Legislative Reports

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The Senate

The First Session of the Forty-fourth Parliament was prorogued by Proclamation of Governor General Mary May Simon on, January 6. Subsequently, the Forty-fourth Parliament was dissolved by Proclamation of the Governor General on March 23, with the federal general election scheduled to occur on April 28.

Senators

Senator Nancy J. Hartling retired from the Senate on February 1st. She was appointed to the Senate on October 27, 2016, on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to represent the province of New Brunswick. Prior to joining the Senate, Senator Hartling founded Support to Single Parents Inc. in 1982 and remained its director until 2016. She also helped to create St. James Court Inc., a non-profit housing complex that provides single parents with affordable housing. She spent much of her career advocating for women’s issues and was a lecturer on family violence issues at the University of New Brunswick. During her tenure as a senator, she was a member of several committees, including the Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights, the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples, and the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais retired from the Senate on February 2. Appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on January 17, 2012, he represented the Senate division of Victoria in Québec. Before being appointed to the Senate, he spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement with the Sûreté du Québec police force before retiring in 2011 and worked for the Association des policières et policiers provinciaux du Québec for a number of years. During his tenure in the Senate, he served as vice-chair of the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs and was a member of, among others, the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance, and the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages.

During the quarter covered by this article, the following senators were appointed on the recommendation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau:

• on February 7, Baltej Singh Dhillon to represent British Columbia, Martine Hébert to represent the division of Victoria, Québec, and Todd Lewis to represent Saskatchewan;
• on February 14, Danièle Henkel for the division of Alma, Québec;
• on February 28, Duncan Wilson to represent British Columbia; and
• on March 7, Dawn Arnold for New Brunswick, Robert (Tony) Ince for Nova Scotia, as well as Katherine Hay, Farah Mohamed and Sandra Pupatello for Ontario.

At the time of writing, they had not yet been introduced and taken their seat in the Senate.

Senator Dhillon is a former police officer who was the first Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer to be allowed to wear a turban. During a nearly 30-year career in the national police force that saw him rise to the rank of inspector, he took part in several high-profile cases. He served as head of the British Columbia RCMP Provincial Intelligence Centre, composed of RCMP, Canadian Security Intelligence Service and municipal police service members and civilian staff, where he participated in Major Crimes and Polygraph, his previous areas of expertise. Since 2019, Senator Dhillon has worked with British Columbia’s anti-gang agency, while remaining active in his community as a youth leader.

Senator Hébert is a renowned economist, former Québec diplomat, and public figure with over 25 years of experience in economic relations, governance, and public affairs. She has made significant contributions to the economic development of Québec and Canada, notably during her time as Québec’s Delegate to Chicago and later to New York City. She is also the former Senior Vice-President and National French Spokesperson for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Senator Lewis is a fourth-generation farmer and a dedicated champion for Saskatchewan’s agricultural community. He is the former President of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and currently serves as the first Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. A lifelong volunteer, he has been a strong voice for his community on numerous boards and working groups, and he continues to give back through his work as a municipal councilor.

Senator Henkel is a businesswoman, strategic advisor, mentor, coach, speaker, and respected author with more than 30 years of expertise. She is the founder of Entreprises Danièle Henkel Inc., Académie Danièle Henkel, and the Henkel Média digital platform, which provides tools for the entrepreneurial community. She has shared her expertise with numerous organizations to advance causes close to her heart, including the fight against cancer, and has received various awards and recognitions.

Senator Wilson is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning the maritime sector, government, and not-for-profit organizations. This includes 21 years at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, where he most recently served as Vice-President of Environment and External Affairs. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for marine conservation, climate action, and sustainable development, helping shape policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Senator Arnold is an accomplished public servant and a valued leader in her community. She brings over 30 years of experience in municipal government, community development, and publishing. In 2016, she made history as the first woman to serve as Mayor of Moncton. She was also previously Councillor-at- Large with the City of Moncton, earning a reputation for transparency and leadership in sustainable city- building, and has served on the boards of numerous organizations.

Senator Ince is a former Member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia, where he represented and served his community for 11 years. He is a strong advocate for social justice, equity, and diversity, particularly within African Nova Scotian communities. Beyond his political career, he also contributed to advancing diversity and inclusion across the province and Canada, including as co-founder and co-Chair of the Canadian Congress of Black Parliamentarians, where he advocated for Black Canadians’ rights.

Senator Hay is a not-for-profit executive and long- time champion for mental health care for children and youth. Since taking on her current role as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kids Help Phone in 2017, she has transformed the organization into Canada’s only national, 24/7, multilingual e-mental health service for young people. Prior to this, she worked as President and CEO of the Women’s College Hospital Foundation, where she led record-breaking fundraising efforts to support women’s health.

Senator Mohamed has spent 30 years working alongside politicians, philanthropists, and business leaders to improve the lives of Canadians, especially young people, newcomers, and women. She is the current CEO of The King’s Trust Canada, a charity founded by King Charles III to help young people facing barriers increase their employability. She is also the former CEO of the Malala Fund and a recipient of the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal, among other distinctions.

Senator Pupatello is a former politician, an experienced businesswoman, and an advocate for Ontario’s economic growth and development. She is currently the President of Canadian International Avenues Ltd., a management consulting firm she founded following a distinguished 16-year career as a Member of Provincial Parliament. As Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, she led trade delegations around the world and provided steady leadership through a uniquely challenging economic climate.

Max Hollins

Procedural Clerk

British Columbia

First Session of the 43rd Parliament

The 43rd Parliament opened on February 18, 2025. The first item of business was the election of the Speaker, for which Raj Chouhan, MLA for Burnaby- New Westminster, was acclaimed for a second time. Speaker Chouhan was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 2005 and in 2020 he became the first person of South Asian heritage to serve as Speaker in any Canadian parliament. The Legislative Assembly also appointed three other Presiding Officers: Mable Elmore, BC NDP MLA for Vancouver-Kensington as Deputy Speaker; Lorne Doerkson, Conservative Party of British Columbia MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin as Assistant Deputy Speaker; and George Anderson, BC NDP MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville as Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole.

To mark the opening of the first session of the 43rd Parliament Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia delivered the first Speech from the Throne since her installation on January 30. The Speech from the Throne highlighted potential tariffs and annexation threats from the United States. It focused on the province’s economy, outlining the Government’s plans to diversify BC’s trading relationships, and support private-sector resource projects, as well as the technology, life sciences and film industries. The Speech from the Throne also emphasized strengthening access to health care and improving affordability.

During debate on the motion on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne, the Official Opposition expressed concerns about the Government’s previous budget deficits and their impact on the economy and affordability. The Official Opposition also raised concerns about the health care system, noting emergency room closures and a lack of available addiction treatment and recovery beds. The Third Party signalled support for the Government while also noting the need for more work in multiple areas, including housing affordability, access to health care, climate change, the toxic drug crisis, and economic uncertainty.

On February 26, Leader of the Official Opposition John Rustad moved, seconded by Official Opposition House Leader Á’a:líya Warbus, an amendment to the motion on the Address in Reply to add that the Government does not have the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. The amendment was defeated.

Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord

In December 2024, the BC NDP Caucus and the BC Green Party Caucus (the Third Party) reached an agreement in principle, the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord. The Accord provides a four-year framework for working together on shared policy initiatives and deliverables. It also establishes the basis for which the BC Green Party Caucus would support the Government in confidence matters before the House and is subject to annual renewal.

Party Standings

On March 7, Dallas Brodie, MLA for Vancouver- Quilchena, was removed from the Official Opposition Caucus and now sits as an Independent Member. Later that day, Tara Armstrong, MLA for Kelowna- Lake Country-Coldstream, and Jordan Kealy, MLA for Peace River North, left the Official Opposition Caucus to sit as Independent Members. As of writing, party standings are: 47 BC NDP, 41 Conservative Party of British Columbia, two BC Green Party, and three Independents.

