Canadian Parliament is prorogued. Here’s what that means [Video]

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday said he will be stepping down from the country’s top office and from his role as Liberal Party leader as soon as a replacement is chosen.

In the same breath, he also confirmed Parliament will be prorogued, or suspended, until March 24.

“The fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority Parliament in Canadian history,” Trudeau said, referring to the government elected in 2021.

“That’s why, this morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of Parliament.”

Trudeau said Gov. Gen. Mary Simon granted the request to prorogue Parliament until March 24.

Here’s what prorogation means for the government and for the public.

What is prorogation?

Prorogation effectively allows the prime minister to hit pause on Parliament. The government remains in power, but all parliamentary activity — from existing bills and committee work …