In my role as the NDP Spokesperson on Finance, I wrote this joint letter with my colleague MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni) and NDP Spokesperson Critic for Economic Development, Small Business and Tourism. We are proposing that the federal government underpin the survival of small business with a commercial rent abatement program that shares the burden between tenants, landlords, and the federal government.
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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.
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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.�
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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.
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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.�
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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.
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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.
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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.