Parliament prorogued until September 23, vote of confidence expected

Parliament has been prorogued, a speech from the Throne is being held September 23, and a vote of confidence on the Federal governments new plan for the future is anticipated.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcements in a speech on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, when he also confirmed some changes to his Cabinet.

Meanwhile, the local Member of Parliament in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex has called out the Prime Minister on social media for various allegations of ethical misconduct.

Video of Trudeau’s speech

Here is the full speech from Prime Minister Trudeau from Tuesday:

Parliament prorogued

Federal officials say, on Tuesday, the Prime Minister asked Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, to prorogue Parliament.

This will provide an opportunity to present a speech from the Throne on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, the same week the House of Commons was previously scheduled to return, Federal officials say.

This speech will present the government’s detailed vision for the future, and will provide the opportunity for a vote of confidence on this new plan, Federal officials say.

Morneau resigns

The Prime Minister announced Monday that he accepted Minister Bill Morneau’s resignation.

“Since the day he was first elected and became Canada’s Finance Minister nearly five years ago, Bill has worked relentlessly to support all Canadians and create a resilient, fair economy that benefits everyone<‘ Trudeau said in a media release.

“Under his leadership, Canada developed a strong economy with one of the best balance sheets in the G7, created over one million jobs, achieved the lowest unemployment rate in recorded history, lifted over one million people out of poverty, and created a coherent plan to protect the environment while growing the economy. Bill played a central role in transformational projects like the enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan and the creation of the Canada Child Benefit, which are improving the lives of millions of Canadian families.”

The Prime Minister said that focus and commitment to supporting families and businesses has served Canadians well since the outset of the global pandemic.

“Bill led the creation of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, along with many other emergency measures that millions of Canadians and thousands of businesses continue to rely on today,” Trudeau stated.

“Every step of the way, Bill and I have worked closely together, along with our team of cabinet ministers and caucus members to help Canadians navigate this challenging time. Our number one priority has been supporting Canadian families and businesses the best and fastest way possible. Thanks to his unwavering leadership and commitment to service through the pandemic, our government has laid the groundwork for a strong economic recovery.”

Trudeau said he wanted to thank Morneau “for everything he has done to improve the quality of life of Canadians and make our country a better and fairer place to live.

“I have counted on his leadership, advice, and close friendship over the years and I look forward to that continuing well into the future. Bill, you have my deepest gratitude and I know you will continue making great contributions to our country and for Canadians in the years to come,” the Prime Minister stated.

Trudeau said Morneau has announced he will put forward his name as a candidate to be the next Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

“Canada will vigorously support his bid to lead this important global institution that will play a critical role in the global economic recovery,” the Prime Minister said.

Freeland named Minister of Finance

The Prime Minister announced on Tuesday that Chrystia Freeland, currently Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, will become Minister of Finance.

She will also remain Deputy Prime Minister.

Federal officials say Minister Freeland had a long career working for major publications such as the Financial Times and The Economist.

For five years, she has been at the heart of economic issues, including the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Recently, she played a crucial role in the Team Canada response to COVID-19.

As the new Minister of Finance, she will lead the safe restart and recovery of our economy, Federal officials said in a press release.

Dominic LeBlanc, currently President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, becomes Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Federal officials say.

He will also remain President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.

LeBlanc is familiar with his new portfolio, having served as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs from 2018 to 2019.

Minister LeBlanc will continue to work with provinces and territories to ensure the well-being, health, and safety of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

MP Rood upset

Lianne Rood, Twitter

Following the announcements on Tuesday, Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MP Lianne Rood blasted the Prime Minister on social media.

“After months of hiding from Parliamentary accountability, today Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament, locked MP’s out & shut down the investigation into the WE scandal,” MP Rood tweeted.

“Once again Parliament is silenced & democracy is circumvented in the midst of the pandemic. Shameless cover-up!”

Earlier in the week, Rood tweeted: “Every ethical violation and breach of trust that warranted Morneau’s resignation, was also committed by Trudeau. The Prime Minister should be held by the highest moral standard, yet I have a feeling this will be just another “learning opportunity for Canadians”.”

Next steps

Prorogation of a Parliament results in the termination of a session.

Parliament then stands prorogued until the opening of the next session.

The principal effect of ending a session by prorogation is to terminate business.

Members are released from their parliamentary duties until Parliament is next summoned.

All unfinished business is dropped from or ‘dies’ on the Order Paper and all committees lose their power to transact business, providing a fresh start for the next session.

No committee can sit during a prorogation.

Bills which have not received Royal Assent before prorogation are ‘entirely terminated’ and, in order to be proceeded with in the new session, must be reintroduced as if they had never existed.

More details, here.

An election could take place later this year as a result of this move.

If the minority Liberal government loses the confidence vote, which would follow the Throne speech on September 23, 2020, an election could be triggered.

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