Conservatives must not miss another key opportunity at G20

Time for action on economy and diplomacy

OTTAWA – As the situation in Syria deteriorates, the NDP is urging the Conservative government to show leadership at this year’s G20 summit and step up diplomatic efforts towards a ceasefire.

“Over 100,000 are dead and a million children now live in refugee camps. This is a humanitarian tragedy. The international community must come together and make a ceasefire happen as soon as possible,” said NDP Foreign Affairs critic Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre). “Unfortunately, under the Conservatives, Canada’s international reputation has been diminished.”

While the tragedy in Syria is a pressing issue, the global economy will also be a key issue at this meeting. Canada’s GDP growth is slipping behind its G20 counterparts. The 1.8% growth rate in 2012 was the lowest level since the recession.

“This government has managed to both massively increase the public debt and produce the weakest economic growth since the recession,” said NDP Finance critic Peggy Nash (Parkdale – High Park). “At these G20 meetings, Stephen Harper must end his role as a spoiler against progress on important files like an international crackdown on tax avoidance by wealthy individuals and corporations.”