Days after economic update, Liberals introduce bill for new COVID-19 spending

 

OTTAWA -- The Liberals have officially started the clock toward a key vote that will determine the fate of billions of dollars in new pandemic-related aid -- and the minority government.

The federal government introduced a bill in the House of Commons today that would enact spending measures proposed in this week's fall economic statement.

The Liberals will make passage of the legislation a confidence vote, meaning the minority government could fall and trigger an election if it doesn't garner the necessary support.

Conservative finance critic Pierre Poilievre said his party would carefully read the bill to make sure it does what the government claims.

Monday's spending update outlined just over $25 billion in new spending to top up and expand existing programs and create new, targeted support for hard-hit industries.

The Liberals are also promising $1,200 per child under six for families earning up to $120,000, and $600 for families earning over that amount.