Budgets/Spending/Market Size

The federal Conservatives are calling for an investigation into the Liberal government's decision to have an international charity administer a $900-million program designed to help students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The request is contained in a letter sent to Auditor General Karen Hogan on Sunday in which the Tories argue that "outsourcing'' the Canada Student Service Grant to WE Charity undermines Parliament's ability to monitor the aid program.

Canada contributed $300 million on Saturday towards the international fight against COVID-19, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined fellow leaders, activists and philanthropists in calling for a vaccine to be distributed to the world's neediest people. Trudeau announced the new funds in another virtual international fundraiser—this one sponsored by an organization, Global Citizen, that raised almost $9.5 billion in pledges.