Liberal Black Caucus roundtable underscores measures to make life more affordable

Arielle Kayabaga

On Monday, Members of the Liberal Black Caucus held a roundtable with Black media from across the country to share details about new measures from the Fall Economic Statement that the government is taking to make life more affordable, including:

– Permanently eliminating interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans

– Creating a new quarterly Canada Workers Benefit to help lower income workers’ pay the bills throughout the year;

– Helping Canadians buy their first home by curbing unfair housing practices, building more housing, and creating a tax-free savings account to help save up a down payment;

– Supporting Black researchers; and,

Marci Ien

– Lowering credit card transaction fees for small businesses.

During the roundtable, MPs also thanked the media for their work and recognized the challenges they have faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and in the post-pandemic recovery.

MP Kayabaga highlighted the importance of supporting local Black media, through government programs such as the Canadian Periodical Fund and the Changing Narratives Fund. Supporting racialized and underrepresented media is imperative in creating a more equitable and inclusive Canada.

MP Arielle Kayabaga, Chair of the Liberal Black Caucus and Member of Parliament for London West, was joined by MP Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Don Valley West, the Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre, and the Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance.

Michael Coteau

“The delivery of the 2022 Fall Economic Statement highlighted our government priorities and the engagement with Black media is an opportunity to inform communities across the country on our government’s work but also hear on the needed work for an inclusive economy for all Canadians,” said Kayabaga.

Minister Marci Ien added,“Black communities across Canada can be reassured that the Fall Economic Statement is a fiscally responsible plan to make life more affordable while also growing the economy and creating good-paying jobs. The permanent step to reduce the burden of student loans will make a huge difference in the lives of young Black and racialized students who already face many economic, social, and intersectional barriers. We’re also strengthening the research capacity of Black scholars to increase the diversity of Canada’s research community, while also investing in young people right across the country. With life becoming more expensive for many Canadians – we will continue providing compassionate, targeted supports for the communities who need it most.”