Rachel Blaney, MP for North Island-Powell River, has stated that the federal Liberals must do more to respect financially vulnerable Canadians, including those in her riding, seniors and Indigenous people.
In a media release, Blaney stated that many of the measures announced that put money in the pockets of Canadians were the result of NDP pressure.
“Canadians are doing everything they can to get by,” stated Blaney. “The New Democrats are fighting hard to ensure Canadians get the help they so desperately need. That’s why we’ve pushed the Liberals to implement the GST rebate, rental help and dental care.”
A crucial change the NDP has pushed for, the removal of GST from home heating, has not been addressed, stated Blaney. This means Canadians will still be forced to pay taxes to heat their homes, putting them under further financial strain, she added. Too many people in North Island-Powell River and across Canada are already forced to choose between medications and food, according to Blaney. Removing the GST from home heating would ease some of their financial burden, the MP added.
“I’m frustrated that once again the Liberals are patting themselves on the back for announcements that they wouldn’t have agreed to without constant NDP pressure,” stated Blaney. “Meanwhile, the Conservatives fight to remove the carbon tax from home heating, failing to recognize that many provinces – including BC – charge their own tax, not using the federal carbon pricing.”
Seniors continue to be financially stressed, with many living at or below the poverty line, stated Blaney. Not only has the budget given them nothing new, it has continued the two-tiered system, with old age security benefits not increasing until age 75, she added. There have also been no further investments in the Indigenous housing strategy, according to the MP.
“I’m deeply concerned that there still is no additional funding for health care, which is so critical for the people in this riding and across Canada,” stated Blaney. “It’s vital that the government takes meaningful steps to improve the lives of Canadians. I will not stop fighting for people in my riding and across Canada who face ongoing financial hardship.”
