News Release The Speaker of the Senate Speaker extends adjournment of Senate in response to COVID-19

Following consultations with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and parliamentary groups, the Speaker of the Senate has extended the adjournment period until Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at 2 p.m. This decision was taken as part of the Senate’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The Speaker will continue his consultations with Senate leadership as the situation unfolds.

The Senate’s priority remains the health, safety and well-being of all Canadians and it is taking every precaution to protect senators and staff as they carry out their duties.

A motion was adopted by the Senate on April 11, 2020, authorizing three committees to undertake their proceedings by videoconference or teleconference, including those with a mandate to examine and report on measures related to COVID-19. This committee work will continue throughout the adjournment, and proceedings will be broadcast via ParlVU.

Under the Rules of the Senate, the Speaker can extend a period of adjournment if it is deemed that the public interest does not require the Senate to meet at the originally specified date and time. Accordingly, the Senate will not be convened on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at 2 p.m. As has previously been the case, the Senate would be recalled earlier if required to deal with government legislation.

Related Links

Learn more about an extended adjournment of the Senate.

Watch the live broadcast of Senate proceedings at ParlVU.

Follow the Senate on Twitter .

For more information:

Victoria Deng

Press Secretary

Office of the Speaker of the Senate, Senate of Canada

613-995-2891

vicky.deng@sen.parl.gc.ca