Jagmeet Singh has stated that he is undoubtedly the right person to lead the New Democrats in the next election, despite a recent drop in the party’s popularity according to public opinion polls.
A recent survey conducted by Léger found that only 14% of voters support the NDP. Moreover, if Mark Carney were elected as the Liberal leader, this support would drop to 12%. In this situation, Singh was asked on Monday at a healthcare conference in Ottawa whether he still believes he is the right leader for the party.
In response, Jagmeet Singh said, “So, if you are in favor of healthcare, then I am the right person. I am the only one committed to protecting healthcare.” He asserted that he is the right person to fight against privatization and profit-making at the expense of Canadians’ suffering.
Jagmeet Singh further stated that both the Liberals and Conservatives are proposing federal spending cuts, which could include reductions in healthcare and the dental care program.
The Supply-and-Confidence Agreement with the NDP, which has helped the minority government remain in power for more than two years, includes key provisions for pharmacare and the national dental care program. Singh also criticized the Liberals and leadership hopeful Mark Carney, who is one of the frontrunners in the leadership race.
Jagmeet Singh said, “Mark Carney’s proposal to cut healthcare and our country’s operating budget literally means reducing our services, making it harder for people to access healthcare.”
Mark Carney has stated that if he becomes Prime Minister, he will divide the federal budget into two categories: capital and operating expenses. He also mentioned that while he would manage with a slight capital deficit, he would balance operating expenses. He assured that he would continue the government’s dental care program, but he has not yet clarified his stance on pharmacare.
Notably, as of February 14, the NDP has nominated 140 candidates in 343 ridings for the federal election. The election may take place in mid-March.
