Today, Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound issued the following statement on the prorogation of Parliament:

"Tuesday, Justin Trudeau prorogued Parliament until September 23rd. When the House of Commons reconvenes, the government will deliver a Speech from the Throne with a budget or economic update expected later in the fall. The prorogation cancels the one sitting day left of the summer, which was set for August 26th.

The Prime Minister and Bill Morneau are facing ethics investigations for not recusing themselves during discussions about the government decision to award WE Charity Foundation a sole sourced contract, to administer a $912-million student volunteer grant program. A programme that WE Charity Foundation pulled out of on their own once the media and Canadians started asking questions.

The Prime Minister’s choice to prorogue Parliament is all about changing the channel and taking the focus off the WE controversy and the resignation of Finance Minister Bill Morneau. The prorogation shuts down all committees, including the ones that were investigating the issue, and unfortunately terminates all government bills that have yet to receive Royal Assent (less Private Member’s Bills) and any outstanding Order Paper Questions expire so the Government need not respond. This includes the four questions I have submitted with respect to beef farmers, firearms, CERB and student loans.

I am truly disappointed. I am so proud to represent Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound and there are many important issues facing our country that MPs should be discussing and working hard to address right now.

Justin Trudeau has walked out on Canadians in the middle of a major health and economic crisis and is locking out Opposition MPs who are working hard to improve COVID-19 support programmes for Canadians and raise the concerns of their constituents by bringing their voice to Ottawa."