The federal New Democrats are wrapping up their caucus retreat today following days of talking with locals about housing and health care issues that are affecting them. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and NDP candidate for Edmonton Centre, Trisha Estabrooks kick off the NDP caucus retreat by knocking on doors in Edmonton, Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
EDMONTON – New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh says working with the Liberals on pharmacare legislation is like wrestling with eels covered in oil.
Singh says they are slimy and break their promises, but that won’t stop New Democrats from pushing the bill forward when the House of Commons returns Monday.
Singh says the legislation will be the NDP’s next big fight in Parliament, as his caucus meets for a three-day retreat in Edmonton this week.
The NDP has been pushing for a system to cover Canadians’ prescription medicines as part of its deal with the minority Liberals.
Singh says he took the eel description from his party’s health critic Don Davies, who has been negotiating with the government on a framework bill.
Davies says he’s optimistic a bill will be tabled by a deadline of March 1, and his talks with Health Minister Mark Holland will resume next week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 25, 2024.
