The NDP leader recently attacked Alberta and Quebec.
Two provinces that refuse to let Ottawa force a new drug insurance program on them.
Yes, this program is a win for the NDP and could have real positive impacts for many Canadians, including many young women.
And the NDP wants to use that gain to try to boost voting intentions.
On the other hand, Jagmeet Singh's words this week are incomprehensible!
Of Quebec and Alberta, he said: “I'm not surprised that Conservative governments have cut investment in health care.”
“These are the same premiers who, when we look at their province, have made massive cuts that are hurting workers and patients,” he added.
But what is he talking about?
From the CAQ? Certainly not!
Since he took office, health spending has increased by around 50%.
In its recent negotiations with the civil service, the Legault government has increased civil servants' salaries by 17.4% over five years.
There have never been so many public sector employees in Quebec…
We don't call that conservative!
Additionally, Quebec already offers drug insurance!
Does he have so little connection to Quebec or does Mr. Singh show great bad faith?
A bit of both?
It is normal
But Quebec's reaction is not surprising.
Of course, the country requires the right to withdraw from federal programs with full compensation. It's actually in the NDP manifesto.
Protecting Quebec was part of the DNA of Jack Layton and Thomas Mulcair's NDP.
But the times have changed.
Alexandre Boulerice is the last Mohican to defend this right of Quebec… which is clearly no longer relevant to its leader!
The New Democrats could have reached an agreement with the Trudeau government to ensure respect for Quebec's rights.
Mr. Singh preferred to position himself as a good teacher, like Justin Trudeau's Liberals.
We see this with health transfers. Ottawa is slowly transferring an additional $10 billion over 10 years to Quebec for health care.
The Trudeau government continues to insist it wants to impose conditions.
We are an association and an association only works well if everyone gets along properly in their areas of expertise!
Mind your own business!
It's not that Ottawa is a role model to follow when it comes to sound management and public services.
ArrivalCan, Phénix, borders, immigration, military supplies…
Without forgetting our federal civil service, larger than ever but very addicted to consulting companies!
If the Liberals and New Democrats really want to improve the health care network, they just need to run at the provincial level.
Given recent polls, they may soon have free time to do so…