Ottawa – Arab Canada News

The Canadian federal election campaign saw rapid developments today, as New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh pledged to cancel the carbon tax imposed on consumers, in what is considered a surprising shift from his previous position, while Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre maintained his aggressive approach towards economic issues, facing increasing pressure from Liberal leader Mark Carney to dismiss one of his candidates after controversial statements.

Singh changes his stance on the carbon tax

In a speech delivered today in Winnipeg, Singh announced that his party would work to eliminate the carbon tax imposed on individuals, stating that this policy “has lost its effectiveness and has become a burden on the working class,” while affirming his support for imposing fees on large polluting companies.

He added:

“Real polluters should pay, not Canadian families struggling to cover their expenses.”

Poilievre toughens his tone

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre emphasized at a campaign rally that his party would not back down from its campaign against Liberal government policies, calling them “misleading and failed,” while reiterating his promise to eliminate the carbon tax entirely and reduce taxes on fuel and food.

Poilievre said:

“Canadians need a government that gives them back control over their lives, not a government that takes every dollar from them with endless taxes.”

Carney under pressure after controversy over Liberal candidate

In contrast, Mark Carney faces an internal challenge, following the resurfacing of old statements from one of the Liberal party's candidates, deemed “inappropriate” and contradictory to the party's principles. Voices both within and outside the party have called for the immediate dismissal of the candidate.

No official comment has been issued by Carney's campaign so far, while a spokesperson for the party simply stated that “the matter is under review.”

The electoral scene is heating up as the date for the major debates approaches, with each party striving to solidify its message to voters, as issues of cost of living, taxes, and climate change rise to the top of Canadians' priorities.