'I haven't been able to purchase a home': What Liberal MPs are saying ahead of Trudeau arrival at caucus retreat
CTV
As Liberal MPs began to trickle into London, Ont. for the party's caucus retreat—ahead of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's arrival— the need to act on housing and better communicate their policies were the common themes that came up. MPs also dismissed concerns about summer polling. Here's some of what's being said in the halls.
As Liberal MPs began to trickle into London, Ont. for the party's caucus retreat—ahead of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's arrival— the need to act on housing and better communicate their policies were the common themes that came up.
Those who stopped to speak with reporters at the retreat also largely dismissed concerns about the summer polling showing Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives ahead.
After being delayed in India, Trudeau is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday for the first full day of the caucus confab. On Tuesday, the Liberal women’s caucus, Indigenous caucus, and rural caucus all held meetings.
Here's some of what's being said in the halls:
"I'm sort of sad that we're still talking about the same things… Why has housing continued to be the most pressing issue? … I think it's because there's so many players that need to be at the table," said London West, Ont. MP Arielle Kayabaga. "I'm 32 years old, I'm a member of Parliament. I haven't been able to purchase a home. I came here to this country as a refugee, I've been a single mom for the last 14 years… So, it's not just a fight of… politicking. These are personal fights for some people, and they matter, and we need to see more housing for Canadians."
"The feeling that the government doesn't have a plan and is perhaps legitimate in the sense that it's difficult to explain a plan that is so comprehensive. The government does have a plan, a very solid one, to address all these issues. But it takes time to explain this and it's not something that you do in a 30-second blurb, so that is a challenge," said Brossard-Saint-Lambert, Que. MP Alexandra Mendes.
"I think the challenge is the affordability piece, and how are we going to ensure that people are able to not only afford comfortable living spaces, but also afford livelihoods, and be able to work. … I think childcare, the early learning childcare program has had a significant impact on families in my riding," said Mississauga-Erin Mills, Ont. MP Iqra Khalid. "The reality is Canada is doing a lot better than… the majority of the world. But, that doesn't mean that people are not suffering and I think we do need to address that."
