The federal government has reached an agreement with the NDP relating to COVID-19 fiscal aid. This was a condition to avoid a non-confidence vote from Jagmeet Singh's NDP, as he stated following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's throne speech, according to CTV News.
We are entering the second wave and millions of Canadians are still struggling to make ends meet. We now have an agreement with the @NDP on a bill that will deliver the help that Canadians need. It's by working together that we will get through this pandemic. #cdnpoli
— Pablo Rodriguez (@pablorodriguez) September 25, 2020
Three new benefits will fill the gaps left by CERB. Bill C-2 is one of the new measures that will expand the number of people who can access a proposed sick leave. The NDP says they convinced the government on these issues and will now support the throne speech.
"Yes, we will be able to support the throne speech," Singh said. "I still maintain my concerns that the Liberal government likes to say a lot of empty words and don't back it up with actions, but if this agreement is reflected in the bill that's proposed if the same language is there, we will support the bill and we will also support the throne speech."
Relating to the sick leave, Trudeau stated it is, "certainly something we can have conversations about, but we are very much focused on making sure that into this fall, as cold season starts again, people have access to sick leave, to be able to stay home and not risk going to work and infect people."
Trudeau says he is confident the bill will move quickly and be passed. He is asking colleagues to fast-track it. The Conservatives had a proposal to hold a special legislative meeting on Sunday, but this was defeated.
The three new benefits are intended for Canadians who are out of work due to sickness or dependents. It is also intended to well offer an equitable benefit to gig workers and others who aren't eligible for EI.
Eligible CERB recipients will be moved onto EI in the next few days.
The bill will also extend federal government powers to spend "all money required" to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a concern for Conservative MP's.
"Parliament owes it to Canadians to do the serious work of making sure Canadians get the support they need. Canadians need to know that the support they demand, they depend on, is coming. Our proposal will get it done right, and get it done on time," said Conservative MP and caucus-party Liaison Tim Uppal.
Conservatives will not support the throne speech, while the Bloc has also indicated they will not support it unless certain measures are met. Regardless, the Liberals now have the numbers to avoid a Fall election.
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