Parliament set to reconvene on Tuesday to pass COVID-19 measures

 

OTTAWA -- The House of Commons will reconvene Tuesday to vote on measures to ease the burden of COVID-19 on individuals and businesses.

Government officials say they've been working behind the scenes with opposition parties to make sure the legislation can be debated and passed as quickly as possible.

On March 13, Parliament decided to follow its own advice about social distancing and shut down the house to allow government officials to focus their efforts on fighting the virus.

All parties have discussed ways to limit the number of MPs who will return for the vote.

According to the rules of the House, a minimum of 20 MPs must be present including the Speaker.

The proposed measures announced last week by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau include changes that would allow people to more easily qualify for employment insurance.

The Canadian Press