Mr. Speaker, I am honoured today to table a petition on behalf of residents from Port Alberni, Parksville, Qualicum and Courtenay in my riding who are concerned about rising inequality, austerity and the erosion of public services. These petitioners note that while corporate profits continue to reach record highs, more Canadians are struggling to afford the basics of life. They warn that austerity measures, particularly the government's planned $25-billion reduction to publicly funded jobs and services, would only deepen inequality and undermine the programs that Canadians, especially seniors and people living with disabilities, rely on and are entitled to.
This petition also highlights that climate change is already costing Canadians billions of dollars each year and that a fair tax on extreme wealth would generate significant revenue to fund good-paying jobs, public services and a just transition to a sustainable economy.
Last, these petitioners are calling on the House to reconsider sweeping cuts to jobs and services and to bring forward legislation that would ensure that corporations and the wealthiest of Canadians pay their fair share.