THE federal NDP said on Wednesday that the  Liberal government’s budget made it clear that they’re not on the side of the almost two million Canadians struggling to get by after losing their jobs during the pandemic. While the Liberals rushed to give money to the richest corporations without any strings attached, they’re going to cut help for families who are waiting to work again in provinces still under stay-at-home orders and lockdowns.

New Democrats are calling on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to change his plans to cut the amount of money people receive through the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB).

“In last month’s budget, the Liberals announced that CRB payments of $500 per week would be cut to $300 come July. That’s a 40 percent cut. Restrictions in many provinces will still be in place come July and people will still be temporarily or permanently laid off. Justin Trudeau is cutting help to families who are barely making ends meet. That is wrong,” said federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “We are calling on the government to withdraw their plan to cut the amount of money people need. In July, Canadians will still need help to pay bills and put food on the table. They can count on us to fight against this cut in support.”

The NDP said that throughout this pandemic, the Liberals wanted to look like they cared, but left people behind. New Democrats fought for Canadians and pushed the government to do more than they wanted. Whether it was to double the CERB or double the amount of time people can access help so that families could make ends meet, every time the Liberal government tried to cut or end help for people, Jagmeet Singh and the NDP fought back.

“How can the Liberals justify cutting the amount of money people receive through CRB, while big companies continue to collect money for wage subsidies,” said NDP Critic for Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Daniel Blaikie. “Canadians deserve a government that has their best interests at heart and is there to help them when they need it.”

The NDP said it will continue to fight to get Canadians the help they need, when they need it.