The supply-and-confidence agreement struck by the federal Liberals and NDP recently is a backroom deal that will harm Alberta’s energy industry, says Red Deer-Mountain View Conservative Member of Parliament Earl Dreeshen.
The Liberals and NDP call it a good deal for Canada that will prevent parliamentary uncertainty for the next three years.
Whether the deal really is good or bad for Albertans and other Canadians remains to be seen. What is known is that the agreement certainly highlights the deep divisions now existing between the left and right in Canadian politics.
For his part, Dreeshen says the agreement is bad on many fronts.
“With a single backroom handshake, this government is destroying jobs and livelihoods and leaving Canadians on their own to manage an even more uncertain future,” Dreeshen told the Albertan.
“This agreement clearly shows that the prime minister does not listen to Canadians and is more interested in securing his legacy than creating sustainable and effective policy that will help Canadians.”
Under the agreement, the Liberals and NDP agree to work together in key policy areas, including climate change, health-care spending and the economy. It probably guarantees the Trudeau government will remain in power until at least 2025 by ensuring it will survive votes of non-confidence.
“We are going to remain forceful in getting help to people and making sure that this agreement is followed through,” said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
The agreement includes a commitment by the Liberals and NDP to phase out federal government support for the fossil fuel sector, including Crown corporation funding.
It also includes a commitment to create a new national dental care program, staring with children of low income Canadians in 2022.
The agreement does not give the NDP cabinet seats and does not bring about an official merger of the parties.
While this new agreement may have come as a surprise to many people, is anyone really surprised that the left and right cannot agree if it’s good or bad for Canada?
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
