Monday, April 13, 2026
ADVT 
National

Five things from the first question period of Canada's 45th Parliament

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 29 May, 2025 11:32 AM
  • Five things from the first question period of Canada's 45th Parliament

Prime Minister Mark Carney faced questions and criticisms from opposition parties during the first question period of Canada's 45th Parliament.

Here's a quick look at how the first day went.

Elbows down?

Former party leader Andrew Scheer led the Conservatives in the Commons Wednesday afternoon during Prime Minister Mark Carney's first-ever question period.

In his opening remarks, Scheer, now the leader of the Opposition in the House, argued that Carney was "elbows up" during the election campaign but had since brought them down.

Carney said Canada's tariffs have a maximum impact on the U.S. and a minimal impact on Canada. 

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet also pressed Carney on tariffs and said that while he ran on the issue during the campaign, there was no reference to tariffs in Tuesday's throne speech. Carney said the speech included words about transformation and that the Liberals have a "daring plan" to respond to the crisis. 

Hello from the other side 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was excluded from question period today after losing his seat.

In a press conference held in the foyer outside the House of Commons chamber before question period began, the Conservative leader told reporters he'd love to be in the chamber.

Instead, it was Bruce Fanjoy, the new Liberal MP who defeated Poilievre in Carleton, on the inside. He even got a standing ovation, cheers and applause. Fanjoy said in his remarks that he'd never take the honour for granted, mirroring his previous comments about Poilievre's failures in representing his constituents. 

Those watching question period from the room included P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and former Ottawa mayor Jim Watson.

The "man with the plan" questioned over budget delay 

Throughout question period, Conservatives pushed back on the Liberals' plan to delay the release of a budget until the fall.

Scheer questioned why Carney, the "man with the plan and the guy we hire in a crisis," wouldn't table a budget before going on "summer vacation."

The prime minister quipped back that the 100-day plan released during the election by Pierre Poilievre - who he referred to as the "former member for Carleton" -  also didn't include plans to table a budget. Carney said his government's plan includes introducing legislation for "nation-building projects" and one Canadian economy "immediately."

Everything old is new again?

In the first few minutes of question period, Scheer made remarks about Carney's government not being much different from the previous one, including by saying that "he didn't take long to pick up old Liberal habits of not being able to answer questions." 

Answering a question about pipelines, Carney emphasized that his "new" government is acting immediately to grow the economy, with his response receiving loud laughs from opposition parties. 

The Liberals were also pressed on energy, crime and housing during question period. MPs repeatedly mentioned the government's plans to cut taxes. 

One is the loneliest number

The NDP was only able to ask one question today after losing official party status and being reduced to just seven seats in last month's election.

Without official party status, the seven NDP MPs are officially considered independents, and despite their small number, aren't even all able to sit together. Five are on one side, and two are on the other.

Interim NDP Leader Don Davies, who said the speaker agreed to give the NDP seven questions per week in question period, used his allotted time Wednesday to push the government to bring Canada's jobless rate down and protect workers in the face of tariffs.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada extending tax credit for investors in critical mineral exploration

Canada extending tax credit for investors in critical mineral exploration
The federal government is extending a tax break for those investing in critical mineral exploration. Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson made the announcement today at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada convention in Toronto.

Canada extending tax credit for investors in critical mineral exploration

Canada waiting to see if Trump starts North American trade war with steep tariffs

Canada waiting to see if Trump starts North American trade war with steep tariffs
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told CNN on Monday that he would be discussing the tariffs with Trump throughout the day. The billionaire financier said Canada and Mexico had done a good job on enhancing border security but more needed to be done to stop the flow of deadly fentanyl.

Canada waiting to see if Trump starts North American trade war with steep tariffs

CRTC delays implementation of next-generation 911 service for two years

CRTC delays implementation of next-generation 911 service for two years
Next-generation 911 service — which would allow Canadians to send texts or video to summon help — won’t be implemented for another two years. The CRTC had set Tuesday as the date for transitioning to next-generation 911 but the telecom regulator now says it has moved that deadline to March 2027.

CRTC delays implementation of next-generation 911 service for two years

"Nothing more than a distraction," says B.C. forest minister on Trump's lumber order

President Trump on Saturday signed a pair of actions to increase domestic lumber production, including appointing a directive for the Commerce Department to investigate the possible harms that lumber imports pose to national security.

"Nothing more than a distraction," says B.C. forest minister on Trump's lumber order

Canadian Ukrainian community 'shocked' and 'angry' at Zelenskyy's treatment

Canadian Ukrainian community 'shocked' and 'angry' at Zelenskyy's treatment
Trump berated Zelenskyy for being “disrespectful” in an Oval Office meeting, then abruptly called off the signing of a minerals deal that Trump said would have moved Ukraine closer to ending its war with Russia.

Canadian Ukrainian community 'shocked' and 'angry' at Zelenskyy's treatment

Province spent more promoting cost-savings than advertising vaccines, documents show

Province spent more promoting cost-savings than advertising vaccines, documents show
The Manitoba government has spent or budgeted more than $340,000 for advertising campaigns promoting its fuel tax and electricity savings — more than it spent last year on ads to persuade people to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19, suggest government documents. And with flu numbers continuing to rise this winter, and vaccination rates trending lower, there are calls for more spending on a vaccination campaign.

Province spent more promoting cost-savings than advertising vaccines, documents show