Since taking office, our government has been steadfast in ensuring we are making life more affordable for those who need it most. Several key programs we introduced are helping families and seniors make ends meet in challenging economic times.
These very initiatives have been opposed by Pierre Poilievre and the opposition conservatives, who have so far offered no plans or policies that will make any difference in making life more affordable for Canadians. Scrapping these programs will take us backward in the progress we’ve made to support families, seniors, and those who need it most.
Just a few weeks ago, parents will have received their quarterly Canada Child Benefit payments – a tax-free monthly payment designed to help families with the cost of raising children. The amount depends on factors such as family income, the number of children, and their ages.
Another significant change our government has implemented is the introduction of the $10 per day child-care program. This transformative initiative is making child care more affordable for families across Manitoba, allowing parents to rejoin the workforce or pursue further education without being overwhelmed by the cost. With ongoing plans to expand spaces, this program ensures more families in Winnipeg South will benefit.
Our government has made record investments in health care, including just this year with an additional $633 million into the province’s health system to hire more front-line workers and improve care for seniors. This funding will undoubtedly go toward helping the province reopen the Victoria Hospital Emergency Room, which was closed under disastrous restructuring by the previous conservative government.
Equally important is the upcoming pharmacare program, which will provide universal access to essential medications, including those for managing chronic conditions like diabetes. This program will be a game-changer for thousands of families and seniors who have long struggled to afford life-saving medications.
The Canada Dental Care program has also had a profound impact on Manitobans, with many already benefiting from the program. By making dental care more accessible, this program is helping families avoid hefty dental bills and ensuring that everyone can maintain good oral health—a crucial part of overall well-being.
In addition to these vital services, the National Food Nutrition program is helping ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals at school. This initiative will ensure that students can focus on their education, rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from. This program is helping to build a healthier, more focused generation of students, ensuring that no child is left behind.
And our plan is working, as inflation continues on a downward trend, along with mortgage rates—our government is delivering results for Canadians while continuing to support families with essential programs.
But every one of these support programs has been opposed by Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative Party. These programs are at risk of being cut by Poilievre’s hidden agenda. His policies would only benefit the wealthiest, leaving families across the country to bear the brunt of these cuts.
The time has come for Poilievre to be honest with Canadians about his plans, which threaten to make life harder for working families while catering to his wealthy friends and corporations.
