SASKATOON – As federal Liberals ramp up to plan the frameworks of their first budget, the NDP too is reaching out to Canadians for feedback. The MP for Saskatoon-West, Sheri Benson, joined NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair at Station 20 West Tuesday night to kick off the NDP pre-budget consultation tour.
Mulcair says it’s time to hold Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accountable for his campaign promises and keep an eye on promises like the legalization of marijuana, keeping home mail delivery alive and launching an inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.
“We’re going to try to remind them of their promises and hold their feet to the flames,” said Mulcair.
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Both Mulcair and Benson were quick to criticize the previous Conservative government and share their thoughts on where Trudeau is already failing, often joking about the difference between running a campaign and being elected. When asked how the NDP is fighting for concrete solutions, Mulcair said targeting economic inequality is the best place to start.
“We’re very worried about the Canadian economy right now. About fairness about equality. And we think that there’s simple things that can be done to help people in their time of need,” he said.
For now, the party is encouraging residents to get involved and share their thoughts on federal priorities.
Questions about the economy, taxes, community concerns, affordable housing and First Nations resolutions were all welcomed.
Roberta Fehr choked up during her question. Her daughter is a full-time student, a part-time employee, and mother of three and is barely making ends meet. She says she’ll keep asking politicians when affordable living will be a reality for many Canadians like her.
“I know what that’s like. I worked two jobs for five years. I never saw my kids. And I missed out on a lot. I don’t want her to do that,” she said.
While Mulcair says Trudeau is on the right track to the missing and murdered indigenous women consultations, he says he hopes ‘fixing employment insurance’ will be a big focus in the budget.
“The Conservatives broke it. If the Liberals fix it, they’ll be doing the right thing. We don’t know whether that’ll be in the budget or not,” he said.
The federal budget will be tabled late March.
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