What We’re Watching
- The Bank of Canada raised the interest rate to 1.5 per cent last week, and the deputy Bank of Canada governor warned key interest rates could rise above the previous 3 per cent target.
- Former Finance Minister Bill Morneau publicly criticized Prime Minister Trudeau’s economic policies, saying the PM was too focused on wealth redistribution and not enough on economic growth. Trudeau defended his record and pointed out that Morneau helped shape major redistribution programs like the Canada Child Benefit.
- The deadline for signing up new members to vote in the Conservative Party leadership race passed on Friday. While obtaining an official number of memberships sold is difficult, Party insiders suggest more memberships were sold in this race than in any previous leadership race.
In the House
- Opposition MPs are calling for Cabinet transparency after a long list of secret orders-in-council came to light.
- Government priorities in the House this week are Bill C-19, the Budget Implementation Act, and Bill C-5, regarding mandatory minimum sentences. Both bills are sitting at report stage. Third reading will follow once MPs have a chance to propose and debate report stage amendments.
Legislation and Committee Updates
- Minister of Defence Anita Anand will be at NDDN this afternoon for a post-CANSEC appearance, alongside officials. The committee is set to go over main estimates.
- FINA will consider the committee’s draft report on the invocation of the Emergencies Act before tabling its report in the House.
- AGRI meets today to discuss global food insecurity.
- INAN convenes on Tuesday, June 7 to discuss Arctic sovereignty, security and emergency preparedness of Indigenous peoples, as well as the effects of the housing shortage on Indigenous peoples across Canada.
In the Senate
- Bill C-233 has been introduced at its first reading in the Senate. It is an act to amend the Criminal Code and the Judges Act related to violence against an intimate partner.
Legislation and Committee Updates
- The Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples continues to discuss Bill C-19 on Tuesday, June 6th.
- The Senate National Security and Defence Committee meets on Tuesday, June 6th to discuss Bill S-7, An Act to amend the Customs Act and the Preclearance Act.
- The Senate Official Languages Committee continues their study on Francophone immigration to minority communities on Tuesday, June 6th.
ICYMI
- Minister of Public Safety Marco Mendicino introduced Bill C-21, an act that brings in stricter firearms regulations.
- The House adopted Bill C-18, the Online News Act, at second reading and referred it to the CHPC committee.
- The House defeated the Conservative opposition day motion regarding removing federal mandate rules for travel and other services.
Provincial Updates
#ONPoli
- Premier Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives won their 2nd majority in the Ontario General Election last Thursday.
- Both NDP leader Andrea Horwath and Liberal leader Steven Del Duca announced their resignations following poorer than expected showings.
- Ontario recorded its lowest voter turnout in election history, with only 43.5% of eligible voters heading to the polls.
#ABPoli
- The UCP leadership race is heating up with four candidates now officially in the running. This includes former Finance Minister Travis Toews; former Wildrose Party leaders Danielle Smith and Brian Jean; and, Todd Loewn, an Independent MLA.
#BCPoli
- B.C. announced the granting of a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). This removes criminal penalties for people possessing a small amount of certain illicit substances for personal use.
#ATLPoli
- More Nova Scotia families will now have access to licensed early learning and child care following an announcement by Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Karina Gould.
- New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs defended his government’s inflation relief program, amidst complaints that it did not go far enough.
- Nova Scotia ruled out a second package of inflation relief.
