Sunday Recap of Federal leaders in 2021 Election campaign
Liberals
A tough weekend for Liberal leader Justin Trudeau.
He was in southern Ontario were he was met with protests, forcing at least one event to be cancelled because of safety concerns.
Trudeau says he understands people are frustrated.
“There is fear. There is anxiety out there. But let me be also very, very clear. I am absolutely resolute in my conviction to continue to move Canada forward,” says Trudeau.
Protesters in Cambridge voiced opposition to public health measures and vaccines.
Trudeau says he’s firm to do more with the pandemic and climate change.
“So no, I’m not going to back down on a message that Canadians know is the right path forward. And that’s why Canadians need to choose to move Canada forward in this pivotal time.”
Trudeau adds those who ignore science don’t get to choose how Canada moves forward, noting it’s all Canadians with that right.
The protests overshadowed Trudeau’s climate change policy announcement.
That plan includes a $5,000 incentive on the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, establishing 50,000 more vehicle chargers, building a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 and ending thermal coal exports by 2030.
Conservatives
Conservative leader Erin O’Toole wants you to invest in local business.
He’s proposing a Rebuild Main Street Tax Credit.
“This new incentive will provide a 25% tax credit on amounts of up to $100,000 that Canadians personally invest in a small business over the next two years,” says O’Toole.
He is also proposing interest-free loans of up to $200,000 for small and medium businesses, with up to 25% forgiven depending on revenue losses.
O’Toole says his plan will save jobs, help businesses survive and thrive and keep the economy moving forward.
“Canada’s small businesses have given back to their communities in countless ways, whether it be keeping Canadians employed, raising money for charity or even sponsoring the local sports team. It’s time for us to have their backs,” says O’Toole.
NDP
The federal NDP is out with a new website.
Leader Jagmeet Singh says it’s designed to help you vote.
“How you vote.ca. You can check it out. It explains how to vote and it is easy. You can vote in person, you can vote by mailing in your ballot. All that is explained on the website,” says Singh.
Singh is anticipating a high turnout at the polls.
To get information, you have to register with the party.
Singh says some of the information you provide is necessary
“You need to know what riding you’re in so providing a postal code gives you that information about what riding you’re going to be voting in. Having a way to communicate and connect with people help us remind people to get their vote out and make sure that they are getting their vote in on time.”
Singh adds they will also forward reminders when certain deadlines roll around.
People’s Party of Canada
Speaking in Moncton, New Brunswick, Leader Maxime Bernier told a group of supporters “When tyranny becomes the law, revolution becomes our duty… We are starting a freedom and commonsense revolution”, said Bernier, adding the country will see a “huge purple wave” when Canadians head to the polls on September 20.
He continued to voice his criticism on how the Canadian Government has managed the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Do you want more and more of the same? More lockdowns? More mask mandates? And more vaccine passports?” Bernier asked a crowd of over 100 people.
Bernier acknowledged the notion that the PPC platform and policies can be overshadowed by the party’s opinions on the pandemic.
“It is disappointing that the media are not speaking about our platform on immigration, on pipelines, on all the other subjects,” said Bernier.
After not securing a seat in the 2019 Federal Election, the former Tory cabinet minister hopes September 20 will bring more recognition for the PPC party.
“A win is to increase our percentage of the vote and have some candidates elected. We are a new party, and I believe we can achieve that, we can be in Ottawa, and Canadians can be sure they will have a voice there,” Bernier said.
Green Party
Leader Anamie Paul has basically been campaigning in the Toronto area with few media events
(With Files From Robert Lothian)
