Federal budget the first important moment for NDP-Liberal pact, says finance critic

OTTAWA — The NDP is watching to see that spending pledges made in a deal with the Liberals are honoured by the government in this week’s federal budget, says a finance spokesman. 

Daniel Blaikie said the budget is “the first important moment” for its confidence deal with the Liberals, which included a number of NDP policy priorities requiring government funds. 

The New Democrats want to see indications that the Liberals are moving on pledges in the deal, such as a $500 one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit and funding for dental care for low-income families, starting with children, he said.

Last month, Jagmeet Singh’s party agreed to support the Liberals stay in power until 2025 with a confidence-and-supply agreement that includes support for the Liberal budget.

In return they got Liberal backing for some of their priorities, including affordable medication in a pharmacare program.

The deal includes more immediate measures, including scaling back subsidies for oil and gas companies. 

The NDP said a significant injection of cash in Indigenous housing is a priority.

It also wants more funding in home energy efficiency to cut Canadians’ bills and help the environment, it said. 

The NDP said it will be watching out for a surtax on the profits of banks and insurance companies…