Federal New Democratic Party (NDP) 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.
Mr Singh attacked his two counterparts during a speech to more than 700 delegates at the congress.
Mr. Poilievre’s public concern about Canadians’ financial problems is a travesty 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.
Liberals spend most of their time distancing themselves from problems rather than tackling them head-on, Mr. Singh said.
Trudeau’s Liberals are out of touch with reality, they hesitate and disappoint, he emphasized. 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 struggling financially, but the Conservatives are known for pushing through cuts to public services, Mr. Singh reminded provincial delegates in Victoria.
With Pierre Poilievre it was just a comedy, he said. 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 create a dental insurance program for all Canadians this year and will continue to fight for a universal pharmacare program to cover prescription costs for all.
I can promise you that as long as we are in a position of strength within this minority government, we will fight to the end for the best possible outcomes for citizens.
However, this is not 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 for next year’s provincial election.
Outside the congress hall, around 100 demonstrators chanted “Free for Palestine,” some lying silently on the floor and wrapped in white sheets dyed red.