Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Criticizes Government's Affordability Measures

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed strong opposition to the government's proposed affordability measures, including a sales tax holiday and $250 cheques for working Canadians. He argues that these measures are inflationary and do not address the root causes of the affordability crisis.

Poilievre suggests that the government should instead focus on reducing bureaucracy and waste to bring down taxes, inflation, and interest rates. He also criticizes the $250 cheques, arguing that they do not increase purchasing power and are essentially a "bribe" to Canadians.

The Conservatives' stance on the affordability measures is in contrast to the demands from other opposition parties, including the Bloc Québécois and the NDP. These parties have called for the cheques to be expanded to include retirees, students, and people with disabilities.

The government has so far remained lukewarm to these demands, citing the need to stay within the fiscal framework. However, they have not ruled out expanding the eligibility for the cheques.

The government's affordability measures are expected to be debated in the House of Commons this week. It remains unclear whether the government will have enough support to pass the measures.