Bloc Québécois Launches Platform
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet launched his party’s campaign platform on Sunday. Blanchet stated that the Bloc Québécois was successful in putting Quebec’s interests at the centre of the parliamentary agenda, and made important gains for Quebec on the promotion of the French language and protecting Quebec’s key sectors. The platform discusses 38 policy areas which outline how the Bloc will continue to advocate for Quebec, including:
- Increasing health transfers to provinces to 35%
- Increasing the domestic production of vaccines
- Promotion of the French language
- Addressing tax avoidance by large corporations
- Facilitating the transition to a green economy, including opposing the building of an energy corridor through Quebec; opposing inter-provincial oil transportation projects and investing in green energy technology
- Allowing Quebec to prioritize its own infrastructure projects through unconditional infrastructure transfers
O’Toole Highlights Plan for Canadians Living With Disabilities
Conservative leader Erin O’Toole continued to roll out his platform over the weekend, focusing on social programs. On Saturday O’Toole highlighted his plan to support Canadians living with disabilities, including doubling the Disability Supplement in the Canada Workers Benefit from $713 to $1,500, and providing an additional $80 million per year through the Enabling Accessibility Fund. On Sunday, O’Toole outlined his plan to combat the opioid crisis, committing to invest $325 million over 3 years to build 1,000 new drug treatment beds, and build an additional 50 recovery community centres across the country.
Singh Continues to Push Housing Affordability
New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh was in Toronto on Saturday promoting his party’s affordable housing plan. Singh said the New Democratic Party would address loopholes that allow “big developers” from “renovicting” families, and would give families up to $5,000 a year to help pay for rent. There were no additional details provided on who would qualify for the $5,000 rental assistance program.
Liberals Pledge to Protect Old Growth Forests in B.C.
On Saturday, the Liberals announced they would strike an agreement with the province of British Columbia (B.C.) to protect the province’s old growth forests. The Liberals committed to establishing a $50 million fund to support the objective. It is the second announcement made by the Liberals focused on B.C. and climate change.
Poll Shows Conservative Party in the Lead for the First Time
After a week of campaigning, Erin O’Toole and the Conservatives have topped the Liberals for the first time in a national poll. According to Ekos Politics’ Daily Tracker, if an election were held as of August 21, 2021, the Conservatives would win 32.9% of the vote, the Liberals 31.4%, the NDP 18.3%, and the Green Party 4.9%. In Quebec, the Liberal Party continues to lead the Bloc Québécois: 32% to 27%. While statistically the Liberals and Conservatives are in a virtual tie, the poll reinforces the Conservative Party’s positive momentum going into week two. Indeed, the Nanos Daily Tracker also indicates that voter intention is converging in the Conservatives’ favour. As of August 21, the Liberals held 34% of the vote and the Conservatives held 32% -- another statistical dead heat -- followed by the New Democratic Party (20%), Bloc Québécois (6%), Green Party of Canada (4%), and the People’s Party of Canada (2%).
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