House of Commons shuts down until April 20, passes new NAFTA deal

The House of Commons decided to shut down Friday for five weeks to help ensure MPs do not contribute to the spread of COVID-19.

All parties agreed to the measure, which means MPs will miss two sitting weeks, as they had previously planned to be away next week and two weeks in April.

Part of the package is hastening the passage of the new trade deal among Canada, the United States and Mexico, with a vote in the Senate expected this afternoon.

The House is scheduled to next meet Monday, April 20.

The federal budget, which was scheduled to be tabled on March 30, has been “unscheduled” and will be presented at a later date.

Government House leader Pablo Rodriguez says the Commons could come back sooner if an emergency requires a meeting.

“We will face this together, and we will get through this together,” he said.

Conservative House leader Mark Strahl said the official Opposition would still work to hold the government to account during the unfolding health crisis.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in two weeks of self-isolation after his wife Sophie tested positive for COVID-19, which would keep him out of the House for several days after its scheduled return.

Two other cabinet ministers remain isolated with flu and cold-like symptoms and are also awaiting test results for the virus.

Preventing the spread of the of the novel coronavirus has become Job 1 for public-health experts, who are trying to prevent the kind of tragic outcomes being seen in Italy and other parts of Europe.

Parliament did step up efforts to disinfect its buildings Thursday, including additional cleanings of things like elevator buttons and handrails.