Budget 2025-26 Presentation

On March 4, Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance, presented the 2025-26 provincial budget and tabled the 2025-26 Main Estimates. The budget focused on the province’s response to uncertainty around potential tariffs to be imposed by the United States, some of which were implemented the day the budget was presented. The budget proposed measures to diversify the economy, encourage investment, and expedite natural resource projects while maintaining $4 billion in annual contingencies to provide flexibility. The Official Opposition Critic for Finance, Peter Milobar, expressed concern with respect to the $11 billion budget deficit while noting that Government could have waited to introduce a budget with a more significant tariff response including more meaningful action to remove interprovincial trade barriers. Third Party House Leader Rob Botterell acknowledged the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord with the Government while stating that his party was disappointed to see that the budget did not fully address initiatives to continue promoting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, protecting the environment, or eliminating unemployment and poverty.

Ministerial Statements

On February 24, Premier David Eby, made a ministerial statement commemorating the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Premier stated that the free democratic world must uphold Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and emphasized that a threat to Ukraine was a threat to every nation wishing to remain independent. The Official Opposition House Leader recognized the long-lasting physical and psychological trauma of war which shapes communities as they face rebuilding. The Leader of the Third Party, Jeremy Valeriote, noted that peace efforts must be led by Ukraine while acknowledging the need for international support to rebuild based on Ukrainian interests.

On March 5, the Premier delivered a ministerial statement in response to tariffs imposed on certain Canadian goods and services by the United States the previous day. The Premier underlined the historic relationship between Canada and the United States and affirmed that Canada would remain a sovereign nation. The Leader of the Official Opposition remarked on the province’s vulnerability due to its reliance on the United States for resources, including electricity, food imports, and fuel refinement. The Third Party House Leader acknowledged the mental health impacts caused by the uncertainty of the situation and the need to support one another as livelihoods and cross-border relationships are impacted.

Statutory Officers

Victoria Gray was appointed Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner on January 6, following the conclusion of her five-year term as Commissioner. On February 19, the Government introduced Bill 2, Acting Conflict of Interest Commissioner Continuation Act. The Bill temporarily removes the application of a provision of the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act that terminates an acting appointment after the expiry of 20 sitting days, allowing the Acting Commissioner to continue in the role until a Commissioner is appointed. The practice in BC is to appoint a special committee to undertake a recruitment process to recommend an individual for appointment as Commissioner, a process which would likely take longer than the 20 sitting day limit. The Bill passed third reading on February 26. On February 24, the Special Committee to Appoint Statutory Officers was appointed to recommend the appointment of a Commissioner, as well as an Auditor General (for which an acting appointment is currently in place following the retirement of former Auditor General Michael Pickup in November 2024) and a Chief Electoral Officer (the current Chief Electoral Officer’s term is set to end in November 2025).

Speaker’s Statement

On February 20, the Speaker noted that the Chair would make procedural observations for the benefit of all Members of the House. The Speaker then clarified the difference between a point of order and a question of privilege following a “point of personal privilege” raised by a Member the previous day following Oral Question Period. The Speaker also clarified that a question of privilege is not for raising disputes, differences of opinion between Members, or rebuttals on matters that come up in debate. The Speaker highlighted that, even if raised as a point of order, it is not the role of the Chair to intervene on matters that amount to disagreements on the interpretation of information or of words spoken.

Private Members’ Time

The first Private Members’ Time under the new Standing Orders (see Canadian Parliamentary Review No. 3 2024) took place on February 24. On March 3, Bill M 202, Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, sponsored by Darlene Rotchford, MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, passed second reading and became the first bill committed to the new Select Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members’ Bills.

Danielle Migeon

Committee Researcher

Manitoba

2nd Session of the 43rd Legislature – Spring Sitting

The Second Session of the 43rd Legislature resumed on March 5, 2025.

The Government introduced a total of 43 Bills in time to meet the initial criteria for “Specified Bill” status and are therefore guaranteed to have all questions put before June 2 (subject to the Government meeting further deadline steps and the right of the Opposition to designate up to five of those Bills to be delayed until the Fall).

The Legislative agenda introduced this Spring includes:

• Bill 5 – The Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Impaired Driving Measures) imposes additional consequences when an impaired driving offence involves bodily injury or death. A lifetime licence suspension is imposed on a person who is convicted of two such offences committed within a 10-year period. Additionally, a person who is convicted of such an offence is prohibited from driving with any alcohol in their blood for a seven- year period;

• Bill 17 – The Public Schools Amendment Act (Nutrition Equality for Lasting Learning Outcomes), affectionately  known  as  NELLO’s  law,  to commemorate the recent passing of beloved MLA Nello Altomare, amends the legislation to ensure that every public school provides a free nutrition program consisting of meals and snacks to students every school day. The obligation to report on the school’s nutrition program established in May 2023 is carried forward. Cabinet ministers are subject to a 20 per cent ministerial salary reduction if a bill is passed to reduce or repeal the statutory obligation to provide a nutrition program;

• Bill 23 – The Public Interest Expression Defence Act allows for a defendant in a proceeding may bring a motion to dismiss the proceeding on the grounds that the proceeding arises from a communication made by the defendant on a matter of public interest.

• Bill 41 – The Reporting of Supports for Child Survivors of Sexual Assault Act (Trained Health Professionals and Evidence Collection Kits) amends the legislation for each health authority, the minister’s annual report to the Assembly is to include the number of children under 15 years of age assessed by specially trained health professionals rather than information about the health authority’s inventory of sexual assault evidence kits.

Budget Debate

On March 20, Finance Minister Adrien Sala delivered his second budget, which the Government claims contains the largest capital investment in Manitoba’s history to grow the economy, protect jobs and continue the government’s commitments to rebuild health care and lower costs for Manitobans. Some of the highlights included:

• investing a record $3.7 billion in capital projects, including new schools, emergency rooms, personal care homes, and critical infrastructure;
• adding nearly 18,000 new jobs with investments in Phase 2 of the North End Water Pollution Control Centre, Port of Churchill and Hudson Bay Rail Line, upgrades to Manitoba Hydro infrastructure, twinning the east Trans-Canada Highway and beginning work on the Lake St. Martin and Lake Manitoba outlet channels and Wasagamack Airport; and,
• lowering costs for families and businesses with an increase to the Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit, more access to free birth control, a reduction in payroll taxes, an extension of $10-a-day childcare into the summer, a new Business Security Rebate Program and making provincial park entry free for an entire year.

The Progressive Conservative interim Leader of the Official Opposition Wayne Ewasko moved a motion expressing non-confidence in the Government on March 27. MLA Ewasko was voted to serve as interim Leader on January 18, 2024, with a new leader due to be selected in May 2025.

The motion stated that the budget was not in the best interests of people in the province and that it neglected the priorities of Manitobans by:

• failing to address the rising costs that Manitobans are facing today by collecting over a billion dollars more in taxes and other fees while Cabinet Ministers receive a pay increase;
• failing to deliver a new education funding model, which in turn has resulted in a historic rise in education property taxes for Manitoban homeowners;
• failing to invest in the protection of Manitobans from violent crime;
• failing to provide necessary funding to maintain and repair Manitoba roads;
• failing to make effective use of government resources by disregarding years of collaborative work already conducted by the previous Provincial Government on numerous initiatives, such as a new public-school funding model, a comprehensive critical minerals strategy, an Indigenous excellence in education policy, a strategy to recruit and retain French-speaking educators, and consultations on Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin channels projects; and
• failing to provide a realistic plan to balance the budget by 2027

Condolence Motion – Nello Altomare

In late January, prior to the House the resuming, the Speaker agreed to allow the NDP Caucus to hold a memorial event for Nello Altomare in the Chamber. All MLAs as well as the Speaker and the Clerk were invited to attend. MLA Altomare’s family were also present in the Speaker’s Gallery. It was a brief but intimate event, with a few words from the Premier and some time for reflection. On March 12, Members from all parties in the House paid tribute to MLA Altomare when debating his condolence motion. The Premier moved that “this House convey to the family of the late Nello ALTOMARE, who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, its sincere sympathy in their bereavement and its appreciation of his devotion to duty in a useful life of active community and public service; and that the Speaker be requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the family.” The motion passed unanimously with all Members rising to observe a moment of silence.

