COLUMN: On Parliament Hill – 2025 in Review

As Christmas week falls behind us, it offers a moment to reflect on the year behind us and the events that have shaped our country.

It was late November 2024 when the newly elected President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met for a three-hour discussion. Reports later suggested that the prime minister told Mr. Trump tariffs would kill the Canadian economy, to which Mr. Trump responded by remarking that Canada should become the 51st state. Just weeks later, on Jan. 6, Parliament was prorogued and the 23rd serving prime minister, Justin Trudeau, announced his resignation after much internal and external pressure. A Liberal leadership race ensued, and an election was held on April 28.

During the campaign, Conservatives put forward a “Canada First” election platform focusing on building homes, cutting red tape, lowering taxes, developing resources, reducing crime, fixing the budget, building up the military, and expanding border patrol and security. Despite these proposals, Canadians returned a Liberal minority government led by Mark Carney’s promise at being a master negotiator – yet he has since missed three self-imposed deadlines without securing a deal.

Throughout this period, Conservatives have remained steadfast fighting for Canadians, advocating for the government to prioritize the cost of living, build homes, unleash businesses and resources, make Canadians safe, lock up criminals and bring immigration under control.

The House of Commons rose for summer break.

The House of Commons resumed in September and members were met with a stark warning from the interim non-partisan PBO (Parliamentary Budget Officer) calling the liberal government’s fiscal outlook unsustainable, stupefying, and shocking. Conservatives had consistently called for a responsible budget that cut taxes and restored fiscal discipline, focusing on three things: stopping waste, cutting taxes, and growing the economy.

When the budget was released, it delivered the largest deficit outside the COVID period with a staggering $78 billion deficit—$16 billion greater than what the Prime Minister had promised during the election and double the deficit left by his predecessor. Interest payments alone on the federal debt of $1.35 trillion in 2025-26 will cost $55.6 billion—more than what the federal government transfers to the provinces for health care. Conservatives did not support this budget, but it passed on Nov. 17 narrowly avoiding a Christmas election.

Since then, several pieces of legislation have been introduced by the Liberal government which Conservatives have examined closely. Many constituents in Provencher have reached out regarding Bill C-9, particularly following concerns raised by the Bloc’s amendment being currently debated in committee. As MP Andrew Lawton rightly noted, “a free country does not criminalize the expression of sincerely held religious doctrines.”

Other legislative developments highlight the impact Conservatives continue to have. In Bill C-5, a Conservative amendment successfully added safeguards to uphold existing lobbying and conflict of interest laws, including the Access to Information Act, the Criminal Code, and the Conflict-of-Interest Act. However, a Conservative proposal to address rising extortion was rejected by the Liberals. Similarly, Bill C-2, the flawed border security bill, had to be withdrawn and rewritten as Bill C-12 after sustained Conservative pressure.

The Liberals’ zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate has also been a major concern. Conservatives brought forward a motion to repeal the mandate. The mandate would add roughly $20,000 to the cost of a non-electric new car while limiting consumer choice. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) also reported that EVs can lose up to 40 percent of their battery life in Canadian winters. While the Liberals voted against repealing the mandate they paused it for a year. Conservatives will continue to work against this undemocratic Liberal legislation.

As many of you know, I’m a strong advocate for the dignity of life. It deeply grieves me that Canada has arguably become the most permissive MAID regime in the world. The current debate centres on reversing the expansion of MAID to include mental illness. While a previous effort by MP Ed Fast did not pass second reading, I am hopeful that Bill C-218, introduced by MP Jansen and seconded by me, will succeed. Canadians struggling with mental illness deserve care, compassion, and real hope—not a state-sanctioned death.

Conservatives believe Canada must be strong, united, and ready to build. That means repealing bills like C-69 the liberal impact assessment act and C-48, the liberal west coast tanker ban, taking away the oil and gas caps, eliminating the capital gains taxes on reinvestment in Canada, and removing the industrial carbon tax—to stop inflation— which Dalhousie University has confirmed contributes to inflation. Conservatives remain focused on food affordability, protecting workers and most importantly, hope for Canadians.

As we reflect on Dec. 25, a day that celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is my prayer that the hope He brings rests in your homes and in your hearts. Thank you for the privilege of serving you in Ottawa. I wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas!