The Liberal government has backed away already from one controversial proposal in the bill — part 2, which would have given the government sweeping new powers to spend, borrow and tax Canadians for 21 months without parliamentary approval. The Tories criticized the move as an ill-fated attempt to get Parliament to sign a blank cheque.

While agreeing to drop part 2, Trudeau defended the bill Tuesday, saying the government needs to get assistance to the Canadian people as quickly as possible and Ottawa must plan for all eventualities.