September 17, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EDMONTON, AB – Members of Parliament from 338 ridings across Canada are scheduled to return to Ottawa next week for the return of Parliament, but uncertainty remains about how the fall session will be handled.

Currently, each political party has presented proposals for how the new session will look. The Conservative Party has provided the Speaker’s Office with multiple proposals that would allow MPs to vote in person while respecting public health guidelines. The Liberals’ proposal is to use a hybrid model, with a limited number of MPs in the House of Commons and the rest joining virtually.

“Canadians are counting on us to help lead our nation out of this crisis, rebuild Canada and help workers get ahead,” said Matt Jeneroux, the Member of Parliament for Edmonton Riverbend.

“With students back in class and thousands of Canadian workers back in the office, it’s time that Parliamentarians are back in Ottawa in person. We need certainty on how this session of Parliament will proceed.”

A Speech from the Throne will be read on September 23, following the prorogation of Parliament, outlining the federal government’s priorities. Votes will be held after the reading of the speech, which could topple the government if a majority of Members don’t support the speech.

“We’re looking for the government to present a framework that will help Canadians without adding to our ballooning deficit,” said Jeneroux.

“Ensuring that these priorities are followed through on requires Members to be in Ottawa to hold the government to account. We must get back to Ottawa and work together to navigate Canada through the tough months ahead.”

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