2022 Parliamentary Gift Guide

Always Available

Treat yo’ self! These items are guaranteed to be in stock well past the holiday season. 

Tax credits, rent subsidies, & dental care

Bill C-30 received Royal Assent in late October and amended the Income Tax Act, doubling the GST/HST credit for six months, effectively increasing the maximum annual credit amounts by 50% for the 2022-2023 benefit year. The government released benefits in July and October; the next payment is scheduled for January. Low-income households, especially seniors and parents, were prioritized based on need. 

Bill C-31 received Royal Assent in late November, making good on promises outlined in the Liberal-NDP Confidence and Supply Agreement. It introduced the Canada Dental Benefit, ensuring the minority government maintains the confidence of the house for just a little while longer. Earlier this year, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called it “the deliverable for 2022” and said there was “no room for error.” After the first week, it appears he might not get everything he asked for. The bill also introduced a one-time payment of $500 to low-income renters. 

Paid sick leave 

Canadian unions were particularly pleased to see the implementation of paid sick leave in federally-regulated sectors such as banking, couriers, telecommunications, and transportation. Anyone employed in a federally-regulated workplace for 30 days before December 31, 2022, qualifies for paid sick leave starting January 1, 2023. 

Track Your Shipment 

Our delivery agents are working around the clock to get your orders in before the holidays!

Yes, We Can-Con!

Bill C-11, the Online Streaming Act, seeks to mandate previously unregulated streaming platforms such as Netflix, Tik Tok, and Youtube under the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), drawing criticism from several corners and support from others.  It is yet to be determined whether C-11 gets past the finish line with as little as five days left before the Senate is expected to rise for the holidays. Last week, the Senate introduced several amendments at committee stage during a series of lengthy meetings, including significant changes to the type of content that would fall under the CRTC’s purview.  

Moving toward ReconciliACTION

Bill C-29 proposes a national council for reconciliation by establishing an Indigenous-led non-profit organization to monitor, evaluate, and report on progress toward reconciliation in Canada. Budget 2019 pledged $126 million toward establishing it, but it’s taken almost three years to start rolling the ball. The bill received unanimous consent in the House, with all 315 present members voting in favour. The bill is now off to the Senate. 

FES’ Up, Already 

Bill C-32 moved expeditiously through the House shortly after being tabled. The bill is now before the Senate, where committee pre-study was already completed last month. One would expect nothing less for the Fall Economic Implementation Act. It contained key promises from the recent Fall Economic Statement and a few outstanding items from Budget 2022’s commitments earlier this year. Despite its frugality (relative to other FES’ from the Trudeau government), the FES eliminated interest on federal student loans, cracked down on labour code violations, and invested in programs for workers, clean energy, and private sector growth. Need a refresher? Review our analysis here

You Wish (List)!

With items on backorder, these bills need additional time. We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Expect updates in the new year. 

Extra, Extra! Read All About It! 

Bill C-18 was proposed as a proverbial life raft for a shrinking Canadian journalism industry that would simultaneously address the threat and consequences of online disinformation. The government, online platforms, journalists, consumers, and other industry experts all agree that combatting disinformation and foreign interference is necessary. Still, they can’t find a consensus on how to approach the “two biggest threats facing the country’s electoral system.” However, experts also agree that the government cannot, and should not, be the “arbitrator of truth, or intent.” A bill, by any other name, is still just that. The Standing Committee on Heritage tabled its report late Friday afternoon, and the House will debate the bill this week, but it is not expected to be much closer to fruition before the holiday break. 

Ruffled about Rifles

Bill C-21 has drawn the ire of many across the country by proposing to ban a wider variety of guns than many previously expected. Last week, Chiefs at the Assembly of First Nations passed an emergency resolution to reject the proposed gun-control legislation publicly, citing possible infringement on their treaty rights. Hunting communities and rural residents have raised concerns, causing the Prime Minister to quickly reassure them that hunting rifles and shotguns would not be banned. That wasn’t enough to quell concerns for Liberal MP Brendan Hanley, who stated he wouldn’t support the bill as-is and called for additional consultation. 

Canada Disability Act, Take Two

Bill C-22: Progress on the Canada Disability Act was stalled by the 2021 federal election, but things look hopeful this time around. If passed, it would introduce the Canada Disability Benefit, an employment strategy for Canadians with disabilities, and an overhaul of the eligibility assessment process. It is currently being considered in committee. 

All In Favour, Say AI

Bill C-27 is meant to replace existing privacy legislation with a new set of rules governing personal data and artificial intelligence use. Following the debate on November 28th, the Speaker agreed to put the bill to two separate votes – one for Parts 1 and 2 and a second vote for Part 3. While Parts 1 and 2 are likely to pass second reading, Part 3 has been subject to more criticism from opposition parties and is considered the most contentious part of the bill. More information about how the bill proceeds will come in the new year and is eagerly anticipated.

New Releases

Take a sneak peek at the federal government’s 2023 collection!

Bill C-34: Innovation, Science and Industry Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, tabled the Investment Canada Act last Wednesday evening. Champagne said Canada needed to be more “vigilant” about foreign investments, citing the evolving threats to national security. 
Bill C-35: Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, introduced legislation attempting to enshrine into law the involvement of the federal government in supporting childcare through long-term funding.