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House of Commons Proceedings
House Reconvenes to Consider COVID-19 Emergency Economic Measures
The House of Commons is recalled to consider legislation that would implement a number of emergency economic measures to counter the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The government’s proposed $82-billion assistance package, unveiled on March 18, is aimed at providing financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic. After late night negotiations between federal parties to address the opposition's concerns over the extent of taxation and spending power included in the emergency legislation, Bill C-13 passes all stages of debate. The bill heads to the Senate for review before it can receive royal assent. With an agreement to restrict the number of members present in the chamber for the emergency session, the 32 MPs are divided to closely match the overall party standings. There are 14 Liberals, 11 Conservatives, three Bloc Québécois members, three New Democrats, and one Green. On March 13, the House voted to suspend its sitting until at least April 20 due to concerns over the pandemic. (March 24, 2020)