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March 13th, 2019

NDP: Budget Last Chance for Liberals to Provide Canadians the help they need

OTTAWA – On Wednesday, the NDP submitted its priorities for Justin Trudeau’s last federal budget before the election. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Finance Critic Peter Julian are calling on the Liberal government to address urgent issues impacting Canadians across the country, including the unprecedented housing crisis, rising out-of-pocket health care costs, and the critical lack of affordable, high-quality childcare.

“Canadians want to create better lives for themselves and their families, but that’s not possible when basic needs like affordable housing and prescription drugs are out of reach,” said Singh. "Nearly half of Canadians are only two hundred dollars away from not being able to pay their monthly bills. This is what it is keeping Canadians up at night, and by not taking steps to address these crises, the Liberal government is leaving people behind.”

The NDP submission identifies the party’s proposals to implement a universal, comprehensive, public pharmacare program, close tax loopholes for the wealthiest, ensure future generations have a livable environment, and make it possible for all Canadians to access secure and affordable housing.

“Our system continues to be rigged in favour of the richest people and the biggest corporations while Canadian families pay the price,” said Julian. “We still have 1.2 million children living in poverty and hundreds of First Nations communities living under boil water advisories. The Liberal government must change course to help people. This year’s budget is their last chance to show the courage needed to tackle these inequalities head-on.”