Affordability is top concern for Canadians as Parliament resumes: poll
Global News
Affordability issues are front of mind for Canadians as Parliament resumes for the winter sitting, and immigration has joined the top issues, according to Ipsos.
Affordability issues are the main priority for Canadians as parliamentarians return to Ottawa on Monday, and as Liberals gain slightly on the Conservative lead in the polls.
Polling by Ipsos exclusively for Global News found that 49 per cent of Canadians say that reducing the cost of everyday items like groceries is their top concern and what they want parliamentarians to focus on in the new session of Parliament. This is closely followed by inflation and interest rates (45 per cent) and access to affordable housing (39 per cent).
During the Liberal caucus retreat on Jan. 25, House Leader Steve MacKinnon said economic issues will be the top priority for the government this session.
“So, economics are the order of the day, making life easier for Canadians and making housing more accessible,” MacKinnon said.
The House leader, who is in charge of implementing the government’s legislative agenda in that chamber and works with other parties to schedule debates and votes, talked about continued work on measures included in the fall economic statement, such as expanding dental care and legislation to ban replacement workers. He also signalled new bills will be coming.
“There are a number of other initiatives that will be coming forward. I’m not going to reveal all of the bills that will be (presented), but the government has a significant pipeline,” MacKinnon said.
Immigration is the fourth biggest parliamentary priority according the Ipsos poll, something the firm says is not traditionally in the top five issues for Canadian.
Twenty-two per cent of respondents said it is now a top priority.
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