BC FORUM News - From The Advocate, Summer, 2019

Singh makes history with parliamentary debut

Presses Trudeau government on housing, budget measures to help ordinary people

Advocate page 6

Following his convincing victory in the Burnaby South by-election, Jagmeet Singh made history when he was sworn into office and became the first person of colour to lead a federal party in the House of Commons.

In his first appearance in question period, Singh pressed Prime Minister Trudeau on housing costs that have spiralled out of reach for too many Canadians.

He cited the example of a Burnaby South resident who may lose her home, and whose children are losing hope for their futures.

“The prime minister is telling families like theirs to wait for help,” said Singh.

“I believe better is possible. Will the government commit to building half a million affordable homes?” Trudeau did not.

“People are working hard,” said Singh. “They’re trying to make ends meet but they’re finding it tougher than ever to afford a place to call home, to care for ageing family members or to buy the medication they desperately need. Canadians across the country feel let down,” said Singh.

Federal budget

The NDP says this spring’s budget was the Trudeau government’s last chance before the next election to deliver a budget that puts Canadians first.

Instead, Singh said, the budget maintains business as usual, continuing massive giveaways to big corporations while people are struggling to make ends meet.

“This budget shows how disconnected the Trudeau Liberals are from Canadians’ everyday reality,” said Singh.

“There is no sense of urgency to act on skyrocketing housing costs, unaffordable child care, expensive prescription drug costs and senior poverty rates,” he said.

“The Liberals’ habit of giving special treatment to web giants and rich corporations is hurting Canadians,” said Peter Julian, NDP Finance Critic.

“In this budget, Justin Trudeau had a last chance to deliver on people’s basic needs and he failed.

“It’s not middle-class working people who win with this budget, it’s their bosses,” said Julian.

“It’s time for Canadians to have a government that will make child care, medication, housing and postsecondary education affordable for all,” he said.