On the first day that Canadians can apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Prime Minister Trudeau admitted that it doesn’t go far enough and leaves people behind.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh (pictured) says the best way to ensure no one falls through the cracks is for the government to make direct payment of $2,000, with an additional $250 per child, to everyone in Canada.
“People are telling us they need help now. They’re worried they’re not going to qualify for the government’s program and that if they do, they’re worried they’ll have to wait too long to get the money they need to pay their bills in time,” said Singh. “Let’s help people right away. Not in a few weeks or next month. The government should send direct assistance to everyone now.”
According to an NDP release, reports indicate one-third of people who need help will not qualify for the government’s program, and the party has been contacted by physiotherapists, students, artists and other Canadians making less than $2000 per month and facing hardship.
“To get through this crisis, Canadians need money to pay their bills, a job to go back to, and a safe place to live. It is up to us to make sure people get the help they need to get through this,” added Singh. “New Democrats will continue to work to get help to everyone who needs it. We’re all in this together.”
Photo: Jagmeet Singh on Facebook
