Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act  Hon. members, these past few weeks have certainly been a time of firsts in our parliamentary community. Today, for the first time, the special committee on COVID-19 met here in the House of Commons chamber following a successful virtual meeting that was held yesterday. It was good to see you all face to face.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act  The point of order is well taken. I will let the hon. member for Timmins—James Bay continue.

Business of the House  Does the hon. minister have the unanimous consent of the House to move the motion?

Business of the House  Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act  Pursuant to an order made earlier today, two members of each recognized party and a member of the Green Party may each speak to the motion for not more than 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of questions and comments. Members are permitted to split their time with another member.

Business of the House  (Motion agreed to)

Recall of the House of Commons  Colleagues, before we begin our proceedings, I would like to say a few words about the special measures in place today. To that end, pursuant to an order made Monday, April 20, 2020, the application of Standing Order 17 will be suspended for the current sitting to allow members to practise physical distancing.

Business of the House  Does the hon. minister have the unanimous consent of the House to move the motion?

Business of the House  The House has heard the terms of the motion. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

Business of the House  (Motion agreed to)

COVID-19 Pandemic  I just want to remind the hon. members to place their questions through the Speaker and not directly across the aisle. The hon. member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith.

COVID-19 Pandemic  It being 8:10 p.m., it is my duty to inform the House that the time provided for debate on the motion has ended today.

Privilege  I am now prepared to rule on the question of privilege raised earlier today by the member for Nanaimo—Ladysmith concerning sittings of the House during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the question raised by the hon. member deals with the manner in which the House will conduct business involving all members in the coming weeks, as the country continues to be confronted by a crisis which is without precedent in recent history, I thought it important to return to the House with a ruling quickly.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Pursuant to order made earlier today, the motion that the House take note of the current COVID-19 pandemic is deemed moved. A member of each recognized party and a member of the Green Party may speak to the motion for not more than 10 minutes, followed by a period of five minutes for questions and comments.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Pursuant to an order made earlier today, the committee will rise.