Trudeau fails to show leadership for tackling inequality in speech in Davos

Speaking to the 0.1% richest CEOs and celebrities in Davos, Switzerland, Justin Trudeau missed the opportunity to show leadership for fighting growing income and wealth inequality in Canada and abroad.

“Mr. Trudeau seems to think more power for corporations is the best prescription against growing inequality. But policies like that have been driving down wages for working Canadians and increasing inequality in our country for decades,” said NDP leader Tom Mulcair. “He missed an opportunity to repeal Harper’s increase to the retirement age and lay out a real plan for his government to tackle inequality.”

A recent study by Oxfam showed that the 62 richest billionaires have as much wealth as half of the world’s population.

Today’s speech also failed to address growing concerns Canadians have about our slowing economy, in the wake of the Bank of Canada’s latest monetary report today which cut growth projections for this year by a quarter.

“What sets New Democrats apart is our belief that the government has a central role in tackling inequality,” said Mulcair. “The government must act. They can ask the richest corporations to pay their fair share, crack down on tax havens, and bring back the federal minimum wage to drive up wages and salaries for all Canadian workers.”