Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians have a clear choice: “keep moving forward and build a better Canada for everyone, or let Erin O’Toole take us backward with cuts to services that people rely on to get through the pandemic.” But NDP leader Jagmeet Singh called the election wasteful saying Trudeau launched his selfish summer election only to get a majority and Canadians should deny him that privilege.

By PD Raj – Senior Writer DESIBUZZCanada

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally announced the federal election Sunday seeking a majority mandate on September 20 when Canadians will head to the polls.

Trudeau said Canadians have a clear choice: “keep moving forward and build a better Canada for everyone, or let Erin O’Toole take us backward with cuts to services that people rely on to get through the pandemic.”

Trudeau said from putting more money in the pockets of families, to investing in affordable housing, and taking strong climate action, his government’s plan has always put Canadians first including safely navigating COVID-19 pandemic.  

“When Canadians needed our support during the global COVID-19 pandemic, we had their backs. We ensured they could continue to pay their bills, keep food on the table, and stay on their company’s payroll,” Trudeau said. “Now it’s time to hear their voices. Because the decisions that the government makes right now will define the future our kids grow up in – and Canadians deserve to have their say in shaping it. Together, we need to choose how we finish the fight against COVID-19, get the job done on vaccines, and build back a better tomorrow. That’s why we need this election.”

But NDP leader Jagmeet Singh called the election wasteful saying Trudeau launched his selfish summer election only to get a majority and Canadians should deny him that privilege.

Singh said NDP committed to continue fighting for people.

“Justin Trudeau doesn’t want a majority so he can do more for people. He wants it so he can do even less,” said Singh, surrounded by supporters in Montreal. “I’m ready to fight for working people, to make the ultra-rich and big corporations pay their fair share, and to build a recovery that works for everyone.”

Singh noted that people across Canada are already facing bigger challenges than before. It’s getting harder and harder to find a family supporting job, the climate is in crisis, the housing market is out of reach, and there is a growing need for better seniors’ care and mental health support.

“After six years, we know a lot about Mr. Trudeau. He wants to look like he cares. He says the right thing but has no intention of doing it,” said Singh. “Calling an election two years early – in a pandemic – shows that he doesn’t want to follow through on his promises. And you will pay the price.”

But Trudeau said he and his Liberal team are the only ones with a real plan to finish the fight against COVID-19 and build a better Canada for everyone. 

He promised to:

*Do everything it takes – for however long it takes – to keep Canadians safe, healthy, and supported;

*Help Canadians find a safe and affordable place to call home;

*Make life more affordable for families by ensuring $10 a day child care everywhere and creating more child care spaces in Quebec;

*Take bold climate action that cuts pollution and builds a cleaner future for our kids and grandkids;

*Create a fairer and more equal Canada for everyone, and continue to walk the shared path of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and

*Build a green recovery from the pandemic that creates new jobs, strengthens the middle class, and grows our economy. 

“Canadians need a plan that will benefit everyone, but Erin O’Toole’s Conservatives only want to cut taxes for the wealthy and cut services for everyone else,” said Trudeau. “In this election, Canadians have a clear choice: move forward to build a better future, or let the Conservatives take us backward. I’m for moving forward – for everyone.”