CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — NDP Leader Joe Byrne says the election signs that were being erected on Tuesday night signalled one thing.
“I think it’s a sign that it’s time for change. People are tired,’’ Byrne told The Guardian after Premier Wade MacLauchlan officially dropped the writ to kick off the provincial election campaign.
“The Liberals are tired, their agenda is done and people are looking for something different. And that’s what we’re offering.’’
Byrne said the NDP’s message is going to be one of fairness, explaining that when the system works for people it does so very well, but when it doesn’t “it’s just not fair’’.
“There’s enough for everybody in this province. It just has to be done fairly,’’ he said.
The NDP platform will focus on income security. People need enough money to live on, Byrne said, they need a good minimum wage.
“The increased income in the community means more employment and better jobs, particularly for small business.’’
He also talked about a basic income guarantee and helping those who struggle in poverty.
In addition, Byrne addressed the housing needs across the Island.
“There needs to be public investment in public housing. There needs to be multi-family dwellings and it has to be owned and controlled by the public.’’
On the rural side of things, Byrne said he’s tired of the ongoing promise of high-speed internet.
Enough already, he says.
“What are we doing giving more money to Bell? Over the last 12 years, (they) haven’t been able to do the job. It needs to be a company that can actually deliver.’’
Byrne hopes people consider the background of the NDP party when they go to mark their X on the ballot.
“When people are looking for something different, the background of our party has been in engaging community and focusing on the most vulnerable in our communities, (making sure they) are taken care of, not just the wealthiest. Change has to be for the many and not for the few.’’
