EDITORIAL: Here’s a deal: Let’s have an election

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Every new day that dawns in Parliament brings with it another unseemly round of Let’s Make A Deal.

So far, two non-confidence motions put forward by Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party have failed. The New Democratic Party says it has scrapped its Supply and Confidence agreement to keep the Liberals in power, but is still voting with the government to avert an election.

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet now says that, if the government doesn’t cave in to his demands on dairy subsidies and an increase in the Old Age Security pension, he’ll bring down the government at the next confidence vote.

The BQ wants a 10% hike in OAS payments for seniors aged 65-74. In 2022, the Trudeau government hiked OAS benefits for seniors over 75, creating what critics have called a two-tiered system of pensions.

While boosting pensions is politically attractive, it’s one this country can’t afford. The parliamentary budget officer has estimated it will cost $16 billion over five years.

While the NDP has said it will support the measure, the Liberals are indicating they’re opposed. Poilievre will have to walk a careful line. While spending billions of dollars runs counter to their fiscal accountability mantra, much of the Conservatives’ support comes from older Canadians. Traditionally, seniors tend to vote in great numbers.

At the same time, Poilievre is gaining support among young people who feel abandoned by their government. He can’t ignore them.

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It’s unfair to expect a younger generation, struggling under an inflationary burden, to subsidize the pensions of seniors, many of whom are homeowners and living comfortably.

As much as seniors may see a pension hike as a bonanza, they see their children and grandchildren suffering because of the disastrous policies of the Trudeau government. High interest rates over the last two years, plus a housing shortage that’s pushed prices into the stratosphere, have turned the Canadian dream into a nightmare. Rental costs have skyrocketed. A grocery basket is unaffordable for many young families.

It’s time to end this charade on Parliament Hill. This political one-upmanship isn’t good government. It’s a hostage-taking and taxpayers are paying the ransom with their own money.

It’s time to let voters decide what they want. It’s time for an election.