House of Commons debates budget, land claims before summer recess

The House of Commons reconvenes today for its final sitting days before the summer recess, with a budget bill and a Conservative motion on First Nations land claims set for debate. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said he plans to push for a debate on how the government handles land claims, calling for private property owner rights to take priority over all other claims. Legislation to implement the spring economic update, which includes other measures such as police authority to search mail with a warrant, continues to work its way through the House. On the international stage, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is preparing to host her Chinese counterpart later this week, and Prime Minister Mark Carney is traveling to New York City to attract international investment.

Western Canadian premiers gathered in Alberta today for their annual conference, a meeting now unfolding against the backdrop of a proposed referendum on provincial separation. The two day conference in Kananaskis brings together leaders from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon to discuss business and regional relations. The meeting comes after Alberta...