Interim Supply

The Committee of the Whole considered and passed supply resolutions dealing with temporary funding for operating and capital expenditures until the 2025/26 fiscal year budget and the Main Supply process is completed later this session. The House also dealt with passing all stages of Interim Supply legislation resulting in Bill 25 – The Interim Appropriation Act, 2025 receiving Royal Assent on March 25.

By-election Results / MLA Resignation

On March 18, 2025, NDP candidate Shannon Corbett was elected in the Transcona riding formerly held Mr. Altomare. MLA Corbett was also an educator who was serving as Vice Principal of Transcona Collegiate who worked with former MLA Altomare in the school system, “and was honoured to count him as a mentor.” Corbett also served as fundraising chair for Altomare’s election wins. The Clerk’s Office will be providing MLA training for the recently elected MLA during the April constituency break week.

Another by-election will be scheduled for the Spruce Woods constituency as on March 24, Progressive Conservative MLA Grant Jackson announced his immediate resignation from the House to run as a candidate in the upcoming April federal election. MLA Jackson was first elected in 2023 provincial election and will be running in the constituency previously held by Larry Maguire, also a former MLA, who announced he would not be seeking re-election due to health concerns. Manitoba legislation states a by-election must be held within 180 days of a seat being declared vacant.

New Hansard Director

We are delighted to announce that Todd LaRue was appointed as the new Hansard Director, effective March 5. Todd has served the Assembly with distinction in several positions within Hansard since he first joined the Assembly in 1996. He began his career as a Proofreader and Transcriber and previously served as Production & Administration Manager.

Greg Recksiedler

Clerk Assistant/Research Clerk

New Brunswick

Budget

The First Session of the 61st Legislature adjourned on December 13, 2024 and resumed on March 18, 2025 when Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy tabled the 2025-2026 Main Estimates. This is the first budget delivered by the Liberal government led by Premier Susan Holt.

The 2025-2026 budget calculates a deficit of $549 million, with projected spending of $14.3 billion and projected revenues of $13.8 billion. The Department of Finance and Treasury Board estimates New Brunswick’s gross domestic product to grow by 1.1 per cent for 2025. The net debt-to-GDP ratio is projected at 26.6 per cent by March 31, 2026, which is estimated to be the lowest in the country east of Saskatchewan.

Highlights of the budget included $112 million for response to the challenges presented by the United States tariffs on Canadian goods, which includes $25 million in program funding to ensure businesses can remain competitive and to spur productivity, and

$50 million to face the uncertainty of tariffs and the potential impact on New Brunswickers and on the province’s economy. The government also announced that it is investing $293 million more than last year in the health-care system. This includes $30 million for community care clinics, $28.4 million to modernize technology and operational systems, and $15.9 million for physician remuneration. Other highlights included $36.6 million for the New Brunswick Housing  Corporation  to  address  the  significant housing challenges New Brunswickers face, an additional $32.4 million for educational assistants and behavioural intervention mentors, and $22 million for nursing homes and specialized beds to support the province’s aging population.

On March 20, finance critic Don Monahan delivered the Official Opposition’s Reply to the Budget. Monahan argued that the government’s decision to operate at a deficit will have long-term implications for the province. The Official Opposition argued that the budget does not follow a strategy for long-term economic stability and criticized the government’s use of tax-and-spend policies. It also critiqued the budget’s lack of funding for the expansion of the pharmacy pilot project, fiscal reform for municipalities, tourism, and the development of the liquified natural gas sector.

Emergency Debate on Tariffs

On March 19, at the request of Green Party Leader David Coon, the Legislative Assembly had its first emergency debate in almost 40 years on the impending U.S. tariffs on Canada, which were due to take full effect on April 2. Speaker Francine Landry agreed to allow the debate as all parties were in agreement that a discussion on the threat that tariffs pose to New Brunswick’s export-driven economy was urgently required.

Legislation

As of March 28, 16 bills were introduced during the spring session. Certain bills of note:

• Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Liquor Control Act, introduced by Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin, will eliminate long-standing interprovincial trade barriers by allowing consumers to buy alcohol directly from a province or territory identified in the regulations. Amendments will also eliminate personal exemption limits on liquor for people entering the province;
• Bill 7, An Act Respecting Travel Nurses, introduced by Health Minister John Dornan, will cancel the contract between Vitalité Health Network and Canadian Health Labs for travel nurse services, protecting the government from legal action and enabling it to focus on filling nursing vacancies on a permanent basis;
• Bill 8, An Act Respecting the Degree Granting Act, introduced by acting Post-secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, aims to make the process for launching new programs more efficient for some post- secondary institutions, which will align with the province’s evolving labour market needs;
• Bill 12, An Act to Repeal the Pension Plan Sustainability and Transfer Act, introduced by Mr. Legacy, Finance and Treasury Board Minister, will repeal legislation mandating the shared-risk pension plan for five public-sector unions, implemented by the previous government, and allow further negotiation with unions;
• Bill 14, An Act to Amend the Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act, introduced by Mr. D’Amours, acting Post-secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister, will improve labour mobility and reduce interprovincial barriers to ensure skilled workers can enter the New Brunswick workforce without unnecessary obstacles; and,
• Bill 19, An Act Respecting the Right to a Healthy Environment, introduced by Mr. Coon, Green Party Leader, aims to safeguard the rights of all present and future residents of New Brunswick to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment.

Committee Activity

Committees were active throughout the months of February and March. The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Tammy Scott-Wallace, reviewed a volume of an Auditor General report and the annual reports of various government departments, Crown corporations, and other provincial entities.

The Standing Committee on Law Amendments, chaired by Rob McKee, held public hearings concerning Bill 4, An Act to Respecting Petroleum Products Pricing, pursuant to a motion of instruction from the House. Following public hearings with invited stakeholders, the Committee is expected to table a report with recommendations when the House resumes sitting in May.

The newly created Standing Committee on Official Languages, chaired by Benoît Bourque met for its first time on March 20 to hear from the Commissioner of Official Languages Shirley MacLean and to consider the information outlined in the Commissioner’s 2023- 2024 report.

The Standing Committee on Procedure, Privileges and Legislative Officers, chaired by Kate Wilcott met in March to review the definition of “recognized party” in the Standing Rules. The Committee recommended that the Standing Rules be changed so that parties that win a minimum of two seats in New Brunswick’s legislature have official status and privileges. The Standing Rules previously stated that the minimum number of seats was five.

Installation of the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick

Louise Imbeault was installed as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick at an official swearing in ceremony on January 22. The award-winning journalist and women’s rights advocate replaced Brenda Murphy, who completed her five-year term. Ms. Imbeault received the Prix Albert Sormany from the Société de l’Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick for her contributions to Acadian culture, was appointed an officer of the Ordre national du mérite (national order of merit) of France, and since 2018, has been a chancellor of the Université de Moncton. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced her appointment in November.

Resignation

On March 25, Mike Dawson, Member for Miramichi West, announced his resignation, with the intention to run in the federal election for Miramichi-Grand Lake. Mr. Dawson was first elected in a 2022 by-election and was re-elected in the October 2024 provincial election. He served as Government Whip under Premier Blaine Higgs and he was a member of various standing committees during his time at the legislature.

