Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is visiting St. John’s today, rolling out the party’s election platform and vision to improve life for people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Jagmeet Singh says there is little doubt that things are rough in the province with twice the national average of unemployment, the rising cost of living, and people struggling to get ahead – and he’s pointing the finger at federal policies.

Federal NDP Leader @theJagmeetSingh touches on fond memories of living here in the province to start. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/wsD1QTfTFX — Ben Murphy VOCM (@BenMurphyVOCM) September 3, 2019

Singh says the NDP is proposing a “new deal” to put people first. They plan to build half-a-million affordable housing units across the country; expand healthcare systems with universal dental, pharmacare and childcare systems; waive the interest on federal student loans; and a price-cap on cell phone rates.

How will they pay for it? Singh says some $25-billion could be recovered from offshore tax havens – right now it is legal for corporations to send money offshore. They want to clamp down on that practice and those evading paying their fair share – along with unclaimed taxes that have not been followed up on by the CRA from major corporations.

. @theJagmeetSingh says they will work towards universal dental care, end interest on student loans, make childcare more affordable with a universal daycare plan and end the gouging with cell phone plans with a price cap.@VOCMNEWS #nlpoli pic.twitter.com/XZveA4mrA2 — Ben Murphy VOCM (@BenMurphyVOCM) September 3, 2019

They’ll ask the so-called “ultra-rich” – those who have a net-wealth over $20-million – to pay their fair share, with the introduction of a one per-cent tax on earnings over that amount. That, says Singh, will raise a significant revenue while tackling inequality in society.