Parliament rests for the summer break; what do the two local MPs think about the last sitting?

By Lee Griffi

The most recent sitting of Canada's House of Commons ended on Thursday, June 18.

The House passed Bill C-30, the Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act, which implements measures from the federal government's spring fiscal update. The bill then quickly cleared the Senate and received royal assent later that day on the 18th.

The government's Build Canada Homes Act, Bill C-20, also received royal assent. The legislation establishes a new federal entity intended to help increase housing construction and improve housing supply.

The Gazette reached out to Conservative MP Arpan Khanna who represents Oxford, and Tim Louis, the Liberal MP for Kitchener-Conestoga, for their thoughts.

Khanna said it became more difficult to be an effective opposition party after the Liberals were able to achieve what he called a “manufactured majority.”

“That being said, our team constantly put out new legislation that would make the lives of Canadians more affordable but also safer.”

Khanna pointed to the passing of Bailey's Law, or Bill C-225, a bill that strengthens the criminal code's response to intimate partner violence. It was introduced by Conservative Frank Caputo and is named in memory of Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna, B.C., mother who was killed in July 2025 after her former partner – who had previously been convicted of assaulting her – was released on bail pending sentencing.

“That will make the lives of Canadians safer. I tabled the Jail Not Bail Act, Bill C-242, which received national attention. Our job is to hold the government to account, and we unveiled quite a few scandals. Whether it’s Prescribe IT or the ALTO $90-billion boondoggle, these are all because of the great work of our members in Parliament.”

Khanna’s bill was introduced in the House of Commons on Sept. 22, 2025, as part of the Conservatives' platform to tighten Canada's bail laws but was not passed into law.

Louis, along with being an MP, is also the parliamentary secretary to Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-US trade as well as Canadian interprovincial trade, among other files. He explained quiet diplomacy has been the norm as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) continues to make headlines.

“We are working with our partners in the United States. Those conversations are ongoing, whether it’s the prime minister talking to the president, or Minster LeBlanc or trade representatives talking to their counterparts – or myself.”

He added the government is also talking with businesses, unions and organizations on this side of the border, especially ones with divisions in the United States.

“As we are working to renew this trade agreement, it’s an all-hands-on-deck approach.”

Louis praised his government for its “get-down-to-work attitude,” which has come directly from Mark Carney.

“We had a core mission, which was to invest directly in Canadians and infrastructure, which is long overdue. We are addressing affordability issues and protecting our communities. We passed over 20 pieces of legislation.”

One bone of contention among all Conservatives is the prime minister’s attendance during Question Period. He attended less than 30 per cent of them, leading to an accusation of  avoiding parliamentary accountability from opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and Khanna.

“He’s worse than Justin Trudeau, especially during a time of need when Canadians are looking for answers and hope. They want to make sure their leaders are doing their job. If he’s travelling to get trade deals done or trying to negotiate on the world stage, we support that travel.”

Khanna said missing Question Period when Carney is in Ottawa is something the opposition just can’t accept.

The government promised to move at speeds not seen before during the 2025 election campaign. Louis said they are working as hard as possible, but it takes longer to reach the finish line when compared to the private sector.

“Building major projects, increasing the infrastructure, our ports, rail system, energy takes longer than some people expect. We’re shortening those time frames but it’s still not ready today. You aren’t going to build these major projects soon, but the best time to start is now.”

Inflation rang in at a 3.2 per cent in May, the highest in over two years thanks in large part to the price of gasoline, fruits and vegetables. Khanna said Carney told Canadians to judge him based on prices at the grocery store.

“He promised he was different. He said all these great things, but the results aren’t matching his words and it’s disappointing to Canadians. It has been over a year, and we haven’t seen the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s very concerning for people I talk to in the riding and across the country.”

Louis admitted he is hearing from residents in his riding and elsewhere that affordability is still top of mind for them. He added 22 million Canadians have received tax cuts and the government temporarily suspended the federal gas tax (until Sept. 7) and added the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.

“These are all things that are going to help with affordability. For housing, we are moving quick to partner with all levels of government and we have eliminated the GST for first-time homebuyers, and we are reducing development charges.”

The so-called summer barbeque season has kicked off now that MPs are back in their riding, something Louis said will provide him a better chance to talk with his constituents.

“That really helps shape the messaging I will be bringing back (to Ottawa) and I can have longer conversations. I can have local stakeholder meetings and talk to local boards of trade and businesses, labour unions. I can find out what their needs are, and I really do enjoy that.”

Khanna said despite the house being in recess, he and his team continue to meet with constituents just like they did while the house was in session.

“We have Canada Day events – and I am going to about eight or nine of them – obviously StreetFest and Turtlefest and the Highland Games in Embro. There’s always so much going on. I made that pitch in parliament that we are such a great county with lots going on. I want people to come and discover what we have and shop and spend locally.”

He added he is ready to hear from residents who are facing economic, health and other challenges. It’s been three years since I have been elected and my hunger and passion to serve the community hasn’t changed.”