The Last (?) Pandemic Parliament

The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to take centre stage in the new session of parliament. Whether it is in Conservative attempts to contain a dissident libertarian wing, or the NDP and Liberals competing to establish their public health credentials, pandemic posturing is slated to dominate the early legislative agenda.

The importance of COVID-19 to this parliamentary session was foreshadowed by its impact on the recent federal election. A fourth COVID-19 wave was partially responsible for inhibiting the Liberal push for a majority government. Public frustration also played a role in the result, as the Prime Minister was confronted with a larger-than-expected pushback from the public over the election’s timing. There is no doubt that these electoral lessons will affect the government’s planning as they begin the new session.

The government will seek to re-establish its socially progressive credentials — and reputation as public health defenders — as early as possible. Government House Leader Mark Holland indicated that a bill introducing criminal penalties for those who block access to health care facilities and harass health care workers will be an early priority. Another COVID-related priority for the Liberals will be renewing support measures for affected businesses and industries. With current programs like the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and Hardest-Hit Business Recovery set to expire on November 22nd, the government will be looking to replace them as quickly as possible. 

The NDP, on the other hand, will likely leverage the Speech from the Throne to push for more generous pandemic support subsidies. Let’s not forget that following the 2020 Throne Speech, the NDP called for an enhanced Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, and pushed for paid sick leave. Citing his desire to promote a “worker-focused” economic recovery, Singh is poised to demand strengthened subsidies this session. Look for the NDP to seek the reinstatement of a Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors, whose funding had been superseded by the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives must contend with intra-party fractures on the issue of vaccine mandates. The past few weeks have exposed fissures within the Conservative caucus, with anti-mandate MPs notably excluded from shadow cabinet selections, and a ‘civil liberties’ caucus challenging the public stance of Leader Erin O’Toole. It seems unlikely that these internal issues will be dealt with swiftly, which will leave the CPC leadership with a lingering headache.

Canada has been grappling with the pandemic for more than twenty months, and COVID continues to play an outsized role in the federal landscape. It will be foremost in the Liberals’ early legislative agenda, the NDP’s concession demands, and in Conservative splintering. The 44th Parliament, like the 43rd, will be yet another pandemic Parliament. More than anyone, the party leaders hope it will be the last.