Jagmeet Singh opposes Liberals' cheques for vulnerable Canadians
- Jagmeet Singh criticized the Liberal government's proposed $250 cheques for Canadians for excluding seniors and those with disabilities.
- Initially, the NDP supported the measure, assuming it would help all Canadians, but later learned it only targeted working individuals.
- Singh concluded that the policy is insufficient and called on the Liberals to amend their proposal to better support the vulnerable.
In Canada on November 25, 2024, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh expressed his party's disapproval of the Liberal government's proposal to issue $250 cheques to Canadians. Singh highlighted that the plan fails to support the most vulnerable segments of society, including seniors and persons with disabilities. Initially, when the proposal was discussed, Singh and his party assumed it would include Canadians regardless of income, but further details revealed that it would only benefit working Canadians. This breakdown in communication led Singh to label the proposal as inadequate and a 'slap in the face' to those needing support the most. The New Democratic Party had previously shown intent to support the initiative, claiming credit for compelling the Liberals to adopt a policy aimed at providing GST relief on essential goods. Singh reiterated his intention to support any beneficial measures for the populace but firmly stated that the current cheque strategy does not go far enough to cover those in dire need, leaving out large groups potentially affected by ongoing economic challenges. Adding to the confusion, Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet also expressed his skepticism regarding the proposal and the New Democrats' initial support. Blanchet commented on the peculiarity of how the Liberals managed to secure NDP backing for a plan that, in his view, does not fully address the needs of retirees and other vulnerable demographics. Moreover, the Conservative Party took a critical stance against the Liberal announcement, arguing that while providing cheques and a GST break may serve as immediate relief, these measures fail to address long-term affordability issues Canadians face, especially with increasing costs attributed to taxation policies. They emphasized that if the government is serious about restoring affordability, it should consider abolishing the carbon tax that is set to rise significantly in 2025.