It is consistently one of the top issues in this election campaign, the rising cost of living and it seems everyone is feeling it. “Trying to save some money,” said Montrealer Cody Ormond. “I’m in school right now so finish school, stay home for a bit, save money. It’s just not realistic to go buy something or rent right now.” Each of the five parties has made at least one promise that could help with the cost of living. The CAQ wants to contribute $1,000 to every newborn’s registered education savings plan. Quebec Solidaire wants to raise the minimum wage to $20 dollars an hour. The Liberals want to extend the shareable parental leave by two weeks or parents can receive an equal payment to help with the costs of raising their child. “When we look at the current promises made by the different political parties, it feels like few of them actually have engaged towards the real issue when it comes to the cost of living crisis that we’re currently going through,” Nicolas Gagnon, from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said. For the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, two parties stand out. The PQ and it’s promise to reduce the Quebec Sales Tax (QST) on gas by 50 per cent for at least a year. The Conservatives are promising an income tax cut by increasing the basic personal amount to $35,000. Some are not convinced all these promises will curb the rising cost of living. “It’s not enough what the political parties are talking about,” said Project Genesis executive director Gary Saxe. “We need a lot more. Certainly an immediate increase in both minimum wage, welfare rates, pensions, to help people just get by.” One suggestion that citizens have for government, keep an open ear for a more targeted approach. “For the cost of living, listen to people more about how life is complicated right now, especially if you have to do your groceries,” Celia Isombe, said. “Listen more to the young people who are really struggling with the end of the month.”
