Rachel Bendayan

Defend supply management

The other end of this axis: Liberalize supply management

Repeatedly states defense of supply management system tooth and nail and full protection for producers.

I explained to my colleagues that we have defended the supply management system tooth and nail and that not a single ounce more cheese will be coming into Canada under this transitional agreement with the United Kingdom. I am wholeheartedly behind you and your industry.

Faster fossil phase-down

The other end of this axis: Slower phase-down, production first

Excerpts repeat support for net zero by 2050, price on pollution and the carbon tax.

I will not apologize for the carbon tax. It is critical that our government take real action in order to stem what is the biggest issue of our generation. I followed closely the events of this weekend, and I am sorry the Conservative Party chose not to recognize that climate change is real and is something we need to address, but I certainly will not apologize for that.

Higher taxes and public spending

The other end of this axis: Lower taxes and tighter spending

Excerpts repeatedly defend pandemic spending, deficits and reject tax-cut alternatives.

The money we are spending today is ensuring our businesses stay open. The money we are spending today is ensuring that families do not take on additional debt, which they and their children would be saddled with.

Expand public coverage

The other end of this axis: More private delivery

Excerpts endorse public health research funding and transfers to provinces.

Even before the first cases were diagnosed in Canada, our government engaged with academic, industry, provincial and international partners to swiftly implement a research response to the pandemic. In February, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research was the first agency globally to launch an open call for COVID-19 research.

Higher permanent intake

The other end of this axis: Lower intake

Excerpts back new pathways for Hong Kong residents and refugee support.

In response to China’s imposition of the new national security law in Hong Kong, legislation that threatens the one country, two systems agreement and endangers the freedoms of those living in Hong Kong, Canada has suspended our extradition treaty, banned exports of sensitive materials and announced sweeping new and expanded pathways for residents of Hong Kong to immigrate here to Canada. Only a few days ago our Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke out against the removal of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy lawmakers, noting that China’s move was in disregard of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, and a further assault on Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Stronger unions and standards

The other end of this axis: More flexibility for employers

Defends wage subsidies, paid sick leave and collective bargaining agreements.

The Canada recovery sickness benefit is there for employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick. The $500-a-week benefit for two weeks not only supports our workers, but it is also essential for our businesses.

Prevention and restraint

The other end of this axis: Enforcement and sentencing

Excerpts support community policing, criminal justice reform and gun control measures.

In the Speech from the Throne, we have committed to addressing the systemic inequalities in all phases of the criminal justice system; enhancing civilian oversight of our law enforcement agencies; modernizing training for police, especially surrounding the use of force; moving toward community-led policing; and collecting better disaggregated data.