Tribute to Antonine Maillet

To commemorate the life of Acadian novelist and playwright Antonine Maillet, the legislature heard tributes from Members in the House, observed a moment of silence, and provided a book of condolences, which members of the public were invited to sign. Ms. Maillet’s most famous work, Pélagie-la-Charrette, earned her the 1979 Prix Goncourt, making her the first non-European woman to receive this award. She passed away at age 95 on February 17.

Standings

The standings in the House are 31 Liberals, 15 Progressive Conservatives, 2 Greens, and 1 vacancy.

Shannon Armstrong

Research Officer

Ontario

Dissolution and the 2025 Ontario Election

On January 28, 2025, a proclamation was issued dissolving the Legislative Assembly after Premier Doug Ford had met with Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont to request the dissolution. The writs for a general election were issued the following day.

Ontario’s 44th general election was held on February 27, 2025. The election returned 80 seats for the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, marking the third consecutive majority for Premier Ford. The Ontario New Democratic Party will remain the Official Opposition, having won 27 seats, and the Ontario Liberal Party has regained recognized party status after winning 14 seats. Two Members from the Green Party of Ontario and one Member with no party affiliation will sit as independents. All three independent Members were re-elected, with Bobbi Ann Brady being the first MPP to be elected and then re-elected as an independent candidate without party affiliation. Of 124 Members, 18 are new Members who will be taking their seat in the House for the first time. Since 2018, the House has operated with two recognized parties. The 44th Parliament, however, will see a return to three recognized parties, affecting debate rotations, committee membership allotments and various proceedings.

On March 19, 2025, the Lieutenant Governor swore in the Premier and his executive council in a ceremony at the Royal Ontario Museum. Several Ministers remained responsible for the same portfolios, and Zee Hamid, Associate Solicitor General for Auto Theft and Bail Reform, joined Cabinet as the sole new addition.

Opening of the 44th Parliament

The 44th Parliament of Ontario will commence on April 14, 2025. The first item of business will be the election of a new Speaker. After 34 years as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Speaker Ted Arnott, did not seek re-election this winter. He has been Ontario’s longest-serving Speaker and was also the “Dean of the House” or longest-serving Member in the previous Parliament. The Throne Speech will be held the following day, on April 15, 2025.

Vanessa Kattar

Committee Clerk

Alberta

1st Session of the 31st Legislature

The First Session of the 31st Legislature resumed on February 25, 2025. This is the second spring sitting of the session. The spring sitting is currently scheduled to adjourn on May 15. Government bills introduced during the sitting deal with a range of topics including mental health services, professional governance, and amendments to information and privacy statutes.

Other legislation introduced includes Bill 47, Automobile Insurance Act, which proposes the establishment of a “care-first” automobile insurance system by establishing the benefits payable when Albertans are injured or killed in collisions, directs insurers to pay benefits regardless of who is at fault for an accident, establishes benefits for Albertans who sustain permanent impairments including an income replacement benefit for Albertans unable to continue working or complete their education as a result of an accident, and restricts the ability to sue at-fault drivers for injuries sustained in an accident.

Bill 48, iGaming Alberta Act, proposes the creation of the Alberta iGaming Corporation to oversee regulated online gambling in the province to ensure its compliance with provincial and federal legislation and promote responsible gaming.

Budget 2025

On February 27, Nate Horner, MLA and President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance, introduced Budget 2025. Based on an average tariff imposed by the United States of 15 per cent, the budget anticipates a deficit of $5.2 billion. The budget includes, among other items, funding for health care and education, capital spending, a $4 billion contingency fund to mitigate the impact of potential United States tariffs and other unexpected expenses, and supporting the economy through promoting trade, diversification, and border security. The anticipated personal income tax cut of eight per cent on income up to $60,000 is also included in this year’s budget.

Cabinet Change

On February 25, Peter Guthrie, MLA, resigned from his position as Minister of Infrastructure citing concerns over government procurement practices. He continues to serve as the MLA for Airdrie-Cochrane and remains a member of the United Conservative (UC) caucus as of the time of writing. Martin Long, MLA, was appointed Minister of Infrastructure on February 27.

Composition of the Assembly

Scott Sinclair, MLA, was removed from the UC caucus and from his role as Parliamentary Secretary for Indigenous Policing on March 7 after indicating publicly that he could not support Budget 2025. He continues to represent the constituency of Lesser Slave Lake as an independent MLA.

On March 25 Rodrigo Loyola resigned as the MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie. The constituency of Edmonton- Strathcona remains vacant following the resignation of Rachel Notley on December 30, 2024. By-elections have not been called for either constituency.

The composition of the Assembly is currently 48 UCs, 36 New Democrats, and one independent member. Two seats are vacant.

Committee Business

On February 21 the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship released its final report on the review of the Personal Information Protection Act.

The Standing Committee on Legislative Offices met in January and February of 2025 to review the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate 2023-2024 Annual Report. The Committee report, released on February 24, included two recommendations:

• that the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate continue to work with the relevant ministries to improve outcomes for children and youth in care in Alberta; and
• that the Government continue cross-ministry efforts to address the challenges identified for children and young people in care with disabilities and complex needs in the 2023-24 annual report of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

The three Legislative Policy Committees spent two weeks in March considering the 2025-26 main estimates. The estimates of most ministries receive three hours of consideration. However, under the Standing Orders the Official Opposition may identify up to four ministries to receive six hours of consideration in exchange for reducing the time allotted for three ministries to two hours of consideration. The main estimates for Executive Council are invariably scheduled for two hours of consideration. This year the ministries that received extended consideration were: Jobs, Economy and Trade; Health; Seniors, Community and Social Services; and Treasury Board and Finance. Ministries that were identified for two hours of consideration were: Tourism and Sport; Children and Family Services; and Arts, Culture and Status of Women. The committees completed consideration of the estimates on the morning of March 20, and the vote in Committee of Supply occurred that afternoon.

Scottish Parliamentary Delegation

On April 7, Nathan Cooper, MLA and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, welcomed a five-member Scottish parliamentary delegation including Annabelle Ewing, MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer; Michelle Thomson, MSP, Deputy Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee; Alexander Stewart, MSP, Deputy Convener of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs, and Culture Committee; Jennifer Griffin, Private Secretary, Office of the Presiding Officer; and Steven Bell, International Relations Officer. In addition to meeting with the Speaker, the delegation met with several Cabinet Ministers and senior parliamentary officials.

Jody Rempel

Committee Clerk

Newfoundland And Labrador

Spring 2025 Sitting

In accordance with the parliamentary calendar, the Assembly resumed on March 3, 2025, sitting until March 12 at which time the House adjourned to the call of the Chair following the passing of the adjournment motion moved by the Government.

In the seven sitting days to date in the Spring sitting, the House debated and passed Interim Supply and four other bills. There was also a point of privilege raised respecting which Minister responded to a Member’s questions during Oral Questions the day prior, which the Speaker ruled was not prima facie. There was also a Referral to Committee amendment moved at second reading on one of the bills, which was ruled in order but did not pass. The bill proceeded to be passed by the House and received Royal Assent.

On April 3, the Government advised the Speaker to reconvene the House on April 9 at 2 p.m. for the resumption of the Spring sitting in accordance with the 2025 parliamentary calendar. The Minister of Finance is scheduled to deliver the Budget Speech on that date.

Premier Announces Resignation

On February 25, 2025, Andrew Furey, Newfoundland and Labrador’s 14th Premier, announced he will step down when the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador chooses its next Leader.

Two current Members of the House of Assembly (MHAs) – John Hogan, Member for Windsor Lake; and John Abbott, Member for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi – have entered the leadership race. Both Members held Cabinet positions and Hogan was the Government House Leader, but each stepped back from their Ministerial and other responsibilities to sit as private Members while the leadership race is ongoing.

