The party, which has been promising to table this legislation for some time, says its proposal is based on the principles of the Canada Health Act.

Looking to 2020, Singh says he hopes to work with the Liberals to implement a universal, single-payer pharmacare program and national dental coverage and to see Indigenous communities finally given access to clean drinking water, housing and equitable child-welfare funding.

The NDP's new leader is in Vancouver as a part of a tour to introduce himself to Canadians.