Liberals Promise Free Admission to National Attractions, Conservatives Pledge to Support Veterans

(L-R) Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre. The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick, Justin Tang, Jacques Boissinot

On Day 21 of the election campaign, the Conservative Party said it would do more to support veterans’ transition to civilian life, the Liberal Party promised summer fun passes for families, and the NDP said they would expand Canadians’ health care.

The Liberals said they would offer free passes for those under 18 to museums and national galleries to help Canadians staycation over the summer, dubbed the Canada Strong Pass.

The passes also offer free seats on VIA Rail for those under 18 if their parents are travelling with them, and a reduced fee for camping spots in national parks.

“Whether it’s trips to national parks and historic sites, spending the day at a national art gallery or museum, or hiking Canadian trails, my new government will help the next generation discover all Canada has to offer this summer,” Liberal Leader Mark Carney said in a press release.

The Liberals previously announced that access to National Parks and Historic Sites would be free for Canadians. The Canada Strong Pass will be in place from June to August.

Carney had no election events planned for April 12, but said he had been speaking with NATO’s General Secretary Mark Rutte in his capacity as prime minister.

Carney said Canada’s commitment to the alliance is “ironclad.”

“We will boost our defence spending, support our allies, and keep Canada strong,” Carney said in a social media post.

Tories Pledge Veteran Support

During a stop in Carney’s riding of Nepean in the Ottawa area, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said his government would offer more support for veterans looking to transition to civilian life.

“As Prime Minister, I will ensure veterans’ benefits are in place before they leave the military, and will automatically approve disability applications if they are not treated within 16 weeks,” Poilievre said.

He said a Conservative government would double the number of veterans hired each year for government jobs, and would also make getting training credentials for veterans’ expertise easier.

“We will do pilot projects that encourage universities, colleges, polytechnics, training halls, to give credit for things already learned, so that there’s a shorter training time,” he said.

Poilievre said a Conservative government would also work to have veterans’ experience in the forces recognized for trades licensing.  The Conservatives would also review and reduce “military clawbacks,” ensuring that veterans who find a job won’t lose their government benefits.

“The job should be giving them extra income. It shouldn’t be a replacement income,” he said.

Poilievre also said there needs to be a monument built to honour Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.

“These people who gave so much, they deserve to be recognized, and they need a place to go to express themselves and to live out their memories and and really experience the gratitude that we should all have for the enormous courage that they showed.”

NDP Touts Role in Dental Care, Pharmacare plans

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh had a campaign event planned in Timmins, and was promoting his party’s role in introducing the federal dental care plan.

“Over 1 million Canadians have seen the dentist through the NDP dental care plan,” the NDP said in an April 12 social media post.

The post said 9 million Canadians will be eligible for coverage  by next month.

The party also posted a video of Singh saying the NDP would “fight” to expand the federal pharmacare program.

“We need universal pharmacare for all so all Canadians will know that they can get the medication they need when they need it,” he said.