As federal parties prepare to reconvene the House of Commons, affordability looks set to remain at the top of their agenda.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poièvre, addressing his caucus on Sunday, continued to articulate a message criticizing the current state of Canada’s economy, with a focus on housing affordability, but also on the cost of living. He blamed the rising challenge on government policies. By Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“This is not a problem that was thrown into Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s lap. This is a problem that Trudeau created by continuing to strengthen provincial bureaucracies that inhibit inflationary spending and housing construction,” Poilievre said. Ta.
Over and over again, he repeated the refrain that summed up the Conservative Party’s priorities for the next term: “Cut taxes, build more housing, fix the budget, stop crime.”
In French, Poièvre focused his criticism on the Bloc Quebecois, which supports the federal government on a variety of issues, and in English, he similarly tried to link the NDP and Liberals as a “costly coalition.”
Poièvre referred to Bill C-234, which aims to exempt farmers from paying carbon taxes on fuels used in some agricultural activities. The bill underwent significant changes and procedural wrangling as it passed the House and Senate late last year.
As MPs prepare to return to the normal rhythms of the House of Commons this week, the Conservatives continue to maintain a commanding lead in public support, as polls suggest (many polls at least 10 percentage points).
On Thursday, leaders of the New Democratic Party and the ruling Liberal Party also spoke publicly, outlining their priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
Government House of Commons Leader Stephen McKinnon today responded to Liberal MP Ken MacDonald, who withdrew his suggestion that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should face a leadership review. He also talks about the Liberal Party’s expectations as Parliament reconvenes on Monday.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh used the occasion of a caucus retreat in Edmonton to focus his party’s message on affordability, along with criticism of the government with which the federal New Democratic Party has a supply and confidence agreement. Ta.
”[Trudeau’s] After nearly nine years in power, instead of the middle class growing, the situation worsened. It’s expensive to buy groceries, and it’s expensive to rent or take out a mortgage. Life has become more difficult. My salary hasn’t kept up. He’s out of touch,” he said Thursday while leaving a caucus meeting.
But Mr Singh split his time between criticizing the government for its inaction on the table issue and attacking the Conservative Party’s proposed solutions.
As the New Democrats negotiate a deal on pharmacare, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh likens working with the Liberals to fighting an eel in oil.
“I also want you to remember when the Conservatives were in power. [Stephen] Harper was in power and cut what was needed. He cut health insurance. It hurt because he cut it. That’s what conservatives do. They’re going to cut again,” he said.
Prime Minister Trudeau also spoke to his caucus in Ottawa on Thursday, defending his government’s record while ramping up his criticism of the Conservative opposition.
The prime minister emphasized his government’s commitment to climate change and new programs such as dental care, but warned that a Conservative government would lead Canada toward the far right. He specifically singled out several Conservative MPs whom he deemed not aligned with Canadian values.
“While Pierre Poièvre is focused on taking the party further to the right, we are focused on meeting Canadians where they are and where they need us,” Trudeau said. Ta.
The spring session of the House of Representatives is scheduled to continue through June.
Prime Minister Trudeau announced Sunday that a by-election will be held in Durham, Ont., a seat vacated by the retirement of former Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole. By-elections are also expected to be called in the coming months for two other seats left vacant by the resignations of former cabinet ministers Carolyn Bennett and David Lametti.