Canada’s NDP caucus meets in Edmonton on 2024 priorities

EDMONTON – On Tuesday afternoon, the federal NDP caucus began their week-long strategic planning session in Edmonton where affordability issues and housing were top priorities.

New Democrats will use the upcoming parliamentary session ahead of the next budget to push measures that improve Canadians lives like meaningful action on affordable housing and a legislative framework for Pharmacare

“Justin Trudeau is in Montreal talking about growing the middle class. Has he spoken to a Canadian?,” asked Singh. “People are exhausted and frustrated. They’re feeling that things are getting worse in their day-to-day lives. You shouldn’t have to work two jobs to cover your rent. You shouldn’t have to skip meals to cover your bills. It shouldn’t be this hard.

“These circumstances are the direct result of decisions that successive Liberal and Conservative governments have made. Both the Liberals and Conservatives stand up for the interests of big corporations and the ultra-rich instead of looking out for you and your family. They failed to build affordable housing over the last eight years and, when he was in government, Poilievre lost 800,000 units of affordable housing. Now renters, people at the risk of homelessness and first-time homebuyers are paying the price.”

Under the Trudeau government, rent the average rent has doubled, food prices have risen by 30 per cent and Canadians are paying some of the highest prices in the world for cell and internet bills.

And Pierre Poilievre’s record in government confirms Conservatives cut and gut services to give the ultra-wealthy even more money back in their pockets. Supported by Liberals, his government gave away $55 billion in tax cuts to CEOs and healthcare funding was cut by $43.5 billion.

“This NDP caucus is going back to Ottawa determined to continue helping hardworking Canadians,” said Singh. “We have work to do to deliver a legislative framework for pharmacare that would cover you and your family not one that works for huge insurance companies and lobbyists.

“We’re going to fight for truly affordable housing not more federal land going to private developers who build luxury apartments. We’re going to stand up to the corporate greed driving up food prices while Canadians go hungry. I want to tell every Canadian feeling frustrated and disappointed: New Democrats are going to have your backs.”