By Canadian Press

Full powers of Parliament must be reinstated, Conservatives’ Scheer says

May 19, 2020 | 9:14 AM

OTTAWA — Opposition leader Andrew Scheer says more powers of Parliament must be restored to properly scrutinize the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says the existing thrice-weekly meetings of a special COVID-19 committee and the smattering of other committees still in session aren’t enough.

Scheer says among other things, the current set-up doesn’t allow MPs to compel the government to produce documents or to get witnesses to testify.

He says a demand that business in the House of Commons return to a new normal is not a partisan issue but a question of the need for the vital role of Parliament to be restored.

The House of Commons adjourned in mid-March as the pandemic began to sweep across Canada, coinciding with the implementation of travel bans, quarantines and physical distancing requirements.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

8h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

8h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

16h ago

It’s returned several times since for single-day sessions to pass emergency aid legislation, and meanwhile the special COVID-19 committee also meets.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2020.

The Canadian Press