The results of the leadership race will be announced on May 3, 2025.

Launch of New Historical Statutes Index

The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly recently announced a new publicly available research tool which enables access to the historical statutes of Newfoundland and Labrador. This resource fills a gap in historical research and provides incredible long-term value for users, as this legislation was not previously indexed electronically.

Designed by the Legislative Library, the new index contains full text of consolidations and annual volumes of statutes from 1833 to 1970 and provides for searches by title keyword or date. Digital copies of statutes were sourced from the Digital Archives Initiative, courtesy of the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries.

Additionally, the Legislative Library upgraded and enhanced features of existing electronic indexes to increase ease of use and accessibility, including the Library’s catalogue, commissions and inquiries, and tabled documents.

Recognition of the 100th Anniversary of Women Gaining the Right to Vote and Hold Public Office

The Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly recognized a significant anniversary in our province on April 3, 2025 – 100 years since women gained the right to vote and hold public office. In celebrating this step toward equality, it was also acknowledged it was many more years before those in Labrador as well as Indigenous and racialized women were able to cast their ballots.

Achieving this right for women in Newfoundland and Labrador was an arduous process, having been considered by the House of Assembly twice in the late 1800s and defeated both times. When the issue of the social and economic importance of women’s work and their entitlement to the franchise returned to the Assembly for consideration in the mid-1920s, the House was persuaded and amendments allowing women the right to vote passed on April 3, 1925.

The occasion was marked with an event at Confederation Building on April 3, co-hosted by the Speaker and the Minister of Women and Gender Equality. The event included Lieutenant Governor Joan Marie J. Aylward, the Premier, current and former MHAs, public officials and community leaders who identify as women. It was the kickoff to other commemorations planned to mark the anniversary over the coming months.

The House of Assembly also unveiled a new display in the public gallery foyer, honouring a century of remarkable individuals who identify as women and their stories of breaking down barriers to make significant and outstanding contributions in our communities and society. The display will remain in place throughout 2025.

Bobbi Russell

Principal Clerk of Committees

Québec

Proceedings of the Assemblée nationale du Québec

Extraordinary sitting

At the request of Premier François Legault, the Assemblée met for an extraordinary sitting on March 27, 2025, to introduce an exceptional legislative procedure for consideration of Bill 93, An Act respecting, in particular, the transfer of ownership of an immovable of Ville de Blainville. The sitting began at 5 p.m. and ended at 11 a.m. the next morning, some 18 hours later.

The bill was passed on the following vote: Yeas 61, Nays 31, Abstentions 0. 

Composition

Following the resignation of Pierre Fitzgibbon of the Coalition avenir Québec, a by-election was held in the electoral division of Terrebonne on March 17, 2025. The Parti québécois candidate, Catherine Gentilcore, was the winner. The new Member took up her seat on March 26, 2025.

On March 18, 2025, Eric Lefebvre, independent Member for Arthabaska, resigned his seat at the Assemblée nationale. The date of the by-election has not yet been announced.

The Assemblée nationale is now composed of 124 Members: 86 from the Coalition avenir Québec, 19 from the Québec Liberal Party, 12 from Québec solidaire and five from the Parti québécois, along with two independent Members.

Éric Caire, Member for La Peltrie, resigned as Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology on February 27, 2025. The following day, Gilles Bélanger, Member for Orford, was appointed to the position. On March 18, 2025, François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Member for Granby, was appointed Deputy Government House Leader, replacing Mr. Caire, who left the position following his resignation.

On January 28, 2025, the President of the Assemblée nationale tabled a letter informing her that Michelle Setlakwe, Member for Mont-Royal-Outremont, had ceased holding the position of Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition on December 8, 2024.

That same day, Guillaume Cliche-Rivard, Member for Saint-Henri–Sainte-Anne, was appointed House Leader of the Second Opposition Group to replace Alexandre Leduc, Member for Hochelaga- Maisonneuve.

On March 20, 2025, Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois, Member for Gouin, resigned as Leader of the Second Opposition Group. He was replaced by Ruba Ghazal, Member for Mercier, on March 24, 2025.

Budget speech

On March 25, 2025, Éric Girard, Minister of Finance, delivered the budget speech, and Sonia Lebel, Chair of the Conseil du Trésor, tabled the estimates of expenditure for 2025–2026. Interim supply and Bill 96, Appropriation Act No. 1, 2025–2026, were passed the next sitting day. The Assemblée began the 25-hour debate on the budget speech on March 27, 2025. As of March 28, 2025, it had not yet carried the Minister of Finance’s motion that the Assemblée nationale approve the Government’s budgetary policy.

Legislative agenda

From January to March 2025, 11 bills were introduced in the Assemblée nationale, of which eight were government bills and three were private Members’ bills. Over that same period, seven government bills were passed, four of them unanimously. One private bill was passed, also unanimously.

Ruling from the Chair

Ruling on a request for an urgent debate

On February 4, 2025, the President of the Assemblée nationale ruled on a request for an urgent debate from Mr. Cliche-Rivard, Leader of the Second Opposition Group, concerning the U.S. tariffs. The request was deemed to be receivable.

The request concerned a specific and particularly urgent matter. While it is true that the threat of tariffs had been in the news for some time, it remained hypothetical until the President of the United States went through with it on February 1. The carrying out of the threat therefore constituted a sudden worsening of the situation. Although the President of the United States had announced the previous day that the tariffs would be suspended for one month, the issue was no less urgent, and Québec still had to prepare for their implementation. The crisis remained serious.

Moreover, the matter fell under the Assemblée’s jurisdiction due to its impact on the Québec economy: the tariffs would result in tangible impacts for Québec, which has many financial and commercial means to respond to them. The matter could not be discussed under other circumstances as the Assemblée was sitting for the first time since the since the tariff threat was carried out. The fact that a Minister’s statement on the same matter was to be made that same day could not be taken into account as this was a separate parliamentary procedure with a different objective and subject to the Executive’s initiative.

Lastly, the seriousness of the situation justified the holding of an urgent debate. The public was entitled to expect a response from parliamentarians, who must be able to express their views on the matter. Moreover, the parliamentarians were all in agreement that the debate should take place. For all these reasons, the request was deemed to be receivable.

Other events

Motion relating to a breach of privilege or contempt

On January 30, 2025, the Assemblée took into consideration a motion moved by Monsef Derraji, Official Opposition House Leader, pursuant to Standing Orders 315 to 321. The motion proposed that the Assemblée rule on the conduct of the Member for Louis-Hébert, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, who allegedly acted in contempt of Parliament by failing to table, within the time prescribed by the Act respecting the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec, the 2023 annual management report of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. The motion also proposed that the Assemblée rule on the alleged offence by voting on a report from the Committee on the National Assembly, which had previously inquired into the matter without special reference.

Pursuant to the motion and Standing Order 319, the Committee on the National Assembly will be convened to investigate the matter.

Ministerial Statement

On February 4, 2025, Premier Legault made a statement concerning the U.S. tariffs.

Request to be heard on a breach of privilege or contempt

The President informed the Assemblée on February 25, 2025, that she had received a request to be heard on a breach of privilege or contempt from Mr. Derraji, Official Opposition House Leader, in which he alleged that the upper management of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec had misled the members of the Committee on Public Administration by submitting documents containing erroneous information about the CASA/SAAQclic project. By failing to provide parliamentarians with the appropriate information over the past few years, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec had allegedly hindered the work of the Members of the National Assembly, who were unable to fully exercise their role given that this information was essential for the proper performance of their duties.

The notice stated the Official Opposition House Leader’s intention to move a motion under Standing Orders 324 and following. The President heard arguments from all sides on the point of privilege or contempt raised by Mr. Derraji on March 18, 2025. The request was taken under advisement.

