The Senate adopted legislation on Friday to provide financial support to post-secondary students during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill C-15, the Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act, supports students who lost work and income opportunities due to the virus.

Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough appeared before the Senate during a two-hour Committee of the Whole to answer questions about the legislation.

After the bill received Royal Assent, the Senate adjourned until June 2 – an extended break in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 – but could be recalled sooner should the need arise.

The Senate has been recalled two other times amid the public health crisis to deal with emergency legislation.

On March 25, the Senate adopted Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, to help ensure Canadians get the support they need during the pandemic. On April 11, the Senate adopted Bill C-14, which implemented an emergency wage subsidy, among other measures.