Today in Parliament: Parliament returns

The House of Commons returns Monday with Bill C-10, the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act, at third reading, sponsored by Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty. The bill would create an independent commissioner to monitor and report on the federal government’s implementation of modern treaties, most of which were negotiated with Indigenous nations in British Columbia and the North over the past four decades. With a majority government, passage at third reading is largely assured, sending the bill to the Senate. At the bill’s last debate on April 21, Jean-Denis Garon (BQ) said: “Although we support Bill C-10, in a way it is also disappointing that we have had to resort to this measure to ensure that the treaties are properly implemented. This legislation establishes an office of a commissioner. The commissioner will be able to make recommendations and submit a report. However, this commissioner lacks any real authority.” Conservatives have also questioned whether the office will deliver measurable results, while the Bloc has signalled support despite reservations about the commissioner’s powers. Modern treaty holders have long argued that Ottawa lacks a dedicated mechanism to hold departments accountable for implementing negotiated obligations, and the bill responds to that longstanding request. Also on the Order Paper are four ways and means motions from Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne, tabled Nov. 4, 2025. They would amend the Income Tax Act and Income Tax Regulations, the Excise Tax Act, the Underused Housing Tax Act and the Select Luxury Items Tax Act. Ways and means motions are the procedural vehicle for tax legislation, and their adoption clears the way for a bill implementing the measures. Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, sponsored by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, is also listed at second reading. The bill sets out measures relating to security along the Canada-U.S. border and other related security matters. Bill C-28, the Canadian Space Launch Act, sponsored by Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, is listed for second reading. The bill would establish a regulatory framework for commercial space launches and re-entries from Canadian territory. At the bill’s last debate on April 28, Mike Kelloway (Lib.) argued: “Right now, despite all of our talent, all of our innovation and all of our history, Canada is the only G7 country without domestic launch capability.” Dan Albas, the Conservative MP for Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, has written for The Hub on how Canada can succeed in space, and in the Commons has raised concerns about the absence of a statutory duty to consult defence and intelligence agencies in the bill. Three private members’ bills are at report stage: Terry Beech’s Bill C-222, which would amend the Employment Insurance Act and Canada Labour Code regarding the death of a child; Jeff Kibble’s Bill C-235, which would increase parole ineligibility under the Criminal Code; and Tatiana Auguste’s Bill C-241, which would establish a national flood and drought forecasting strategy. All three were reported back from committee with amendments. A series of government bills await second reading, including Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, Bill C-35 on the prohibition of forced-labour imports, Bill C-36, the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, and Bill C-37 on water infrastructure on First Nation lands. Private members’ bills C-255 and C-270, both Criminal Code amendments, are also listed. A Conservative opposition motion from Andrew Scheer calling for the repeal of former Bills C-5 and C-75 remains on notice for the supply period ending Dec. 10, with seven allotted days remaining. Question Period begins at 2:15 p.m. ET. The House of Commons reconvenes with Bill C-10, the Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation Act, at third reading, aimed at establishing an independent commissioner to oversee the federal government’s implementation of modern treaties with Indigenous nations. While the bill is expected to pass due to the majority government, concerns have been raised regarding the commissioner’s authority and effectiveness. Other significant items on the agenda include various tax-related motions and bills addressing border security, space launch regulations, and private members’ bills on employment insurance and criminal justice. Question Period is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET. Ask about this article — or anything in Canadian politics, economics, and public policy — powered by The Hub’s 5,000-article archive and deep area expertise. Comments (0)