Committee Proceedings

Bills

Between January and March 2025, committees carried out special consultations on 11 government bills and clause-by-clause consideration of 12 government bills. One private bill was considered by the Committee on Health and Social Services.

Of particular note, the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries, Energy and Natural Resources began clause- by-clause consideration of Bill 69, An Act to ensure the responsible governance of energy resources and to amend various legislative provisions. The bill amends various Acts regulating the energy sector and provides for the implementation of an assistance fund to limit the impact of electric power rate increases on domestic customers. At the fourth sitting of the bill’s clause- by-clause consideration on February 18, 2025, the Chair of the Committee ruled on the receivability of a motion moved by a Member from the parliamentary group forming the Government to proceed to the consideration of section 1 of the bill. Considering, among other things, that the motion came after seven preliminary motions concerning the organization of committee proceedings had been debated, six of which had been rejected and one adopted, the Chair deemed the motion receivable. Clause-by-clause consideration of the bill continues.

Oversight and accountability

On February 20, 2025, the members of the Committee on Public Administration were invited to examine the findings issued by the Auditor General of Québec in her February 2025 report entitled CASA/ SAAQclic: coûts, échéanciers et qualité concerning CASA/SAAQclic costs, deadlines and quality. Such meetings are organized each time the Auditor General releases a report.

However, the February meeting was unique in that some of the Auditor General’s findings were directly relevant to the work of the Committee. As part of the performance audit of the Société de l’assurance automobile  du  Québec  (SAAQ)  concerning  the program it set up in 2015 to modernize its IT systems, the Auditor General found that incomplete information had been conveyed in the communications sent to the Committee by the SAAQ in the context of an oversight mandate carried out by the Committee. Among other things, the Auditor General noted that in its communications the SAAQ did not report on cost overruns and failed to provide a clear and complete picture of the situation.

The Auditor General of Québec’s report led to the issuing of an order establishing a commission of inquiry into the management of the modernization of the SAAQ’s IT systems, entitled the Commission d’enquête sur la gestion de la modernisation des systèmes informatiques de la SAAQ. The facts concerning the Committee also led to a request to be heard on a breach of privilege or contempt.

This was Guylaine Leclerc’s last report as Auditor General of Québec, as her non-renewable 10-year term ended on March 1, 2025. Alain Fortin has been appointed Acting Auditor General.

Select Committee on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on Young People’s Health and Development

The Select Committee on the Impacts of Screens and Social Media on Young People’s Health and Development continued its work, begun in September 2024, with a second round of special consultations, held from January 30 to February 5, 2025. Twenty- five stakeholders were invited to address the Select Committee as part of the second round of consultations. The Select Committee, which must submit its report by May 30, 2025, visited 17 elementary and high schools in 13 different cities between November 4 and 22, 2024. It also conducted an online consultation from October 31, 2024, to January 31, 2025, reaching 7,075 respondents.

Simon Quer

Direction de la séance et de la procédure parlementaire

Roxanne Guévin

Direction des commissions

Northwest Territories

The first session of the 20th Legislative Assembly reconvened from February 5 to March 13, 2025. During this sitting the Assembly reviewed the 2025-2026 Main Estimates as well as two supplementary estimates for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, among other business.

Legislation

The Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment and the Standing Committee on Government Operations respectively reported to the house that they had concluded consideration of Bill 11 An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act and Bill 12 Business Day Statute Law Amendment Act and that those bills were ready for further consideration in Committee of the Whole. During this sitting, six new bills were introduced, received first and second reading, and were referred to Standing Committees for review:

• Bill 17: Municipal and Community Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, adjust the reporting timelines of reports required under the Fire Prevention Act, NWT 9-1-1 Act, and the Western Canada Lottery Act, to provide sufficient time for MACA to collect and validate data from various sources. It received second reading on February 10, 2025.
• Bill 18: An Act to Amend the Partnership and Business Names Act, creates registration requirements for business names used in the NWT. It received second reading on February 10, 2025.
• Bill 21: An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, proposes amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act to improve and update the way long-term benefits are calculated for permanently injured workers. It received second reading on February 28, 2025.
• Bill 22: Legislation Act, sets out comprehensive rules about the processes for enacting, certifying, and publishing laws in the Northwest Territories and for ensuring laws remain up to date. It received second reading on March 12, 2025. 
• Bill 23: An Act to Amend the Children’s Law Act, provides various amendments including bringing the Northwest Territories’ Children’s Law Actin line with changes to the federal Divorce Act that came into force in 2021 via Bill C-78. It received second reading on March 13, 2025.
• Bill 24: An Act to Amend the Family Law Act, provides various amendments including bringing the Northwest Territories’ Children’s Law Actin line with changes to the federal Divorce Act that came into force in 2021 via Bill C-78. It received second reading on March 13, 2025.

Budget

On February 6, 2025, the Minister of Finance, Caroline Wawzonek delivered the budget address and tabled the 2025-2026 Main Estimates and the 2025-2026 Business Plan Update. The 2025-2026 Main Estimates were deemed referred to Committee of the Whole immediately, where they were reviewed at length before an appropriation bill was brought forward and received all readings on March 13, 2025. The 2025-2026 budget includes approximately

$2.4 billion in spending, an increase of 1.1 percent from the previous fiscal year, and total borrowing authorization increased from $1.6 billion in the 2024- 2025 main estimates to nearly $1.8 billion in the 2025- 2026 estimates.

Two supplementary estimates documents were tabled in the Assembly on February 7, 2025, and were deemed referred to Committee of the Whole immediately, where they were considered and approved. On February 11, 2025, Bill 19: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2024-2025 and Bill 20: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures and Borrowing Authorization), No. 2, 2024-2025 received all readings in the house.

Rules

On February 5, 2025, Committee of the Whole reviewed Committee Report 17-20(1), The Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges Report on the Review of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly. This report proposed numerous recommendations for changes to the Rules of the Legislative Assembly. In total, 16 motions to amend the Rules of the Legislative Assembly were moved and carried in Committee of the Whole, resulting in updated rules being in place on the following day. Rule changes ranged from clarifying language and standardizing of existing practices, to reducing the number of supplementary questions during Oral Questions from three to two and granting the Clerk the authority to produce consolidations of the Rules to correct spelling, grammatical and punctuation errors alongside non-controversial changes within the Rules, without requiring those changes to be made by way of motion in the House.

Motions

During the February-March sitting, nine formal motions were moved in the house, on topics ranging from the reappointments of the Chief Electoral Officer and Members of the Human Rights Adjudication Panel, brought forward by Members of the Assembly’s Board of Management, to regular Member initiatives on a State of Emergency for Humanitarian Reasons for Norman Wells, the Government of the Northwest Territories Policies on Affirmative Action Medical Evacuation and Support for Nurses and Healthcare workers.

Assent

On March 13, 2025, the final day of the sitting, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories, Gerald Kisoun, provided Assent to the following legislation:

• • Bill 11: An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicles Act;
  • Bill 12: Business Day Statute Law Amendment Act;

• Bill 19: Supplementary Appropriation Act

(Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2024-2025;

• • Bill 20: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 3, 2024-2025; and

• Bill 25: Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), 2025-2026

The House is adjourned until May 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

Michael Ball

Manager of House and Journal Services

House of Commons

Introduction

This account covers key highlights of the period from early January to mid-April 2025. On January 6, the first session of the 44th Parliament was prorogued until March 24. However, on March 23, the 44th Parliament was dissolved by a proclamation issued by Governor General Mary Simons. The General Election took place on April 28.

Mark Carney New Leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister

On January 6, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Papineau) announced his intention to resign as Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and therefore to step down as Prime Minister shortly after his successor is chosen.

