Conservatives Disconnected from Reality Canadians Face

OTTAWA – Andrew Scheer’s announcement on home energy costs demonstrates the Conservatives’ disconnect with the seriousness of what Canadians are going through. New Democrats have a plan that will bring relief to Canadians faced with a housing crisis, rising medication costs, and who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Andrew Scheer’s announcement today demonstrates once again that the Conservatives don’t understand what Canadians are going through. Many families are $200 a month away from not being able to pay their bills, and the Conservatives are proposing something to save them $107 a year,” said NDP Finance Critic Peter Julian. “While any help for Canadians is a step in the right direction, there are better ways to do this. There are more effective ways to make a real difference for Canadian families – from pharmacare to affordable housing to lowering drug prices.”

A study from earlier this year indicated that half of Canadian households are $200 a month away from not being able to pay their bills, yet Scheer’s plan only offers help of $107 a year. The NDP has proposed bringing in a universal, comprehensive, public pharmacare program to keep people healthy, to save Canadians, employers and the public system money, and to build on the best traditions of Medicare – where no one is left behind.

New Democrats also led the way in calling for bold action to build more affordable and social housing across the country and to help the next generation attain home ownership. In addition they’ve asked that the next budget includes immediate relief for the families that need it and addresses the housing crisis.

“Too many people paid the price of a decade of Conservative government choices. They were wrong to shut so many people out of the opportunity for a better future,” added Julian. “Only a different choice will get us better results. We know Canadians need better solutions, and that it’s time for a government that’s on your side.”