Conservatives push opposition-day motion calling on Parliament to recognize Canada's "affordability crisis"

Why it matters

The federal Conservatives issued a statement in Ottawa today (Oct. 9), fronted by shadow minister for the Treasury Board Sandra Cobena and deputy House leader Luc Berthold, calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and Liberal MPs to support a Conservative opposition-day motion formally recognizing that "after 11 years of Liberal government, Canada is in an affordability crisis."

The motion asks the House to recognize two points: (a) the Liberals have been in power for 11 years, and (b) Canada is in an affordability crisis. Cobena called Carney "out of touch," saying many Canadians end each month wondering how they will afford the next one. The statement is a partisan document; its characterizations of the Liberal record are the Conservatives' claims.

The statement cites polling data: MNP reports 44 per cent of Canadians are within $200 of insolvency each month, and more than half lack savings to cover six months after a job loss; PwC finds Canadians plan to spend 11 per cent less this holiday season, with three-quarters taking steps to stretch budgets. CTV News also reported party leader Pierre Poilievre publicly pressing Carney to acknowledge the crisis.

Whether the Carney government backs the motion will be decided when the House votes.