Green Party of Canada Criticizes Vote Buying Scheme of $250 as an Ineffective Solution to Rising Costs
OTTAWA – The Liberal government, with NDP support, has announced spring relief cheques for any Canadian who worked in 2023 and made less than $150,000. These cheques are expected to be delivered in early Spring. The Green Party of Canada argues that this approach fails to address the systemic issues driving inflation and only serves as a vote buying scheme.
“This is a band-aid solution to a much deeper problem,” said Leader Elizabeth May. “It doesn’t address the root causes of rising costs, such as the economic and inflationary impacts of climate change, or provide Canadians with the structural changes they need to truly thrive. Worse, it raises serious concerns about how the government plans to finance this loss of revenue without further straining already stretched public services.”
While this measure may provide short-term relief, the Green Party questions its effectiveness in tackling the larger issues of affordability and inflation. This measure would cost $4.68 billion, an amount that could reduce homelessness by half according to the PBO.
The Green Party of Canada strongly condemns the exclusion of people with disabilities who are unable to work from receiving the proposed $250 Working Canadians Rebate. This measure fails to recognize the systemic barriers that prevent many Canadians with disabilities from entering the workforce and ignores the disproportionate financial struggles they face due to inflation and rising costs of living.
“When you stop and think about who most needs relief from the increased costs of basic necessities, I can’t make sense of Canadians with disabilities who live in legislated poverty are specifically left off the list,” said MP Mike Morrice. “We need to stop penalizing people who are unable to work, and who also face disproportionate and additional expenses because of their needs.”
The Green Party of Canada urges the federal government to:
- Address inflation through long term and structural measures, including reducing housing costs, transitioning to renewable energy to lower energy bills, and providing support for local food systems to reduce grocery prices, just to name a few.
- Clearly outline how the revenue loss from Working Canadians Rebate of $250 will be offset to ensure no cuts to essential public services.
- Focus on sustainable solutions that directly improve affordability for Canadians, such as expanded social programs and income supports.
- Invest in the creation of a climate adaptation agency that would help communities and homeowners facing fire and flood.
“Temporary measures like this Working Canadians Rebate may be popular in the short term, but they ultimately distract from the urgent need for comprehensive policies to reduce inequality and inflation,” added Elizabeth May. “We need to build a resilient economy that works for everyone, not just offer fleeting relief. We also need to help communities and homeowners adapt to climatic events that are confronting us.”
The Green Party of Canada remains committed to policies that prioritize equity, sustainability, and long-term solutions to affordability challenges faced by Canadians.
#####
For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021