December 8–13, 2025

28 January 2026

Parliamentary Weekly Summary:

Final Week Before Winter Recess

The final week before Parliament’s winter recess was tense, unpredictable, and eventful.

Meeting schedules and order changed repeatedly at the last minute, requiring constant adjustments throughout the week. To keep pace with shifting House and committee schedules, I had to change my flight tickets three times in just four days. Tuesday was a particularly long day, when the Justice Committee did not adjourn until 11:30 p.m.

Despite the intensity of the week, no government bill was passed.

Controversy over Bill C-9 and the “Good Faith Defence”

The most contentious issue this week was Bill C-9, particularly a proposed amendment to remove the long-standing “good faith defence.”

In practical terms, the good faith defence protects individuals who express sincerely held religious or moral beliefs without malicious intent. Removing this safeguard risks criminalizing lawful expression and creates serious uncertainty about where legitimate belief and discussion end and criminal liability begins.

I spoke at the Justice Committee to warn that this change represents a slippery slope and poses significant risks to religious freedom and freedom of expression in Canada.

Conservatives will not cease to fight this issue. We are prepared for further committee meetings—even during the winter break if necessary—to ensure Canadians’ fundamental freedoms are properly protected.

Standing Up on Public Safety

Before the House rose for recess, I was also able to present a petition calling on the federal government not to extend the exemption allowing hard-drug decriminalization in British Columbia. Communities across our province are already feeling the consequences of this policy, and residents deserve to have their voices heard.

A Word of Thanks to Parliamentary Pages

As we head into recess, I want to recognize and thank the Parliamentary Pages—exceptional post-secondary students selected from across Canada who support the daily operations of the House of Commons by delivering documents and assisting Members of Parliament. They work long hours under pressure and represent the very best of Canada’s next generation.

Looking Ahead

During the winter break, I will be spending more time in Richmond Centre–Marpole, meeting residents, listening to concerns, and continuing the work of representing you—both in Ottawa and at home.