(Victoria) Federal New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh fired arrows at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre during an NDP party conference in British Columbia on Sunday.
Posted at 2:12 p.m.
Dirk Meissner The Canadian Press
Mr Singh attacked his two counterparts during a speech to more than 700 delegates at the congress.
Mr. Poilievre’s public concern about accessibility issues is a “charade” and Mr. Trudeau doesn’t understand what Canadians are experiencing with the high cost of living, he said.
“I have seen Mr. Trudeau’s government up close,” said Mr. Singh, whose New Democrats had a confidence and support agreement with the minority Liberal government.
“I shouldn’t be mean, but one of our MPs described working with the Liberals as fighting eels in oil,” he said.
The Liberals spend most of their time avoiding problems rather than tackling them head on, Mr. Singh said.
“The Trudeau Liberals are out of touch with reality, they hesitate and disappoint,” he stressed. The reason is that Mr. Trudeau doesn’t understand what people are going through. He only acts when he is forced to do so or when his political future is at stake.”
Mr. Poilievre, meanwhile, says he wants to help ordinary Canadians who have affordability issues, but the Conservatives are known for pushing through cuts to public services, Mr. Singh reminded provincial delegates in Victoria.
“With Pierre Poilievre it’s just a comedy,” he explained. It would make people’s lives much more difficult. He claims he cares about workers, but we never see Pierre Poilievre attacking rich CEOs. »
Mr. Singh said the New Democrats are pressuring the Liberal government to introduce a dental coverage program for all Canadians this year and will continue to fight for a universal dental coverage program. Drug insurance to cover prescription costs for everyone.
“I can promise you that as long as we are in a strong position in this minority government, we will fight to the end for the best possible outcome for the citizens. »
But this wasn’t a “fun fight”, Mr Singh added.
“We have to fight establishment liberals and corporate conservatives every day. »
British Columbia’s New Democrats met this weekend to discuss policy and strategize ahead of next year’s provincial election.
Outside the convention hall, about 100 demonstrators chanted “Liberate Palestine,” some lying silently on the floor covered with white sheets dyed red.