It was the first week back in session for Canada’s Parliament, and MP for Thompson Nicola Cariboo Cathy McLeod took a look back at the week’s key issues.
The first, and most recent, was the arrival of Syrian refugees. On Thursday evening, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, along with other politicians and representatives, welcomed refugees who arrived at Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
McLeod says, while their arrival is welcome, she doubts the Liberals will be able to keep their promise of bringing 10,000 refugees to Canada by the end of the year.
“The refugees that arrived yesterday were refugees that were what they’re called privately sponsored and they have been actually in the system for quite a while in terms of coming to Canada. It’s certainly great to see,” said McLeod. “The government committed to 25,000 government sponsored. Originally it was by December 31st and then they revised it down to 10,000. I mean, you can quickly do the calculations, that’s not a lot of days left.”
Another key issue that arose in parliament was the national debt. Finance Minister Bill Morneau stated earlier this week, during question period, that the cost of middle class tax cuts will be more than expected.
“The big campaign commitment that they had made was they were going to tax the rich and lower the tax on the middle class,” said McLeod. “They know now that it’s going to be at least a $1.2 billion hole. So certainly, from my perspective, I have huge concerns in terms of the fiscal situation.”
She adds, debt repayment costs will put a greater burden on future generations. McLeod also criticized the Prime Minister’s use of Canadian tax dollars to pay for his family’s nannies.
“He criticized our government for having what we called the universal childcare benefit and said a family like his didn’t need it and that he was going to give the money to charity. I think it’s very hypocritical,” said McLeod.
Trudeau defended his decision during parliament after Conservative member for Elgin Middlesex London, Karen Vecchio questioned him on the issue.
“It won’t surprise people to know that we have than the previous occupants of the prime minister’s office. We will maintain the existing budget at the same level and reformulate it as necessary for the needs of my young family,” said Trudeau.
As for McLeod, she will remain busy in her role as Critic for Indigenous Affairs as the final tabling of the Truth and Reconciliation documents will take place next week.
