Canada's Parliament has suspended itself for five weeks after passing implementation legislation for the new North American free trade deal — and bills that grant cabinet extraordinary spending powers — as COVID-19 spreads, threatening the economy and the livelihoods of many Canadians. This morning, all parties agreed to a motion adjourning the House of Commons until at least April 20. The measure effectively wipes two sitting weeks from the calendar, since MPs already had planned to be away next week and for another two weeks in April. Parliament has passed Bill C-12, which legislates "Governor General Special Warrants." A spokesperson for the Speaker's Office says all public tours of the House of Commons have been cancelled.

Source: CBC News March 13, 2020 14:28 UTC