ALSO TODAY: New federal support for steel and aluminum sectors — Sajjan in NB for delivery of new logistics trucks

As the mid-March parliamentary hiatus heads into its second week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has temporarily decamped from the capital for a spring break-style getaway with his family at an undisclosed location in Florida, although his office has made it clear that he intends to remain at least partly on the clock throughout his stay.

[READ MORE: What We’re Watching: A lack of lull around SNC-Lavalin]

He’ll also, presumably, be keeping tabs on the latest developments back home, both on the ongoing SNC-Lavalin controversy and other breaking developments on both the domestic and international fronts, including Sunday’s fatal plane crash in Ethiopia, in which 18 Canadians were among the 157 killed. Confirmed among the Canadians who perished are a highly respected Carleton University professor, an Edmonton mother and her five year old daughter, a Calgary-based accountant who co-founded a group for Kenyans in the community, and a 24-year-old environmental activist from Winnipeg.

On Sunday afternoon, Trudeau’s office issued a statement expressing “heartfelt condolences to those who have lost family, friends, and loved ones as a result of this tragedy,” which occurred shortly after the Nairobi-bound plane departed Addis Ababa.

“While the causes of the crash continue to be investigated, the safety and security of all Canadians remains our primary concern,” the statement noted.

“We are providing consular assistance, and working closely with authorities to gather further information,” and has also contacted his Kenyan and Ethiopian counterparts.

Meanwhile, New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh marks the one-week countdown to his inaugural appearance in the House of Commons by unveiling what his party is billing as “his plan to reconnect with Quebecers,” the details of which will be shared during an afternoon visit to a Montreal community centre, where Singh will be flanked by Quebec MPs Alexandre Boulerice and Brigitte Sansoucy, who serve as Quebec lieutenant and caucus chair, respectively.

Also out and about in La Belle Province today: Employment Minister Patty Hajdu touts her government’s ongoing efforts to “help young Canadians get a fair chance at success in the labour market” during a stop at a Montreal-based employment agency, while Transport Minister Marc Garneau ferries a fresh tranche of federal cash earmarked for crime prevention to an Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in Westmount, and Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez makes the rounds in Bas-Saint-Laurent.

Elsewhere on the ministerial circuit:

Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains drops by Nova Steel’s Stoney Creek headquarters to outline what the advisory describes as “significant new funding” aimed at boosting support for “small- and medium-sized manufacturers and users of steel and aluminum in all regions of Canada.”

drops by Nova Steel’s Stoney Creek headquarters to outline what the advisory describes as “significant new funding” aimed at boosting support for “small- and medium-sized manufacturers and users of steel and aluminum in all regions of Canada.” Government House Leader Bardish Chagger “celebrates” a suite of now-complete infrastructure projects at Wilfrid Laurier University, while Small Business Minister Mary Ng talks Trans-Pacific trade with members of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council in Toronto.

“celebrates” a suite of now-complete infrastructure projects at Wilfrid Laurier University, while talks Trans-Pacific trade with members of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council in Toronto. Finally, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan teams up with Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey to “highlight” the arrival of a new fleet of logistics trucks, which are slated to be delivered to CFB Gagetown this morning.

FRESH FROM iPOLITICS

FEATURED OPINION

HOT OFF THE WIRES

Follow @kady