Thursday, March 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Hybrid Parliament saves millions: PBO

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Feb, 2021 06:42 PM
  • Hybrid Parliament saves millions: PBO

A new estimate suggests the move to a hybrid Parliament could save as much as $6.2 million a year.

The system — which sees some MPs and senators participate in person and most others logged in remotely — has been in place since April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the nuances of how MPs and senators participate have changed since then, the parliamentary budget officer's report suggests the primary driver of savings is reduced travel.

The report notes that a decrease in travel also has the effect of reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by about 2,972 metric tons of CO2 equivalent.

The budget watchdog says the financial savings offset the increased costs of running a hybrid model, which include the required technology and a major increase in interpreters' services.

The provision of those services has been a sore spot in recent weeks as some parties say not enough resources have been allotted to ensure enough interpreters are available and can work safely.

MORE National ARTICLES

Drugs, cash, and, Alfa Romeo Stelvio seized by Surrey Gang Enforcement Team

Drugs, cash, and, Alfa Romeo Stelvio seized by Surrey Gang Enforcement Team
The officers observed a suspicious vehicle and initiated a traffic stop under the motor vehicle act.

Drugs, cash, and, Alfa Romeo Stelvio seized by Surrey Gang Enforcement Team

Singh suggests NDP to back Liberals at budget vote

Singh suggests NDP to back Liberals at budget vote
New Democrats have been hyping their pharmacare legislation in advance of a vote that will either kill Bill C-213 or send it to committee for further scrutiny.

Singh suggests NDP to back Liberals at budget vote

Premier John Horgan sends out message of treating others with respect on Pink Shirt Day

Premier John Horgan sends out message of treating others with respect on Pink Shirt Day
Today, we challenge you to take the lessons of Pink Shirt Day and make them last all year long. Lift each other up and remember a small act of kindness can be a powerful force.

Premier John Horgan sends out message of treating others with respect on Pink Shirt Day

New warships to cost $17B more than expected: PBO

New warships to cost $17B more than expected: PBO
Parliamentary budget officer Yves Giroux’s latest estimate is $17 billion more than the government’s stated price for the 15 warships, which are to be built in Halifax over the next two decades and form the Navy’s backbone for most of the century.

New warships to cost $17B more than expected: PBO

Some travellers not complying with Quarantine Act

Some travellers not complying with Quarantine Act
Police said they will not detain anyone for breaking the hotel quarantine rule unless there are aggravating circumstances involved, such as a criminal offence.

Some travellers not complying with Quarantine Act

Tories' O'Toole hits turbulence six months in

Tories' O'Toole hits turbulence six months in
Caucus morale is buoyed by this week's House of Commons vote in favour of a motion declaring a genocide against Uighur Muslims in China.

Tories' O'Toole hits turbulence six months in