What Can Brampton Expect from NDP MPs

Brampton | Ontario | Latest News | Opinion | Politics |

Published October 9, 2019 at 7:52 pm

It is not uncommon for political parties to outline platforms specific to one particular region in Canada.

It is not uncommon for political parties to outline platforms specific to one particular region in Canada. Lately, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has been touting a specific ‘BC platform’, which makes sense since he’s also seeking reelection in British Columbia.

So it’s no surprise that the former Brampton politician has some specific things he wants to do for Canada’s ninth largest city of which he once called home.

In a recent press release, the city’s local NDP candidates introduced what they called their “New Deal for Brampton”, outlining plans for “investing in a good, affordable life for all Bramptonians who feel neglected by years of Liberal and Conservative governments.”   

“We hear over and over again at the doorsteps that Bramptonians feel like Liberals and Conservatives have taken them for granted. This is wrong and Bramptonians don’t have to put up with it,” said Brampton East candidate Saranjit Singh.

“We have been listening to people’s concerns and the result is our New Deal for Brampton will finally put hard-working people first,” Singh continued, adding that the Liberal MPs from Brampton stood by while Doug Ford’s PC government cut health care services and cancelled the city’s university funding.

The NDP says if they form government, they would work with the city and province to build a second hospital and bring a Ryerson campus to the community so students can get a university education here instead of going somewhere else.

According to internal hospital memos, 4,352 patients were treated in hospital hallways at Brampton Civic from 2016 to 2017 and this exponential growth in the city has led to  overcrowding.

The NDP also promised to put in $100 million to enhance anti-gang programs for at-risk youth and establishing a Task Force on Preventing Gun and Gang Violence to address the root causes of violence by ‘fighting poverty and racism, creating opportunities for young people.’  

“Our campaigns are fuelled by the enthusiasm and engagement of young Bramptonians. That makes me really proud– these young people deserve our support. They tell us they can’t trust Liberals and Conservatives to work for Brampton after years of broken promises. We’re here to say: New Democrats are going to invest in you and in making our city a place where we all thrive,” Brampton Centre NDP candidate Jordan Boswell said.

Other proposals from the NDP candidates to make life more affordable include:

  • Extending Medicare to include universal dental care and free prescription drug coverage.

  • Modernizing and expanding public transit to make commuting easier.

  • Getting more young people in their first home by making 30-year mortgages available.

These are legitimate issues that Brampton and in other communities are struggling with and in this city, perhaps more so. During this campaign we’ve seen numerous attempts at voter courtship by the parties vying to form government on October 21.

The Conservatives brought in Alberta premier Jason Kenney to shore up local candidates. Jagmeet Singh was in Brampton last month making similar announcements about a new hospital and now this latest round of NDP promises.

But a number of opinion polls suggest that the Liberals still hold a sizable lead in Brampton, with all five ridings going red on election day. However, Boswell in all candidates debates comes off more familiar with the issues than Brampton Centre Liberal incumbent Ramesh Sangha. With MP Raj Grewal’s departure, Brampton East has a three way race between very credible candidates from the major parties in that riding. 

What do you think of the NDP’s plans for Brampton?

Photo courtesy of Jordan Boswell’s Facebook page

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