New Democrats ask parties to recall the work of the House without delay

OTTAWA – Canadians are worried about how they'll get through the second wave of COVID-19 and need solutions to the problems they face. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh believes Parliamentarians must get back to work so the government can get help to people without delay.

"Canadians have questions about access to sick leave when they are sick but need to work to make ends meet; about supports for businesses who have had to close their doors; about when they or their loved ones will be able to get vaccinated; about Indigenous communities who do not have access to the same health care as others in Canada; and about our seniors, our elders and our loved ones who are living in long-term care homes which appear to be the most severely hit," said the NDP Leader.

Last summer, Members of Parliament were able to sit in a virtual Committee of the Whole format, which allowed for a less partisan and more fulsome dialogue to take place regarding the crisis. The NDP believes that such a working climate could be replicated within similar parameters. A unanimous consent motion could be passed quickly at the earliest opportunity to ensure that participation can be as broad as possible while limiting the number of in-person attendees due to public health advice against travelling and large gatherings.

"If legislation aimed at helping Canadians through the pandemic is ready to be introduced, parliamentarians must be back as soon as possible to ensure that help reaches workers without delay," said Singh. "This is an unprecedented time in Canadian history, so we need to put partisanship aside and work together for the benefit of all Canadians."