The cost of living is increasing, NDP wants to deliver help to families

Liberals let the very rich fill their pockets on the backs of people, it's time to change our approach

GATINEAU — Today, at a press conference in Vieux Hull, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Deputy Leader Alexandre Boulerice called on the Liberal government to stop giving a free pass to big oil, big banks and big box stores that are making record profits while families in Quebec are struggling to get by. The NDP is calling on the Liberals to implement a 3% surtax on the excess profits of big businesses and banks so that money can be put back in people's pockets.

"The inflation crisis has made life more expensive — the cost of meat, vegetables, fruit, gas at the pump and the cost of housing are skyrocketing while families struggle to pay their bills at the end of each month," said Singh. "People are struggling to get by while the ultra-rich are getting richer. It's time for the Liberals to make them pay their fair share so we can help families breathe."

Last year alone, prices rose 5.1% while wages only rose 2.4%. And while people are struggling to make ends meet, big box stores like Walmart and Canadian Tire are making record profits. And the Liberals refuse to make them pay their fair share. In 2021, Walmart made $3.562 billion (US) in profits while Canadian Tire made $1.261 billion in profits. The big banks earned $60.68 billion in profits in 2021. This represents a 39% jump from the previous year. These companies are lining their pockets while people are struggling to pay their rent.

"In this time of crisis, people expect their government to act to deliver the help they need," said Boulerice. "But under the Liberals, the ultra-rich are thriving while families feel abandoned. Quebecers are being gouged at the pump while big oil stuffs their coffers. This has to change. We need the ultra-rich to pay their fair share so we can reinvest the money in solutions that will make life more affordable for families."

New Democrats have started to deliver the help families in Quebec need by providing dental care, taking steps towards a truly universal pharmacare plan and more affordable housing, but they are not done yet. Jagmeet, Alexandre and the entire NDP caucus will continue to fight to make life more affordable for all Quebecers.