Under the Liberals, wealth inequality is growing

OTTAWA – According to a new report from Oxfam, the world’s ten richest men have seen their wealth double during the pandemic while most of the world’s population saw their incomes reduce. In Canada this same pattern exists with the top 100 CEOs’ incomes rising since March 2020. While the Liberals continue to let the ultra-rich get away with not paying their fair share, New Democrats are committed to making sure the wealthiest among us contribute fairly to the pandemic recovery.

“Canadians are bearing the brunt of soaring inequality while the Liberals help the rich get richer,” said the NDP’s Critic for Tax Fairness and Inequality, Niki Ashton. “The Liberals had an opportunity during the fall economic update to stop pandemic profiteering, make the ultra-rich pay their fair share and close tax havens and loopholes. Instead, they chose to protect the profits of the ultra-wealthy while everyday Canadians struggle.”

In the six years Justin Trudeau has been Prime Minister, the super-rich have only gotten richer while everyday Canadians are finding it harder to get by. The Liberals gave away millions in subsidies to big corporations with no strings attached while cutting pandemic benefits for people who needed them as COVID-19 cases spread through the country. With inflation rising and the cost of everyday essentials like rent and food going up, everyday Canadians need a government that is there for them.

“The recovery from this pandemic is going to cost us, but it should be paid for by those who profited off of this pandemic, not Canadian families who have been struggling,” said the NDP’s Critic for Finance, Daniel Blaikie. “It’s time the Liberals stood up for everyday Canadians instead of protecting their rich friends.”

New Democrats are committed to giving Canadians the help they need to make ends meet and making sure ultra-rich and big corporations pay their fair share for the pandemic recovery.