In response, on January 9, a Liberal Leadership race was announced and four candidates, Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland (University—Rosedale), Karina Gould (Burlington), and Frank Baylis, were on the ballot to become the next Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister. On March 9, Carney was elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party and, after being sworn in on March 14, he became Canada’s 24th Prime Minister.

At the time of his appointment, Carney was not a sitting Member of Parliament, which is an uncommon occurrence. A precedent occurred in June 1984, when John Turner became Prime Minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership following Pierre Elliott Trudeau’s resignation.

The 30th Ministry

On March 14, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the composition of a new smaller Cabinet, consisting of 24 members. In comparison, the previous Cabinet had 37 members.

This Cabinet includes newly established portfolios such as Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada, held by Steven Guilbeault (Laurier—Sainte-Marie); Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement, held by Ali Ehsassi (Willowdale); and Minister of Jobs and Families, held by Steven MacKinnon (Gatineau). The Chief Government Whip, Rechie Valdez (Mississauga—Streetsville), was also included in the Cabinet. This is uncommon in Canada. The last instance was in the 28th Ministry under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper when John Duncan served as Minister of State and Chief Government Whip.

Vicky Sedhya Maurice-Sevigny

Table Research Branch, House of Commons

Prince Edward Island

Change of Premiers

On February 20, Premier Dennis King announced his intention to resign as Premier and MLA for the district of Brackley-Hunter River effective February 21. He cited fatigue, family, the toll of multiple crises facing the province in the past six years, and the need for the province to be led by someone new as it deals with the changing Canada-U.S. trade relationship as reasons for his decision. Premier King was first elected in 2015 and formed a minority Progressive Conservative government. He was re-elected, and formed a majority government, in 2023. On March 3, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed former Premier King as Canada’s ambassador to Ireland.

On the same day as Premier King’s resignation, the Progressive Conservative caucus chose Rob Lantz as its interim leader, and the following day he was sworn in as Premier by Lieutenant Governor Wassim Salamoun. Premier Lantz previously served as Minister of Education and Early Years, and prior to that, Minister of Housing, Land and Communities. He was elected in 2023 as the Member for Charlottetown- Brighton but had previously served as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party in 2015, without occupying a seat in the legislature. Prior to provincial politics he was a member of Charlottetown City Council for several years.

As Premier Lantz does not intend to seek the leadership of his party on a permanent basis, all three of the parties with seats in the current Legislative Assembly have interim leaders. Leader of the Official Opposition Hal Perry (District 27, Tignish-Palmer Road) has been interim leader of the Liberal Party since April 2023; the party intends to hold a leadership convention in October 2025. Leader of the Third Party Karla Bernard (District 12, Charlottetown-Victoria Park) has been interim leader of the Green Party since July 2023; the Green Party intends to hold a leadership convention in June 2025. A date for the Progressive Conservative leadership convention has not been announced yet.

Cabinet Changes

On February 27, Premier Lantz announced changes to Cabinet; Darlene Compton (District 4, Belfast- Murray River) was appointed Minister of Economic Development, Tourism and Culture. The previous minister, Cory Deagle (District 3, Montague-Kilmuir), had resigned the role to pursue the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party in the future, but remains an MLA. Prior to her Cabinet appointment, Minister Compton had been serving as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly. Robin Croucher (District 1, Souris-Elmira) was also appointed to Cabinet on February 27, as Minister of Education and Early Years, the role Premier Lantz had vacated. Minister Croucher was a private member prior to his appointment.

Resignation of Member

On February 11, Natalie Jameson resigned as the Member  or  District  9,  Charlottetown- Hillsborough Park, after winning the nomination to be the Conservative Party candidate for the district of Charlottetown in the next federal election. Elected in 2019 and 2023, she held education, environment and status of women portfolios in Cabinet at different times during the 2020 to 2024 period. A by-election has not yet been announced for Charlottetown-Hillsborough Park, nor for Brackley-Hunter River subsequent to Mr. King’s resignation, but they must be held within six months of the seats being vacated under the terms of the Election Act.

Second Session, Sixty-seventh General Assembly

On February 21, on the advice of Executive Council, the Lieutenant Governor prorogued the First Session of the Sixty-seventh General Assembly and summoned it to meet on March 25 for the commencement of the Second Session. The First Session had been scheduled to resume on February 25.

New Speaker and Deputy Speaker

As the previous Speaker, Ms. Compton, had been appointed to Cabinet, the first order of business for the Legislative Assembly when the Second Session began on March 25 was the election of a new Speaker. Two members put their names forward for consideration: Robert Henderson (District 25, O’Leary – Inverness), of the Official Opposition caucus and Sidney MacEwen (District 7, Morell-Donagh), of the Government caucus. Mr. MacEwen received the majority of votes and was duly elected Speaker. Mr. MacEwen has been an MLA since 2015 and was the previous Deputy Speaker. Brad Trivers (District 18, Rustico-Emerald) was appointed Deputy Speaker upon resolution of the House on March 26.

Speech from the Throne

Following the election of Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Salamoun delivered the Speech from the Throne. The provincial tariff response plan was the primary focus of the speech, with domestic market opportunities, legislative measures to reduce internal trade barriers, support of the provincial shop local campaign, lobbying for the removal of tolls on the Confederation Bridge and Woods Islands ferry, and exploration of the creation of a shipping port among the highlighted actions.

In health care, the speech promised further efforts to improve access to primary care and reduce wait-times for surgical procedures. Government argued that greater federal commitment is needed for infrastructure improvements but also indicated that it would reduce building permit delays and review the tendering process. A new provincial energy strategy will be introduced to guide decision making on the generation, management and use of energy. Other plans were revealed in areas such as housing, education, municipal infrastructure funding.

Debate on the Draft Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne began on March 26 and had not yet concluded as of this writing.

Removal of Committee Chair

During a January 30 meeting, the Standing Committee on Education and Economic Growth carried a motion that its Chair, Mr. Trivers, be removed from the position. The motion was prompted by events in a previous meeting in which committee members felt the Chair overstepped his authority by attempting to dictate how correspondence to the committee would be handled and disrespected the committee clerk in his response to her advice. The committee elected Peter Bevan-Baker (District 17, New Haven-Rocky Point) as its new Chair.

Subpoena For the Production of Records

On February 27, the Standing Committee on Education and Economic Growth agreed to issue an additional subpoena for the production of documents to Government, following a previous subpoena issued in fall 2024 for the production of an un-redacted version of the tourism marketing contract signed by the province and the NHL (which Government provided).

The new subpoena, directed to Premier Lantz, called for the production of “all Executive Council and Treasury Board memoranda dealing with the NHL/Prince Edward Island corporate marketing letter agreement, including all associated documents; a list of attendees, including Executive Council, Cabinet members, staff and guests, to all NHL pro hockey games; all correspondence between the Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture and the NHL and NHL Players’ Association regarding the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off; and tickets, attendee lists and any costs and expenses associated with events or promotional efforts during the 2025 4 Nations Face- Off.”

The subpoena was issued on March 3. The requested documents were provided to the committee, except the Executive Council and Treasury Board memoranda. In a March 7 letter to the committee, Premier Lantz indicated “As you know, Executive Council and Treasury Board Memoranda are protected by cabinet confidence. This is a long and well-established parliamentary principle. These materials do not form the proper subject of a subpoena, and are not subject to disclosure.” As of this writing the committee has not met since its February 27 meeting nor tabled any reports to the House.

Ryan Reddin

Director of Parliamentary Research

Saskatchewan

Spring sitting of the first session of the thirtieth legislature

At the request of Premier Scott Moe, the first session of the thirtieth legislature resumed for the spring sitting period on March 19, 2025. In accordance with the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, the scheduling of the Assembly is at the discretion of the government for the first session following a general provincial election. The spring sitting will adjourn on the Thursday before Victoria Day, 29 sitting days after the tabling of the budget motion, as specified by the rules.

