NDP announces new critic portfolios ahead of next election

OTTAWA – On Friday, Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced new critic portfolios for his NDP caucus. New Democrats will continue fighting for Canadians as food prices, affordable housing and health care concerns as the party prepares for the next federal election.

“Now more than ever Canadians need a government that works for them—not one that makes their lives harder,” said Singh. “But the Liberals are out-of-touch and Pierre Poilievre is protecting the profits of his corporate buddies—not workers. Our NDP caucus is fighting to deliver for Canadians with dental care for seniors, kids under 18 and people living with disabilities, drug coverage for diabetes medication and birth control, child care protected in legislation, affordable housing measures and GST rebates that will put money back in people’s pockets.

“The Liberal government has broken so many promises to address the climate emergency and fight for Indigenous justice – but New Democrats will keep working on these important issues. This team of New Democrats is completely committed to making Ottawa work for you and your family, not the rich and powerful.”

As part of the shuffle, NDP MP Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona) will step in as the NDP’s new whip and NDP MP Laurel Collins (Victoria) will be the new deputy whip.

NDP MP Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby) takes over as critic for health, while Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) will step into the role of critic for finance.

NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—LaPetite-Patrie) will take on the housing portfolio. NDP MP Blake Desjarlais (Edmonton Griesbach) will fill a new role as critic for Indigenous housing, and the role of deputy critic for housing.

NDP MP Matthew Green is tapped as the party’s critic for Labour and for employment and workforce development, and NDP MP Taylor Bachrach (Skeena—Bulkley Valley) will serve as the critic for public services and procurement as well as the deputy critic for Labour.

NDP MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre) will take on postsecondary education. NDP MP Alistair MacGregor (Cowichan—Malahat—Langford) will take on public safety. NDP MP Lisa Marie Barron (Nanaimo—Ladysmith) will take on Democratic Reform and NDP MP Niki Ashton (Churchill—Keewatinook Aski) will be the critic for Canadian Heritage.

The complete critic list can be found at www.ndp.ca/team.