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Opposition leaders deride Liberal government’s throne speech in official replies

Nov 30, 2021 | 12:00 PM

OTTAWA — Opposition leaders took turns today pointing out the Canadians they say Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ignoring as he embarks on his latest mandate.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and the NDP’s Jagmeet Singh delivered their official responses to last week’s throne speech, which outlines the Liberal government’s priorities for the current Parliament.

The Liberals have tabled legislation that promises to rework the government’s existing COVID-19 emergency benefits, as well as bills that seek to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy and provide paid sick leave for workers in federally regulated sectors.

Speaking in the House of Commons, O’Toole and Singh presented themselves as options for those who they say have been forgotten by Trudeau’s government.

O’Toole accuses the Liberals of ignoring the rising cost of living facing many families and business owners.

He also says Trudeau wants Canadians to be “ashamed” of their identity and culture.

For his part, Singh criticized the Liberal government for not addressing the uncertainty workers in energy sectors feel as Canada attempts to curb its greenhouse gas emissions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov.30, 2021.

The Canadian Press