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June 10th, 2020

NDP won’t support government bill until support is extended to help more people across Canada

The Liberal government is still refusing to help families in need by extending the CERB and expanding supports for people living with disabilities

OTTAWA – After engaging in discussions in good faith with the Liberal government, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has indicated the NDP will not be supporting the Liberal’s proposed bill as it is unacceptable in its current form. New Democrats want important improvements to better help families, and the Liberal government has refused to act.

"If the Liberals wanted to get to work to make the lives of Canadians better, we were ready to work with them so we can deliver for people across the country. But it has become clear that the Liberals are currently unwilling to address the needs of Canadians," said Singh. "Families who cannot return to work at the end of the month need to know that they’ll be able to put food on the table. The government must extend the CERB so families can continue to get help for as long as they need it."

New Democrats raised serious concerns with the Liberal’s proposed bill as it failed to meet the needs of people. The NDP’s proposal would help families in need by extending the CERB, by removing punitive measures in the bill, and by expanding supports for people living with disabilities. The Liberal government has refused to help on all three counts.

New Democrats have also pushed back against the Liberal’s planned one-off payment for people living with disabilities because it does nothing in the long term and excludes everyone who isn’t already receiving the federal disability tax credit – the majority of people living with disabilities in Canada. Singh said his team will continue to fight for people living with disabilities to get them the long-term support they need to face this unprecedented crisis and beyond.

"Over and over, it’s the same thing from this Prime Minister," said Singh. "Mr Trudeau says nice things when the cameras are rolling, but at the same moment, puts forward his version of support that won’t help the majority of people who need it. With this bill, the government has refused to help families make ends meet and is leaving the majority of people living with disabilities behind. Canadians can count on New Democrats to continue to push them to do what’s right to help families."