This election has offered two clear choices for Canadians: the failed policies of the Conservative and Liberal parties on the one hand, which always sacrifice public services and quality jobs in favour of corporate tax cuts; or the NDP approach, which addresses CUPE members’ priorities on childcare, retirement security, health, jobs, and the environment.

Just as important, the NDP’s Tom Mulcair is an experienced and principled leader who represents real change for our country. Tom’s campaign has been a fresh and informed contrast to Stephen Harper’s campaign of intolerance, misinformation, and disrespect. Tom has also demonstrated an understanding of the issues facing Canadians that Justin Trudeau’s inexperience can’t meet.

Early in this campaign, CUPE members called on the parties to support four priorities: a stronger public health care system that works for everyone; affordable child care parents can trust; retirement security for all Canadians; and a sustainable economy with better jobs for all.

The NDP platform presents the best plan for meeting these needs, including:

  • A restored health care system that will help five million more Canadians access a family doctor, make prescription drugs more affordable, and give seniors better access to home care.
  • The creation of an affordable $15 a day childcare program to help young families get ahead.
  • An expanded Canada Pension Plan for the long-term by working with, not against, the provinces; reversal of Harper’s cuts to Old Age Security; and protection for workplace pensions by ensuring current and future  retirees don’t have their benefits reduced by their employers.
  • Investment in public services and infrastructure to improve Canada’s transit, municipalities and other services while creating jobs.
  • A concrete plan to lower carbon pollution by working with the world instead of against the planet by introducing hard emission reduction targets and make polluters pay to achieve them.
  • A thorough, public review of Stephen Harper’s Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement that may threaten hundreds of thousands of good jobs and public services.
  • A respectful Nation to Nation relationship with our Indigenous peoples, including new investments in drinking water, education, and housing.
  • Repeal of the anti-democratic Bill C-51, which was supported by the Liberals and Conservatives, and replace it with a law that protects Canadians without over-riding our constitutional rights.

This election, Tom Mulcair and the NDP have the best plan, and the best leader, to ensure we have the quality and sustainable programs and services that CUPE members and all Canadians deserve.