The Bloc's supply management trade bill is getting a rough ride in Senate

As the House of Commons debated the Bloc Québécois' demand for an increase to pensions for younger seniors this week, the dysfunction driving the second condition in Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet's ultimatum was hiding in plain sight.

During question period Wednesday, Blanchet reminded the House that Bill C-282 — a Bloc private member's bill that would prevent Canadian trade negotiators from giving up any more concessions on Canada's highly protected dairy, egg and poultry sectors — has been in the Senate for «a year and a half,» and accused the «illegitimate» Red Chamber of «leading the prime minister around by the nose.»

«It is his senators, the ones he appointed, who are standing in the way,» the Bloc leader said, reminding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that his job is on the line. «Will he instruct them to respect democracy and our choices as elected representatives?»

«The Senate is independent and it is doing its job,» Trudeau replied, referring to his decision as Liberal leader to remove senators from his caucus, and the non-partisan process he initiated for appointing senators. «We are going to allow democracy to function without interference. However, we have always been clear. We will defend supply management.»

Ever since Blanchet added this bill to his list of conditions for supporting the government on a future confidence vote, International Trade Minister Mary Ng has been insisting the Liberals aren't stonewalling.

The facts back her up. When C-282 cleared the Commons easily in late June, 2023, only two Liberal MPs joined 49 Conservatives in opposing this bill.

The Bloc presented its legislation as a logical extension of the mandate the government already has set for trade negotiations — to protect