Budget

On the first day of the spring sitting, March 19, 2025, Minister of Finance Jim Reiter presented the province’s 2025–26 budget titled, Delivering for You. The budget’s focus is on affordability, health care, education, community safety, and fiscal responsibility. In his budget presentation, Minister Reiter noted that the budget will be balanced, with a projected surplus, delivers on all election commitments from the fall, and provides an “analysis from the Ministry of Finance on the potential impacts of the tariffs on Saskatchewan” in lieu of tariff contingencies.

Highlights of the budget include an income tax reduction and other wide-ranging taxation changes to enhance savings, investments towards improved health care access and infrastructure projects, funding for mental health and addictions programs and services, financing to address classroom needs and implement the new collective agreement with teachers, and funding for the expansion of law enforcement services.

Opposition finance critic Trent Wotherspoon responded, calling it a budget that “defies reality” and “is not based on the facts of what [Saskatchewan] face[s].” Accordingly, on March 20 he moved an amendment disapproving of the budget, citing cuts to health care and education and an absence of a tariff response plan. Mr. Wotherspoon argued that there was no economic plan, no plan for tariffs, and no measures to build transportation infrastructure to support trade. He also criticized the “health and education inadequacies” and the “lack of affordability.”

The budget motion and the proposed amendment were debated in the Assembly for five days, at which time the amendment was defeated. The budget motion was passed on March 27. Both motions were on recorded division. In accordance with the rules, the estimates were automatically committed to their respective committees for consideration.

Urgent and pressing necessity motions

Rule 61 of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan allows for a motion to be moved without notice, by unanimous consent of the Assembly, in cases of urgent and pressing necessity.

On March 20, 2025, after having been granted leave, the Opposition moved a motion pursuant to rule 61 expressing condemnation of the Trump administration for proposing the annexation of Canada and imposing tariffs. An amendment was moved by Premier Moe, replacing the wording of the motion to confirm that Canada will never be the 51st state and express support for the Government of Saskatchewan’s tariffs response plan. The amendment was agreed to on a recorded vote of 31-25 and the amended motion was passed on a unanimous recorded division.

On March 31, 2025, leave to move a motion pursuant to rule 61 was not granted to the Opposition. However, the government was granted leave to move a motion under rule 61 for the Assembly to express support for the Government of Saskatchewan’s actions to make Saskatchewan the first carbon tax-free province. An Opposition amendment calling on the government to present a revised fiscal forecast reflecting the revenue loss this will generate was defeated and the main motion was unanimously passed on recorded division.

Installation of new Lieutenant Governor

Bernadette McIntyre was formally installed as Saskatchewan’s 24th Lieutenant Governor in a ceremony held in the Legislative Chamber on January 31. Lieutenant Governor McIntyre is a former chief executive officer of the Wascana Centre Authority and an inductee of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Following the installation ceremony, Lieutenant Governor McIntyre inspected the honour guard in the Legislative Building rotunda and held a tea reception in the Legislative Library.

Board of Internal Economy directive changes

On March 26, the Board of Internal Economy (BOIE) approved amendments to directives 3.1 and 4.1. The amendment to directive 3.1 changed the accommodation reimbursement for out of city members to the current Regina rental market rate instead of a rate schedule set out by the National Joint Council. The amendment to directive 4.1 increased the maximum amount allowed for training, registration, and tuition per conference/course before requiring pre-approval from the Speaker from $250 to $700.

Appointment of Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel

On March 26, the BOIE passed a motion to appoint Marie Shalashniy as the Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel, effective April 1. Ms. Shalashniy had been serving as Acting Law Clerk and Parliamentary Counsel since late 2024, and previously held the role of Deputy Law Clerk. 

Officers of the Legislative Assembly

The BOIE passed two additional motions at the meeting on March 26, 2025, concerning the appointments of Officers of the Assembly. These included the recommended reappointment of Maurice Herauf as Conflict of Interest Commissioner and Registrar of Lobbyists for an additional five-year term and the extension of Ronald Kruzeniski’s term as Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner until April 30, 2025. At the time of writing, Mr. Herauf’s appointment had not yet been concurred in by the Assembly.

On March 31, 2025, the Assembly passed a motion reappointing Lisa Broda for an additional five-year term as Advocate for Children and Youth. Ms. Broda’s reappointment had been previously recommended by the BOIE on January 21, 2025.

Jessica Start

Manager of Procedural Education

Yukon

2025 Spring Sitting

The 2025 Spring Sitting commenced March 6, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on May 1, the 32nd day of the Sitting. This is expected to be the final Sitting of the 35th Legislative Assembly as an election is required by November 3, 2025, under Yukon’s Elections Act.

Government bills introduced

Pursuant to Standing Order 74, the following eight government bills were introduced by the fifth sitting day (the deadline for the introduction of government legislation to be dealt with during a given Sitting): 

• Bill No. 46, Residential Tenancies Act

• Bill No. 47, Act to amend the Income Tax Act (2025)

• Bill No. 48, Early Learning and Child Care Act

• Bill No. 49, Technical Amendments (Estates, unclaimed bodies and related matters) Act (2025)

• Bill No. 50, Inclusive Yukon Families Act

• Bill No. 216, Third Appropriation Act 2024-25

• Bill No. 217, First Appropriation Act 2025-26

• Bill No. 218, Interim Supply Appropriation Act 2025-26

Infants in the Chamber

Lane Tredger, the Member for Whitehorse Centre, Third Party House Leader, and Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole, is the first Member of the Yukon Legislative Assembly to have participated in proceedings while accompanied by an infant. MLA Tredger delivered a speech while holding their four-month-old son on March 12, 2025. The baby’s twin sister was held in MLA Tredger’s arms in the Speaker’s Chair the following week, on March 19, while MLA Tredger presided as Acting Speaker.

Public Accounts Committee hearings

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Currie Dixon, conducted two public hearings in the month of January. The first hearing, held on January 14, addressed the Yukon Public Accounts 2023-24. Karen Hogan, Auditor General of Canada, and officials from the Department of Finance, appeared as witnesses at the hearing. The second hearing, on January 16, focused on a performance audit on government procurement and contracting conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. At the hearing, the Auditor General of Canada and officials from the Department of Highways and Public Works answered questions from committee members.

Court decision on independent office budgeting process

On March 3, 2025, Yukon Supreme Court Justice Edith Campbell issued an oral decision regarding the role of the Government of Yukon’s Management Board in setting the budgets of independent offices of the Yukon Legislative Assembly, including the Child and Youth Advocate Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, and Elections Yukon. Justice Campbell dismissed a petition from Jason Pedlar, Ombudsman, Information and Privacy Commissioner, and Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner, and Annette King, Child and Youth Advocate, which argued that legislative officers should be excluded from the provisions for Management Board oversight in the Financial Administration Act due to the independence of the officers intended with the Ombudsman Act, the Child and Youth Advocate Act, and the Elections Act.

While the paramountcy of the Financial Administration Act was given as the reason for the petition’s dismissal, Justice Campbell noted the need for greater legislative clarity on the budgetary independence of House officers. The petitioners and Maxwell Harvey, Chief Electoral Officer, have since written to the Legislative Assembly’s Members’ Services Board, chaired by Speaker Jeremy Harper, to request legislative amendments.

Change of Clerks-at-the-Table

On March 10, 2025, the Speaker introduced Logan Ockenden, the Assembly’s newest Clerk-at-the-Table. Mr. Ockenden will complete his master’s program at Carleton University before officially starting as Clerk of Committees on April 22. The position’s previous occupant, Allison Lloyd, has taken over as Deputy Clerk from Linda Kolody who retired in 2024 after serving as Deputy Clerk of the Yukon Legislative Assembly since 2007.

Allison Lloyd

Deputy Clerk