bill contained measures unrelated to stimulus and criticized the inclusion of a national securities regulator. Bloc Québécois MP Paul Crête said the legislation followed an American model that allowed unrelated policy changes.0 votes · 6 bills moved

February

  1. 47Friday, February 27, 2009 · sitting No. 20Bloc and NDP seek to delete clauses from budget bill as house debates implementationThe House devoted the largest share of its time to government orders on the Budget Implementation Act 2009. Bloc Québécois MP Mario Laframboise moved six motions to delete clauses including clause 6 on tax havens while NDP MP Thomas Mulcair moved ten motions to delete clauses 445 through 454. Debate focused on the absence of job protections and the retention of provisions allowing use of tax havens.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  2. 63Thursday, February 26, 2009 · sitting No. 19Liberals urge direct gas-tax style transfers for municipal infrastructureLiberal MP Gerard Kennedy moved an opposition motion calling on the government to transfer at least half its proposed new infrastructure funding directly to municipalities on a per-capita basis over the next two years without additional conditions. The motion remained before the House at the end of the day after several hours of debate that included exchanges with Conservative MP Ed Fast and Bloc Québécois MP Mario Laframboise.1 vote · 3 bills moved
  3. 61Wednesday, February 25, 2009 · sitting No. 18Commons advances marine liability bill in extended debateThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for Bill C-7, which amends the Marine Liability Act to strengthen compensation rules for oil spills and passenger claims. Parliamentary secretary Brian Jean told members the changes would align Canada with international conventions and ensure polluters pay. Opposition members questioned the timing and adequacy of the measures during the committee stage.0 votes · 9 bills moved
  4. 40Tuesday, February 24, 2009 · sitting No. 17Bloc motion on securities regulator and equalization takes most of supply dayThe House spent most of the day on a Bloc motion moved by MP Jean-Yves Laforest that called on the government to renounce plans for a national securities commission and changes to the equalization formula. Conservative MP Diane Ablonczy defended voluntary participation in a national regulator. NDP MP Charlie Angus questioned the lack of corporate accountability measures and raised concerns about provincial jurisdiction.1 vote · 0 bills moved
  5. 71Monday, February 23, 2009 · sitting No. 16Arctic waters bill advances amid economic and auto debatesThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act. Minister of Transport John Baird told the House the measure would extend Canadian jurisdiction to 200 nautical miles and strengthen environmental protections. Several members questioned the minister on enforcement funding and economic development in the North.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  6. 48Friday, February 13, 2009 · sitting No. 15Commons debates amendments to dangerous goods transport actThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on government orders for Bill C-9 to amend the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act 1992. New Democratic Party MP Dennis Bevington said the bill would grant the minister excessive powers without transparency. Conservative MP Kevin Sorenson asked whether the member supported the security measures in the legislation.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  7. 67Thursday, February 12, 2009 · sitting No. 14Budget bill debate leads Commons sitting as parties clash on climateThe House spent the largest share of its time on second reading of Bill C-10, the budget implementation act. New Democratic Party MP John Rafferty criticized the inclusion of changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act and other measures he called ideological riders unrelated to stimulus. Liberal MP Derek Lee said he would support the bill despite its imperfections because it forms part of the government's stimulus effort.6 votes · 10 bills moved
  8. 47Wednesday, February 11, 2009 · sitting No. 13Commons advances budget bill amid Liberal-Conservative cooperationThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on debate of the budget implementation bill. Members from the Bloc Québécois criticized the legislation for harming Quebec through changes to equalization and other transfers while Liberal and Conservative MPs defended its measures to address the economic downturn.0 votes · 2 bills moved
  9. 66Tuesday, February 10, 2009 · sitting No. 12Commons advances budget implementation act after committee reportsThe House spent the largest share of the sitting on second reading of the budget implementation act. Bloc Québécois MP Monique Guay said the bill lacked exceptional measures for Quebec and Canada during the economic crisis. NDP MP Claude Gravelle asked how Liberal women could support provisions he said harmed women.0 votes · 13 bills moved
  10. 69Monday, February 9, 2009 · sitting No. 11Commons opens second reading of budget bill amid job lossesThe House began second reading of Bill C-10, the budget implementation act, which Conservative MP Gordon O'Connor moved be read a second time and referred to committee. O'Connor said the bill contains infrastructure spending, tax changes and training measures to stimulate employment during economic upheaval. Liberal MP John Cannis pressed O'Connor on delivery timelines for infrastructure funds, noting past shortfalls in the building Canada program.0 votes · 4 bills moved
  11. 63Friday, February 6, 2009 · sitting No. 10Commons advances not-for-profit corporations bill as job losses spark clashesThe House spent the largest share of its sitting on Government Orders for Bill C-4, An Act respecting not-for-profit corporations and certain other corporations. Liberal MP Marc Garneau said the bill originated with the Liberal Party a decade earlier to update governance rules for not-for-profit organizations. NDP MP Bruce Hyer said the 170-page bill would impose excessive record-keeping on small groups such as legions while treating them the same as large charities.0 votes · 6 bills moved
  12. 65Thursday, February 5, 2009 · sitting No. 9Liberals press US trade protection fight as vote deferredThe House spent the largest share of its time on an opposition motion from Liberal MP Scott Brison that urges the government to press the United States administration and Congress to respect existing trade agreements and avoid new protectionist steps. The motion, moved during the business of supply, remained before the House at the end of the sitting after all parties agreed to defer the recorded division until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10.2 votes · 8 bills moved
  13. 63Wednesday, February 4, 2009 · sitting No. 8Commons debates Canada-EFTA trade bill as auto sector crisis dominates question periodThe House spent the largest portion of the sitting debating Bill C-2 to implement the free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association states. New Democratic MP Brian Masse said the agreement lacked a coherent industrial strategy and risked supply management in agriculture. Conservative members defended the measure as opening new markets while opposition speakers pressed for stronger protections for Canadian shipbuilding and auto sectors.0 votes · 5 bills moved
  14. 67Tuesday, February 3, 2009 · sitting No. 7Commons debates budget as opposition faults US trade moves and forestry aidThe House spent the majority of its sitting on debate of the budget. Liberal MP Irwin Cotler welcomed certain measures in the plan while noting flaws that required improvement. NDP MP Brian Masse challenged Cotler for supporting the budget despite criticizing it.1 vote · 5 bills moved
  15. 69Monday, February 2, 2009 · sitting No. 6Commons advances Canada-EFTA trade bill amid U.S. protectionism fearsThe House spent most of the day on second reading of Bill C-2 to implement the Canada-EFTA free trade agreement. International Trade Minister Stockwell Day moved the bill and defended tariff phase-outs for vessels while responding to concerns from NDP MP Peter Julian and Bloc MP Serge Cardin about shipbuilding supports.1 vote · 9 bills moved

