Liberals must keep their promises to young people, says Jagmeet Singh

OTTAWA — Anxiety, unemployment, student debt and uncertainty about the future, that is what young people are facing in this pandemic. Today, the Leader of the NDP, Jagmeet Sigh, called on the Liberals to keep their promises to young people who are struggling to make ends meet.

“With COVID-19 rates skyrocketing, the stress on workers, young people and recent graduates is getting heavier by the day,” said Singh. “People need hope in these dark times and the Liberals aren’t even trying to make it easier for them. Students have lost their summer employment and many workers are still struggling to make ends meet. They need help now.”

Canadians have been waiting on the Liberals to implement their promised federal minimum wage of $15 per hour. Jagmeet also called on the Liberals to restore the interest-free moratorium on student loan repayments to help students cope with the health crisis. This week, Trudeau’s Liberals supported an NDP motion to restore it, and Singh is calling on them to keep their word. If young people needed that help during the first wave, they definitely do in the second.

A recent report from Abacus Data found that that young people in Canada have been among the hardest hit by COVID-19 and they have had to make fundamental shifts in their education, employment and financial situations. Over half of youth aged 15-30 have experienced an impact on their financial situation due to the pandemic. Over 60% have faced difficulties with employment including fewer hours, job loss or absence of seasonal work.

“By rushing to give almost a billion dollars that was supposed to go to students to their well-connected friends, the liberals have left students and recent graduates in the lurch,” said Singh. “Justin Trudeau can help workers and young people now, just by respecting his own promises. Pretty words will not make young people and workers make ends meet, actions will.”