The Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo says the five-week break at the House of Commons is a good move.
It comes as Cathy McLeod says people across Canada are trying to curb the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.
“As you can imagine, you have 338 MPs seeing people from many different areas and so I think we need to do our part also,” she said. “We’ve put in the necessary measures to ensure that government can proceed, but again parliamentarians need to do their part to help in this very extraordinary time.”
Aside from the suspension at parliament, she says its business as usual as there are contingencies in place.
“There will be lots of phone contact and video conferences. If there is something that is extraordinary that comes up, they can be committee meetings,” McLeod noted. “What they did is they did not prorogue parliament but they suspended it. And a suspension allows the parliament to continue.”
In an emergency, MP’s can be called back to Ottawa sooner than April 20.
McLeod says he office will remain open but she’s asking people who are feeling unwell or those who have returned from abroad to reach out by phone or email.
“For many businesses and individuals, this crisis is creating significant economic hardship,” she added. “The government is working to put together a comprehensive support package and I will be sharing your suggestions with them.”
Earlier this morning, the Bank of Canada cut its overnight rate target by half a percentage point to 0.75 per cent, a little over one week after cutting it to 1.25 per cent.
“Combined with the other measures announced today, lower interest rates will help to support confidence in businesses and households,” said Bank of Canada Governor, Stephen Poloz.
As well, Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the government is making $10-billion available to businesses through a credit facility program, noting it was an effective tool during the 2008 financial crisis.
He also said a “significant stimulus program” will be released next week that will offer new support for workers who may be forced to stay home and worried about making ends meet.
