NORTHERN ONTARIO—Canada’s NDP says that it secured much-needed help for Canadians as the high cost of living in Northern Ontario continues to soar as part of last week’s federal government budget.
“People are skipping vital dentist appointments or putting food back on the shelf because of how expensive everything is,” said NDP Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes. “The goods and services tax (GST) rebate and dental care expansion will make life more affordable for people who need it most, and that wouldn’t have been possible without the power of New Democrats.”
Left on his own, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly chosen to protect the profits of the super-rich, said MP Hughes. “He teamed-up with the Conservatives to vote against making CEOs and big corporations pay what they owe. And both the Liberals and Conservatives voted against delivering dental care to Canadians.”
New Democrats used their power in Parliament to deliver dental care for children under 18, seniors and people living with a disability, which will save $1,247 per family per year, explained MP Hughes. The NDP also pushed for a grocery rebate which will put up to $467 back in over 3.5 million Ontarians’ pockets.
“Earlier today, before the budget was tabled, the Conservatives said they wouldn’t even be supporting the budget,” said MP Hughes. “If Pierre Poilievre oversaw the budget, there would be no dental care for Canadian kids and seniors. He would have cut your pension, youth health care, child care and other services your family relies on to support the profits of the big bosses. I’m incredibly proud of what New Democrats accomplished for working people. Imagine what else would be possible if more elected officials fought for Canadians like New Democrats do.”
