More short-term half-measures from the Liberal government won’t help working families weather the current crisis or in the long-run, says CUPE. Unfortunately, the Fall Economic Statement issued today by the Liberal government misses the mark on delivering on affordability measures for working class people, and fails on addressing the housing crisis affecting so many families.
“The federal government is playing small-ball when they should be taking bold action to address the affordability and housing crises that are hammering working families right now,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “Instead of taking meaningful steps to make things like groceries, everyday essentials, and housing more affordable for working people, the Liberals are offering another cop-out.”
The Fall Economic Statement includes a two-month GST/HST holiday on certain goods, and a doubling of the loan amount for the construction of secondary suites. Neither of these measures will provide a meaningful, long-term fix for what is hurting working families in Canada.
“Corporate greed is what got us into the mess we’re in, but the Liberals’ only response is offering families a one-time sales tax break and the opportunity to dig themselves even deeper into housing debt,” said CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick. “Working families would see more benefit from lasting, concrete measures like the permanent elimination of the sales tax on everyday essentials such as heating costs, diapers, and children’s clothing. Beyond that, we need policies that ensure public and affordable services that are free from corporate profit – particularly in sectors like childcare and health care.”
To combat the affordability and housing crises, CUPE has been calling for a clampdown on corporate greed and price-gouging, and an all-out effort by the federal government to expand public housing.
With the election of Donald Trump in the United States, people are even more anxious about what comes next as we face a turbulent four-year political and economic rollercoaster ride. The federal government must step up and show working people that they have their backs.
This means presenting an economic plan that stays focussed on job one – taking care of people who need help. This includes rejecting the chorus of right wingers calling for austerity and cuts and instead taking action to protect and strengthen Canada’s vital public services. Canada can afford an economic plan that puts families first, but only if the federal government starts taxing the wealthiest Canadians and profitable corporations fairly.