Question Period Notes
About this information
In accordance with the Access to Information Act, the government proactively publishes the package of question period notes that were prepared by a government institution for the minister and that were in use on the last sitting day in June and December.
The question period notes may be partially or fully redacted in accordance with the legislation; for example, if the notes contain information related to national security or personal information. (Learn more about exemptions and exclusions.)
If you find a question period note of interest, you may make an access to information request in order to obtain it.
Recent changes to the 2026-2027 call for proposals for the New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based grant program have resulted in additional requirements for some organizations to apply. How is the Government of Canada addressing this? The 2026-27 New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) community-based grants call for proposals was launched on June 2, 2026, and is accepting applications until July 14, 2026.
Important new changes to the funding process this year include:
doubling the maximum funding amount to $50,000 per project and capping expenditures for capital assistance at $25,000;
establishing a new assessment criterion to encourage applications from organizations with a mandate or mission primarily focused on seniors;
requiring applicants to have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number;
requiring applicants to submit funding applications using the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal (applications by other methods will be permitted upon request); and
removing the requirement for submitting a letter of support with the application.
On June 10, 2026, the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages introduced Bill C-34, entitled “An Act to enact the Digital Safety Act and the Digital Safety Commission of Canada Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts” (Safe Social Media Act).
What is the Government of Canada doing to secure its global advantage in artificial intelligence (AI) and to ensure this new technology is developed and used responsibly?
The Government’s decision to increase onsite presence for executives and employees eligible for hybrid work represents a change in direction that affects the Office Portfolio Reduction Plan, which was announced as part of Budget 2024, with implications still under assessment.
Progress continues to be made on the transition from the Phoenix system to the Dayforce human resources and pay solution.
Notes:
- All questions related to the mental health of public servants, collective agreements, overpayment write-offs due to the six-year statutory restriction and compensation for Phoenix damages should be directed to the President of the Treasury Board
- Issues related to income tax are under the purview of the Minister of Finance and National Revenue
Recent claims allege that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is costly, insufficiently enforced, and contributing to the displacement of Canadian workers. From 2020–21 to 2024–25, the total cost to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) of administering the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program was $758.9 million.
Employers are required to pay a $1,000 Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee per position, ensuring that Program users contribute directly to administration costs.
Over the same period, LMIA fees generated approximately $581.0 million, offsetting 77% of program administration costs to the fiscal framework.
The Program has been increasingly effective at offsetting costs via fee revenues over time, with revenues from 2022-23 to 2024-25 offsetting almost 90% of program costs over that period.
Current status of the collective bargaining negotiations between Marine Atlantic Inc. and Unifor. Marine Atlantic Inc. and Unifor are negotiating the renewal of two collective agreements, which expired on December 31, 2025, covering all (613) unlicensed personnel as well as all (52) shore-based plant maintenance personnel.
Two conciliation officers from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service have been assisting the parties in their negotiations. Their mandate is set to expire on June 8, 2026, after which the parties will enter the 21-day cooling off period before acquiring the right to strike or lockout.
However, on April 14, 2026, the union filed an application with the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB), under subsection 87.4(4) of the Canada Labour Code, requesting the CIRB to determine any question with respect to the maintenance of activities in the event of a work stoppage. The application is before the CIRB for decision.
The parties will acquire the legal right to strike or lockout on June 30, 2026 at 00:01 a.m. However, no strike or lockout can be initiated until the CIRB has rendered its decision regarding the maintenance of activities issue.
What steps is Canada taking to ensure that online platforms have robust safety protocols?
How is Canada maintaining its global leadership role as a pioneer in the responsible use of artificial intelligence?