Federal NDP policy convention – Letter by Brian Lynch

Dear Editor:

The Federal NDP demonstrated at its policy convention in Montreal on April 12-14 that it is the real, progressive alternative to the heavy handed, anti-democratic Harper Conservatives and the arrogant Liberals with their record of broken promises.

The Federal NDP under the thoughtful, decisive leadership of Tom Mulcair has a vision for economic, social, and environmental justice for all Canadians where shared prosperity leads to greater prosperity.

Tom Mulcair and the talented NDP caucus have been working in the House of Commons as the strong official opposition to create and protect good jobs in a sustainable economy, make life more affordable for everyday people, reduce poverty, improve public healthcare, pensions, employment insurance, access to post secondary education and training, protect the environment, and provide a fairer tax system. The NDP will also work to bring about electoral reform through proportional representation and to abolish the useless, unaccountable Canadian Senate.

Income inequality in Canada is at an all- time high. The richest 1% of Canadians are now taking home a bigger share of income growth than since the late 1920’s. Most middle and low income families and seniors have not seen a real increase in their income in many years. 15% of Canadian children still live in poverty. Youth unemployment in Ontario is at a shameful 15.7% level creating a disturbing generation gap in our country.

The NDP wants to put an end to the 30 year old Conservative and Liberal policy of concentrating income and wealth in the hands of the wealthiest Canadians and large, profitable corporations while at the same time cutting essential public services for everyday people. At the present time, the federal government spends over $18 billion dollars a year on tax benefits for the large, profitable corporations and the wealthy 1% who need help the least. That $18 billion dollars a year should be redeployed to public services and programs that will provide jobs, prosperity, sustainable development, and equality for everyone in our country.

Under Tom Mulcair’s strong, experienced, optimistic leadership, the NDP will bring progressive change that builds a prosperous, greener, fairer Canada where no one is left behind.

Yours truly,

Brian Lynch,

President of the SDSG Federal NDP riding association