Mr. Speaker, on April 1 the Canada health and social transfer will be implemented gutting national standards in the Canada assistance plan and slashing billions of dollars from health care, post-secondary education and social assistance and services.
This week Jean Swanson, president of the National Anti-Poverty Organization and Guy Caron, chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students, have launched in Ottawa a National Fast for Fairness co-ordinated by the Action Canada Network.
Their fast, joined and supported by people across Canada, including churches, universities, food banks and union locals, draws attention to the CHST and the devastating impact it will have on people's lives, our economy and our vision of Canada.
New Democrats join our voices in calling for national programs with national standards and adequate funding and in supporting the alternative federal budget.
Finally, we pay tribute to Jean Swanson and Guy Caron for their personal leadership on this profoundly important issue.