Baosteel deal closes June 2 ...the same day Parliament to resume....
Today at 15:25
Parliament to resume June 2
By The Canadian Press
OTTAWA - Parliament will return June 2 — one month to the day after the Conservatives won their long-sought majority.
Government House leader John Baird said the Commons will first choose a Speaker, then return the next day for the throne speech.
The new Tory majority is expected to introduce a flurry of legislation, including an omnibus crime bill and a bill to kill the long-gun registry.
But Baird said the economy will be front and centre. "Our majority Conservative government will focus this first session entirely on the priorities of Canadians," he said. "We will make good on the promises we made during the election campaign. The minister of finance will reintroduce our budget and the next phase of Canada's economic action plan can finally begin to be implemented."
Baird didn't say when the budget would come down, saying he'll leave that announcement to the finance minister.
The Commons will be vastly different from its predecessor, with at least 103 New Democrats crowding the Opposition seats.
The Liberals are reduced to third place and the Bloc Quebec left without official party status.
The resumption of the House will also mark Elizabeth May's debut as the Green party's first elected MP.
"Obviously, Canadians elected a very, very different Parliament," Baird said. "It's not just a big change, obviously, for us, for the first time in what, 23 years, to get a majority government, but obviously to have the largest official Opposition in a long time.
"It's the first time the New Democrats face off against the government directly and I think that should make for some interesting times and good debates."
Baird said a majority government will provide stability and that may make for a calmer Commons.
"I hope we'll be able to change the tone and to have a more productive working environment."
