-From our friends at Global Public Affairs
Ottawa Update: The House of Commons Rises for the Summer Break |
| With the House of Commons rising last night, Members of Parliament have said ‘until next time’ to their colleagues, various legislative items, and to the high level of partisan rhetoric and parliamentary delays which have marked recent weeks in Ottawa as the current sitting approached its end. These last several weeks have seen a wide range of topics emerge, including the launch of a new national biodiversity strategy, new immigration numbers, rising home prices, and ongoing government spending (and questions being asked about that spending by opposition parties in the House and at Parliamentary Committees). Many questions remain, and we will be watching closely as the break kicks in and MPs head back to their ridings, the summer BBQ circuit, and the Calgary Stampede. While Parliamentarians and their staff will quickly empty out of Ottawa and all activity on the Hill grinds to a halt, there is nonetheless other government business that will continue through the summer. Among others, the House Finance Committee has just launched its consultations in the lead-up to the 2025 federal budget. Submissions from stakeholders can be shared until August 2 and more information is available here . For ease of reference, AMPPE has highlighted relevant legislative items, either working through the House of Commons and Senate, or which have gained royal assent between January 2024 and now, are below: – C- Historic Places of Canada Act – at second reading in the House of Commons. – C-33: Strengthening the Port System and Railway Safety in Canada Act – at report stage in the House of Commons. – C-52: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in the Transportation System Act – at second reading in the House of Commons. – C-73: Nature Accountability Act – at second reading in the House of Commons. C-74: Appropriation Act No.2, 2024-25 – at third reading in the Senate. – C-226: National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act – awaiting royal assent. – C-248: An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act (Ojibway National Urban Park of Canada) – at consideration in committee at the Senate. C-252: Child Health – C-293: Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness Act – at second reading in the Senate. – C-317: National Strategy on Flood and Drought Forecasting Act – at second reading in the Senate. – C-396: Stopping the Tax on the Carbon Tax Act – at second reading in the House of Commons. – An Act to amend the National Housing Strategy Act – at second reading in the House of Commons. – S-14: Protecting Canada’s Natural Wonders Act – at second reading in the House of Commons. |