Latest News & Updates

IN THE NEWS
Vote on new COVID-19 relief bill awaits deal on how Parliament should work

Canadian Press-newswire & Victoria Times-Colonist (FINAL)by: Joan Bryden

CANADA | A10, Words: 841

Legislation to enact a massive wage subsidy program is being held up as political parties debate how Parliament should work in the midst of a deadly global pandemic.

The Liberal government is trying to separate the longer-term issue of how to set up a virtual Parliament to operate for the duration of the crisis from the more immediate need to recall Parliament as quickly as possible to approve a $73-billion wage subsidy program.

IN THE NEWS
Is temporary universal basic income a better alternative to CERB?

Globe and Mail by: John Ibbitson

News | A3, Words: 702

Canada Revenue Agency has earned everyone's respect by successfully enrolling millions of suddenly unemployed workers in the Canada emergency response benefit in a matter of days. But what if CERB itself is a mistake?

As the Trudeau government scrambles to include one forgotten group after another in the wage-support program, the argument for shifting to a universal basic income grows more compelling.

IN THE NEWS
Challenges to virtual sittings insurmountable, say MPs, experts, but reforms should reflect House's diversity

Hill Times

'When you prioritize representation by party, you often reduce the extent of diversity by other factors,' says Paul Thomas of the Samara Centre for Democracy. MPs should be able to 'put their names' forward to participate in a virtual sitting, without having to go through the 'gatekeeping of the party.'

In the absence of daily televised parliamentary sittings, many MPs have been consigned to the sidelines of the pandemic, operating largely behind the scenes as they tend to constituency issues and keep tabs on the federal government's evolving and unprecedented response to the coronavirus. But the looming prospect of convening the House virtually holds the promise of bringing greater scrutiny, say experts and current and former MPs, though there's much to debate over which aspects could-and should-be swiftly adapted to the digital age.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDP calls on government to stand up to big banks for Canadians

“In the last month alone, one million people have lost their jobs across the country and thousands more are struggling to get by with reduced or no income. Still, this government is letting banks and credit card companies charge sky-high interest rates when they know people are struggling to survive – it isn’t right,� said Julian. “The federal government has the power and authority to step in. They need to stand up for Canadians by standing up to the banks.�

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint letter to the Ministers of Finance and Small Business about the CERB and CEWS

It is regarding the roll-out of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB). Please find attached the letter sent to Finance Minister Bill Morneau abnd Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion Mary Ng.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Democrats call on government to admit that Canadians need direct assistance now

“People can’t wait for help. CERB and the wage replacement don't get money to Canadians fast enough and people who require support are being left out,� said Julian. “Sending everyone a cheque and clawing back the money from people who don’t need it at tax time really is the simplest solution. This is the best way to relieve the tremendous financial stress thousands of Canadians are feeling.�

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadians need help now. Not in weeks or months: NDP

"We were encouraged when the government looked like they were answering our call to increase the wage subsidy to 75%, but the government has not acted with the urgency Canadians need. The six week wait the government announced will force many businesses to close and more workers to lose their jobs," said Julian. "The delay in applying for and getting the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit is also way too long and could have been avoided if the government had just sent a direct benefit of $2,000 to every adult across the country. Now is the time for action. Not for excuses."

IN THE NEWS
Front-Line Workers Risking Coronavirus Should Get A 'Courage Bonus': NDP

04/02/2020 21:44 EDT | Updated10 hours ago

Critic Peter Julian called on the government to raise minimum wage to at least $15 during pandemic.

By Althia Raj

OTTAWA — Minimum-wage workers who are getting up every morning to perform essential work should get some federal cash too, the NDP says.

NDP Finance critic Peter Julian called on the Liberal government Thursday to beef up the minimum wage to ensure no one who risks their health to pack grocery store shelves, operate cash registers at local pharmacies, and provide sanitary services in nursing homes across the country makes less than $15 an hour, with a top-up of 20 per cent to all essential workers during this crisis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Open letter to New Westminster and Burnaby Financial Institutions and Landlords

IN THE NEWS
New Westminster-Burnaby MP seeks “urgent help” from banks and landlords

March 31, 2020 03:32 PM

New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian is urging local financial institutions and landlords to defer mortgages and rents for April 1 for folks who have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian is calling on local banks and landlords to show compassion to those who may be unable to pay their rent or make mortgage payments on April 1.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDP renews call for federal help for looming mortgage and rent crisis

“Renters landlords, and homeowners urgently need our help,� they wrote in the letter. “The federal government must act immediately, before April, to suspend rent, utility bills and mortgage payments and impose a moratorium on evictions across the country.�

The New Democrats also called on the federal government to mandate the banks to waive interest fees and charges on credit cards, bank loans, lines of credit and mortgages for at least the next two payments cycles.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Democrats, Business and Union Leaders Win Increased Wage Subsidy for Workers

“Canadian businesses are suffering. They are struggling to survive. Therefore, many workers are suffering too – hundreds of thousands of them are already laid-off and many more are worried about losing their jobs,� said Singh in a joint letter to the Prime Minister. “In the coming weeks, millions of Canadians may be without work and countless businesses may close their doors across the country due to the public health measures intended to slow the spread of COVID-19. The government’s announcement today will hopefully help businesses stay open, and most importantly, help people keep their jobs.