January

  1. 33Friday, January 30, 2009 · sitting No. 5Budget debate dominates Commons as Liberals place government on probationGovernment Orders on the budget consumed 41 per cent of the sitting, the largest single item. Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal said the document was a more realistic response than the November fiscal update and credited opposition pressure for forcing the government to acknowledge the recession. He added that the Liberal caucus had placed the Prime Minister and the budget on probation after coast-to-coast consultations.0 votes · 0 bills movedWent nowhere
  2. 70Thursday, January 29, 2009 · sitting No. 4Commons debates budget as protectionism concerns surface in question periodThe House devoted most of the sitting to debate on the budget. The government motion remained before the House at the end of the day.1 vote · 11 bills moved
  3. 68Wednesday, January 28, 2009 · sitting No. 3Budget debate takes up most of commons time as liberals offer qualified backingThe budget consumed the largest portion of the sitting under government orders. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff said the document contained positive measures adopted under Liberal pressure yet remained flawed on child care, the environment and pay equity. He placed the government on probation while indicating Liberal support for passage.0 votes · 7 bills moved
  4. 64Tuesday, January 27, 2009 · sitting No. 2Finance minister tables budget forecasting $34 billion deficitFinance Minister Jim Flaherty presented the 2009 budget in the House, describing it as Canada's economic action plan to stimulate growth and protect Canadians during the global recession. The document forecasts a $34 billion deficit for the current year.0 votes · 14 bills moved
  5. 70Monday, January 26, 2009 · sitting No. 1Throne speech reply debate takes up most of Commons openingThe address in reply to the speech from the throne occupied 68 per cent of the sitting as members began debate on the government's economic priorities. Conservative MP Tilly O'Neill-Gordon told the House that pre-budget consultations had taken place across the country, including in Miramichi, and that the government was prepared to act on the resulting economic plan.0 votes · 18 bills moved