Singh: Canadian workers need support and a path forward

Surrounded by young workers, the NDP Leader continued to call for more support to help them make ends meet

OTTAWA – Today, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh toured a training facility with trade workers where he discussed with them the struggles they're facing. Singh has been urging the government to provide a plan that supports Canadians as they move forward from the pandemic. This morning, he reiterated the need for the government to have workers’ backs as the cost of living continues to rise and families continue to struggle to make ends meet.

“Workers have carried our country through the last two years of the pandemic. From the front-line health care workers at our bedsides to the essential workers who have kept our communities running. Their contributions have helped Canadians in unprecedented times,” said Singh. “Despite them having our backs the last two years, we know that it's workers who have paid the price of this pandemic. Moving forward, they need to know their government has their backs. The Liberal government must make sure that way forward from the pandemic supports Canadian workers and their families."

With the rise of inflation at a thirty-year high, while wealthy CEOs continue to rake in the profits, workers are facing additional challenges as the cost of living soars. New Democrats have repeatedly called on the Liberal government to address the affordability crisis to help people make ends meet. And during the height of the pandemic, the NDP repeatedly called on the Liberal government to put in place 10 days of paid sick leave. This would allow workers to stay home to help stop the spread of the virus, protect themselves and their families, and ultimately, save lives. But in a cynical move, the Liberals waited until the election to announce paid sick leave and six months later, despite legislation passing, workers are still left waiting.

“The price of groceries, gas and housing is skyrocketing and the Liberal government isn’t taking action to lower the cost of living to help Canadians get by. People are having a difficult time feeding their families and young workers are afraid they’ll never be able to afford a decent place to live,” said Singh. “There are steps the government can take to bring down the price of housing. And there are steps the government can take to make the ultra-rich pay their fair share to help the rest of us. All it takes is political will. People are tired of Justin Trudeau’s empty words and excuses. New Democrats will always stand up for hardworking Canadians and push the government to do better.”