Dewar announces the first steps in building a more caring Canada

HALIFAX - On the eve of NDP leadership debate on families, New Democrat Leadership candidate Paul Dewar announced his proposals for building a more caring Canada. Dewar's plan will help Canadian families make ends meet and lift our most vulnerable citizens out of poverty. 

“Across the country, I'm meeting families who have to choose between the cost of medication or putting a roof above their heads, young people who can't afford post-secondary education and training, new Canadians who can't find a job in their profession, people worried about their retirement and seniors living in poverty,” said Dewar. “That's the real majority of Canadians - and Stephen Harper's Conservative majority is leaving them in the cold.”

Dewar is committing that as Prime Minister, he will: 

- Give Canadian families a break on the cost of prescription drugs by cooperating with provinces and territories on a bulk-buying strategy; 

- Give young Canadians a fair start by immediately reducing tuition fees by $700/year, reducing interest fees on student debt to prime rate and creating Your Canada Year to cover a year of tuition fees in return for a year of community service; 

- Protect our retirement security by bolstering public pension plans and safeguarding unfunded pensions, severances and long-term disability benefits in bankruptcy proceedings; 

- Support new Canadian families by ensuring a fair and transparent foreign credential recognition mechanism, supporting family reunification and strengthening settlement services; 

- Lift our most vulnerable citizens out of poverty by focusing on income security, housing and social inclusion, including achievable first steps toward an annual guaranteed income for seniors, the disabled and children living in poverty.

“Poverty is such an important issue to address as we see and experience growing inequality,” said former MP Tony Martin, Dewar's Advisor on Poverty and Justice. “Paul understands the cost of the do nothing status quo and is putting forward a comprehensive and achievable plan.”

“We need federal leadership on this.  That is why his commitment to the bill "An Act to Eliminate Poverty" will work with the Provinces, Territories and First Nations to develop a flexible strategy to create a more equitable and caring Canada.” said Martin.

Dewar said his plan gives Canada's middle class a break and takes achievable steps toward ending poverty. “Poverty hurts us all.  It’s not just a lack of money - it's also social exclusion, lack of access to public services and our political institutions. A more caring Canada is a Canada that takes action on all these aspects.”

“While the rest of the world is looking for solutions to end poverty and address inequality, Mr. Harper hobnobs with billionaires at a Swiss resort about undermining seniors and the unemployed,” said Dewar. “I will fight against Mr. Harper's agenda and give voice to the real majority of Canadians who want to build a stronger and more caring country.”

You can read the full policy statement here.