NDP Health, Mental Health, and Addictions Critic MP Gord Johns (Courtenay–Alberni, B.C.) introduced a private member’s motion calling for a national target to increase mental health spending to 12 per cent of total health care spending. “Too many Canadians can’t access appropriate, timely mental health care, and it’s costing our country enormously. In quality of … Read more
NDP Leader Avi Lewis criticized the federal spring economic statement, saying it fails to address affordability and offers few new measures for Canadians. “Today’s spring economic statement fails to meet the moment at a time when Canadians are getting crushed by the rising cost of everything,” said Lewis. He said the update relies on existing initiatives … Read more
NDP Leader Avi Lewis issued a statement praising NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, Que.), who announced he will seek the Québec solidaire nomination in the Montreal riding of Gouin and sit as an Independent MP until the fall election. Lewis highlighted Boulerice’s 15 years representing Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie as the NDP’s lone Quebec MP. “I have … Read more
NDP Caucus Chair Jenny Kwan joined health-care workers and advocates on Parliament Hill to condemn planned federal co-payments under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), warning the changes will restrict access to care for refugee claimants and increase long-term system costs. The measures, set to take effect May 1, will require refugees to pay $4 per … Read more
NDP leader Avi Lewis had a productive meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney (Nepean, Ont.) on April 16, where he expressed the NDP’s concerns about the cost of living crisis facing Canadians, and solutions for addressing out-of-control grocery prices. Lewis urged the government to protect the Canada Health Act from profiteering and privatization. He also pressed Carney on … Read more
NDP MPs are urging the federal government to protect public health care following moves in Alberta to expand private, for-pay services. They warn the changes could lead to a two-tier system and call on Ottawa to enforce the Canada Health Act and increase funding. “Creating a system where the ultra-rich can jump the line, and … Read more
New Democratic Party Leader Avi Lewis and NDP MP Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East, B.C.) are calling on the federal government to address barriers preventing Palestinian students in Gaza from completing study permit requirements. The party says more than 130 admitted students face delays due to inaccessible biometrics requirements amid conflict and lack of visa services. “If … Read more
NDP Leader Avi Lewis announced the tabling of a motion in Parliament to ban “surveillance pricing,” where companies use personal data to charge different prices for the same products. The party says the practice raises concerns about fairness and consumer protection, noting Manitoba’s NDP government earlier introduced a bill banning it, the first in Canada. … Read more
NDP Leader Avi Lewis announced critic portfolios and house officers for the NDP caucus: Lewis will be the critic for Intergovernmental Affairs, and also becomes critic for the Cost of Living, a new role. NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway, B.C.) will serve as Parliamentary Leader and Whip, takes on the critic roles for Defence, … Read more
NDP Women and Gender Equity Critic Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre, Man.) issued the following statement: “It is outrageous but not surprising that in his drive to stitch together a majority government, Prime Minister Mark Carney is further sacrificing long-held Liberal positions on issues of fundamental rights. Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, Ont.) is known as a far-right social … Read more
