Hybrid Parliament saves about $6.2 million a year, budget officer says

OTTAWA — 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. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2021.

The Canadian Press