MPs return Monday as Liberals signal sweeping economic legislation and fall budget

Members of Parliament return to the House of Commons on September 23, with Prime Minister Mark Carney signalling a legislative agenda described as introducing "some of the most consequential legislation in decades." Government House leader Steven MacKinnon has promised "significant" economic legislation will anchor the fall sitting.

The Liberals hold a majority that strategists say fundamentally changes the government's tactical position. "We do have this new dynamic in the House of Commons where there is now a clear majority position for the Liberal government," said Marci Surkes, chief strategy officer at Compass Rose, a government-relations firm. "From a tactical perspective, the government can move its legislation more expediently through the House of Commons. They have the majority on committees. So there again, the government can limit amendments from the opposition. They really have a lot of runway to get things done on the agenda."

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is poised to introduce legislation extending relief for the federal excise tax on fuel. The centerpiece, however, is a fall budget expected late in the season, likely after U.S. mid-term elections. "The marquee event for just about everybody in business doing business with the government of Canada this fall is undoubtedly the budget," Surkes said.

The government is also advancing Bill C-39, the One Canadian Economy bill, designed to encourage investment in growth projects and address labour-market uncertainty. The bill includes port modernization and aligns with the government's target of 50 per cent non-U.S. exports. Business groups have submitted a record number of submissions to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, and the committee is expected to release recommendations following pre-budget consultations. Among business priorities: navigating trade tensions with the U.S. and exploring potential partnership opportunities with the European Union.