Skip to Main content

6.42°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 28, 2020 3:37 PM -

COVID-19 aid bill, Tory leader O'Toole's speech headline Parliament's first full week

Share On

covid-19-aid-bill-tory-leader-otooles-speech-headline-parliaments-first-full-week

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet are expected to return to the House of Commons after isolating due to COVID-19 as Parliament resumes Monday for its first full week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole and Bloc Quebecois chief Yves-Francois Blanchet are expected to take their seats in the House of Commons this week after being benched due to COVID-19.

The two opposition leaders were absent from the Commons last week as both were in isolation after contracting COVID-19.

Their formal replies to the Liberals' speech from the throne will come as Parliament is set to debate new COVID-19 relief measures over the coming days and potentially pass them into law.

The government plans to set up a new pandemic-benefits regime under the umbrella of the existing employment insurance system and also create paid sick leave for those who can't work due to COVID-19.

The NDP had made paid sick leave and a new benefits program as generous as the old one conditions for supporting for the Liberals' throne speech.

So, while the Tories and Bloc Quebecois have said they'll vote against the speech, the NDP's support is expected to keep the minority Liberals in power.

Latest news

evacuation-alert-issued-for-10-properties-as-konni-lake-wildfire-burns-out-of-control-in-b-c

Evacuation alert issued for 10 properties as Konni Lake wildfire burns out of control in B.C.

An evacuation alert has been issued for 10 properties in British Columbia’s Cariboo region as a wildfire burns out of control early in the province’s wildfire season. According to a joint notice from the Xeni Gwet’in First Nation, the Tsilhqot’in National Government, and the Cariboo Regional District, the alert was issued late Thursday for properties near the Konni Lake wildfire, located about 200 kilometres southwest of Williams Lake. The alert advises residents to be prepared to leave on short notice. BC Wildfire Service information indicates the Konni Lake fire was measured at about

WorldApr 24, 2026

Ceasefire extension in Lebanon followed by continued strikes in southern areas

An announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to extend a ceasefire in Lebanon by three weeks has not been reflected in conditions on the ground, according to field reports from southern parts of the country. An airstrike was reported in the village of Deir Aames in southern Lebanon, where residents were instructed by the Israeli military to move approximately one kilometre away before the strike. Witnesses reported hearing warplane activity shortly after the warning was issued. The developments come about 10 days after a ceasefire was said to have taken effect. Despite that agreement, airstr

abbotsford-police-arrest-repeat-break-and-enter-suspect-allege-breaches-of-court-ordered-conditions

Abbotsford police arrest repeat break and enter suspect, allege breaches of court-ordered conditions

A 35-year-old man is in custody following a second alleged residential break and enter in Abbotsford, months after being charged in a similar incident, according to a police news release. The Abbotsford Police Department said patrol officers first responded in November 2025 to a reported break and enter in progress in the 32500 block of Peardonville Road. Police allege Jaskaran Singh was identified, arrested and charged in that case. According to police, Singh was released from custody in March 2026 under several court-ordered conditions, including 24-hour house arrest, and relocated to anothe

federal-deficit-reaches-25-5b-in-first-11-months-of-2025-26-fiscal-year

CanadaApr 24, 2026

Federal deficit reaches $25.5B in first 11 months of 2025–26 fiscal year

The federal government recorded a budgetary deficit of $25.5 billion for the April to February period of its 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the latest monthly fiscal monitor from the Department of Finance. The result compares with a deficit of $19.3 billion reported during the same 11-month period in 2024–25, indicating a year-over-year increase in the shortfall. According to the Finance Department report, total revenues reached $453.2 billion, up 0.8 per cent from $449.8 billion a year earlier. Program expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, rose to $424.9 billion, a 2.1 per cent inc

AlbertaApr 24, 2026

Flood alert issued for downtown Peace River as Heart River levels rise

The Town of Peace River has issued a flood alert for areas including its downtown, warning residents to be ready to leave on short notice due to rising water levels on the Heart River. According to a municipal notice, the alert covers the area between the Highway 2 bridge and 104 Avenue in the town’s south end. Officials say the alert is precautionary but reflects the potential for flooding if river conditions worsen. Residents in the affected zone are being advised to prepare for a possible evacuation by fuelling vehicles and gathering essential items, including identification, medications

Related News

Federal deficit reaches $25.5B in first 11 months of 2025–26 fiscal year

Federal deficit reaches $25.5B in first 11 months of 2025–26 fiscal year

The federal government recorded a budgetary deficit of $25.5 billion for the April to February period of its 2025–26 fiscal year, according to the latest monthly fiscal monitor from the Department of Finance. The result compares with a deficit of $19.3 billion reported during the same 11-month period in 2024–25, indicating a year-over-year increase in the shortfall. According to the Finance Department report, total revenues reached $453.2 billion, up 0.8 per cent from $449.8 billion a year earlier. Program expenses, excluding net actuarial losses, rose to $424.9 billion, a 2.1 per cent inc

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk assigned to first space mission aboard SpaceX Crew-13

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk assigned to first space mission aboard SpaceX Crew-13

Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk is scheduled to travel to the International Space Station later this year as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission, according to a Canadian Space Agency news release. The Canadian Space Agency says the flight will mark Kutryk’s first mission to space. He is expected to launch no earlier than mid-September 2026 from Florida. Kutryk will be joined by NASA astronauts Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. NASA says the flight represents the 13th crew rotation carried out by SpaceX under its Commercial Crew Progra

WestJet raises checked baggage fees following Air Canada, citing industry pressures

WestJet raises checked baggage fees following Air Canada, citing industry pressures

WestJet says it will increase checked baggage fees starting Thursday, adding new costs for air travellers across its network. The change follows a similar move by Air Canada announced last week. According to a WestJet statement, passengers checking bags at the airport will pay an additional $10 for each of the first two checked bags. Fees for overweight baggage will also rise, with increases of up to $50 depending on weight. The airline attributed the decision to “global conditions” and shifting trends in the aviation sector, but did not provide a detailed cost breakdown in its announcemen

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

BC Children's Hospital