Parched Parliament shuts down due to lack of water

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA -- A parched Parliament was forced to cancel meetings and shut down early Monday because of water woes.

Taps ran dry and toilets backed up in mid-morning after maintenance work on a city water line supplying Parliament Hill reduced pressure to a trickle.

The disruption prompted some MPs to quip about `things piling up,' and odours began circulating in the centre block.

Government House Leader Peter Van Loan eventually announced an early adjournment.

He said the sergeant-at-arms had determined the lack of water was a threat to the health and safety of employees and MPs.

The decision cancelled afternoon tours in mid swing, with guards herding students outside the main doors.
James Morton
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