Federal NDP whip and North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney, and finance critic Daniel Blaikie called on the Liberal government to help Canadians feeling crushed by the rising cost of housing and groceries.
With inflation now over five per cent, Canadians’ wages rose by just 2.4 per cent, according to an NDP media release. Earlier this week, the Bank of Canada raised the interest rate, and families who were already struggling to get ahead will be forced to pay even more interest while banks continue to make huge profits, the release stated.
“People have been through the ringer in the last two years, and now the cost of housing and groceries is soaring,” stated Blaney. “They want to know that the government is doing its part to help them and their families. But the Liberal government keeps proving that they aren't standing up for everyday people.
“Justin Trudeau said he’d address the housing crisis, but in communities like Victoria, housing has gone up 96 per cent in the past six years. Not only is he failing to fix the problem, under his government things are getting worse for hardworking people. New Democrats know there are better ways to help Canadians buy a home and cool the housing market than giving more money to banks and making it harder for families dealing with debt.”
While Canadians are struggling to keep up or are unable to keep up – big box stores like Walmart and Canadian Tire are making record profits, the release stated. Last year, Walmart made $3.562 billion in profits while Canadian Tire made $1.261 billion in profits, according to the release. Under the Liberals, the ultra-rich are thriving while Canadian families feel abandoned, the release stated.
“While you and your family are forced to pay more on your weekly grocery bill, the CEOs of huge grocery chains and other big box stores have made record profits during the pandemic,” stated Blaikie. “Under the Liberals, the ultra-rich are getting richer, while 60 per cent of Canadians say they are struggling to feed their families. Grocery prices are increasingly unaffordable, yet the Liberals are doing nothing to force these corporations to pay their fair share. New Democrats will continue to call on the Liberal government to close tax loopholes for big corporations and put a wealth tax on the ultra-rich in order to invest in solutions that will make life more affordable for all Canadians.”
