Singh promises more doctors, Carney supports the trades, Poilievre vows to cut red tape
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced the NDP’s plan to enhance Canadians’ access to primary health care by implementing a strategy focused on recruiting and retaining more healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.
During a speech in St. John’s, Singh emphasized the importance of taking care of each other, a core Canadian value that is reflected in our universal healthcare system. The NDP’s proposal includes training more doctors from underserved regions like rural and remote communities by investing in regional medical schools. Additionally, the party aims to simplify the process for U.S. doctors seeking to practice in Canada.
Furthermore, the NDP plans to create 1,000 additional family medicine residency spots annually for international medical graduates. Provinces and territories that agree to participate in the NDP’s initiative would receive an extra one percent in Canada Health Transfers.
The NDP’s ultimate goal is to ensure that every Canadian has access to primary care and a family doctor by 2030. Singh emphasized the fundamental need for every individual in the country to have a family physician as part of a robust healthcare system. The federal government would need to allocate $10 billion over four years to implement this plan if all provinces and territories support it.
On the other hand, Liberal Leader Mark Carney proposed to enhance Canada’s skilled trades workforce by introducing a new apprenticeship grant of up to $8,000. The Liberals also intend to double the funding for the Union Training and Innovation Program and expand the labor mobility tax deduction for workers traveling long distances for work.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre announced in Osoyoos, B.C., that his government would reduce government red tape by 25% over the next two years if elected. He outlined a two-for-one rule, where each new regulation introduced would require the elimination of two existing ones. This policy extends to administrative costs, with any increase in administrative burden necessitating cuts elsewhere. Additionally, a new Conservative government would pass a law mandating the Auditor General to verify these reductions annually.
Poilievre criticized Carney for supposedly copying his policy regarding trades workers’ tax benefits. Last week, the Conservatives proposed amending the Income Tax Act to allow traveling trades workers to deduct the full expenses for food, transportation, and accommodation. The Conservatives also pledged to end tax write-offs for luxury corporate jets but would permit individuals to deduct the equivalent cost of a commercial flight.
