MPs set to push Champagne to clarify budget timing at finance committee

Finance and National Revenue Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne rises during question period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA — Finance Minster François-Philippe Champagne will appear in front of the House of Commons’ finance committee in two weeks as MPs seek clarity on the budget cycle.

Ottawa’s spending plans are traditionally tabled in the spring; Champagne is set to table the Liberals’ annual budget on Nov. 4.

Bloc Québécois MP Jean-Denis Garon tabled a motion last week asking for Champagne to come before the committee so MPs could press him on whether the Liberals intend to revert to the typical spring schedule next year.

Garon said planning for a spring or fall budget affects the timing of the committee’s pre-budget consultations.

The motion passed unanimously on Monday after a back-and-forth on timing and Champagne’s press secretary John Fragos later confirmed in an email that the minster will appear at committee on Oct. 6.

Asked whether the Liberals intend to stick to the fall budget schedule, Fragos said the minister’s office will have more to say soon.

Craig Lord, The Canadian Press