A day after Bombardier announced its plan to cut 7,000 jobs over the next two years, the Canadian economy dominated daily question period in the House of Commons Thursday.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Morneau fielded repeated questions from the opposition about the job losses, as well as the upcoming budget and the Liberal government’s plan to run three consecutive deficits.
Gerard Deltell, a Conservative MP from Quebec, where Bombardier Inc. is based, demanded to know what the prime minister will do to help the families affected by the aerospace giant’s deep cuts. Meanwhile, interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose asked why those affected by job losses in the oil and gas sector are not getting more help, including a more robust employment insurance program.
Trudeau responded by saying that his government is working “productively” with the provinces to ensure “a strong economy for everyone.”
Conservative MP Lisa Raitt later accused Morneau of not following his mandate letter and neglecting the economy by not returning to a balanced budget.
Morenau stuck to his usual talking points, saying that Canadians elected the Liberal Party on its economic platform and the government plans to deliver on its promises to boost the middle class.
