NDP reacts to liberals’ announcement to extendpandemic benefits

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh issued the following statement:

"The pandemic is not over. Just today, public health experts are warning us of a variant-driven fourth wave in Canada.

From the very beginning, New Democrats have been calling on the Liberals to extend the help people need to get through the pandemic and to reverse their cut to the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) that people depend on to pay their bills, rent and put food on the table.

While the Liberals rushed to give money to the richest corporations without any strings attached, they cut help by $800 a month for families who are waiting to work again in provinces where restrictions are still in place and people are still temporarily or permanently laid off.

While an extension for the pandemic benefits is needed and with the threat of a variant-driven fourth wave, an extra month isn’t enough for people who still can’t go back to work because of the pandemic.

​​So many main street small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Not to mention small businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors that rely on international visitors won’t be able to rebound until next year. Small businesses that communities rely on need the rent and wage subsidy that New Democrats fought for to keep their doors open.

The Liberals are more focused on plunging the country into an election in a pandemic. Canadian families and small businesses don’t need an election now. They need help for as long as we are in a pandemic.

New Democrats will continue to fight and make sure Canadians receive the help they need for as long as they need it."