HUMBOLDT — Humboldt’s local MP is critical of a Liberal-NDP agreement that will let Prime Minister Justin Trudeau govern until 2025 in exchange for items like new dental care and pharmacare programs.
“The people of Saskatchewan firmly rejected the policies and promises of both the NDP and Liberal parties, understanding those policies would increase government spending, lead to higher taxes and hurt our economy,” said Carlton Trail—Eagle Creek MP Kelly Block.
“If this NDP-Liberal coalition stands, Saskatchewan and our entire country are in for a very rough ride.”
The agreement between the parties is not a formal coalition government, as such an arrangement would see members of the NDP included on cabinet.
The deal is similar to one made by the B.C. New Democrats and Greens after that a 2017 election resulted in a minority government. That deal, which was to allow Premier John Horgan to govern until 2021, was broken in 2020 due to strong polling results for the NDP. The NDP got a majority government as a result.
Block said the federal NDP were elected to hold the Liberals to account, not give them a free pass.
“With rising inflation, out-of-control cost of living, and national unity at stake, Justin Trudeau knows he is losing the confidence of Canadians,” the MP said.
"Rather than change his policies and divisive rhetoric, the Prime Minister is doubling down and choosing to stay in power at all costs including implementing the more extreme policies of the NDP.”
In exchange for the NDP’s support, the Liberals have agreed to a new dental care program for families who make less than $90,000 per year, starting with children later this year. The Liberals will also make steps on pharmacare and take steps to phase out fossil fuel subsidies. The government will also change election legislation to provide for three days of voting in the next campaign.
Trudeau promised neither program in his 2021 platform, but insisted this doesn’t mean his party, which has yet to deliver a balanced budget, will spend with abandon.
— Written with files from Michael Potestio, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Kamloops This Week
