Government, Opposition Parties Strike Deal to Pass Massive Wage Subsidy Bill

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rises in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, as Parliament was recalled for the consideration of measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, on April 11, 2020. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

OTTAWA—The House of Commons has approved a massive $73-billion wage subsidy program aimed at helping businesses and workers survive the economic ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A bill to implement what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the most significant economic program since the Second World War was passed Saturday “on division” after some six hours of speeches and debate.