Jagmeet Singh Promises 35,000 Nurses by 2030

Photo: Reuters

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has made a big promise to help fix Canada’s health care system. Speaking at an event in Toronto on Monday, he said that if his party wins the election, they will hire 35,000 nurses by the year 2030.

Singh said that nurses need safer working conditions and a fair number of patients to look after. Even though he didn’t give an exact number for how many patients each nurse should care for, a member of his team said the NDP would work with provinces and territories to figure that out.

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He also spoke against the growing use of private nursing agencies by some provinces. Singh believes this is creating two levels of health care – one for people who can pay more and another for those who can’t. He promised better pay for nurses working in public hospitals and clinics.

Even though hiring health workers is usually something provinces handle, Singh said that if the NDP forms the government, it would connect federal health funding with clear plans to hire and keep nurses.

Just last month, the Canadian Nurses Association asked all political parties to support a plan that would allow nurses to work in any province without needing a new license each time. This could help send nurses to places where they are needed most.

When it comes to what matters most to voters, a recent survey showed health care is the third biggest concern. The top two are rising prices and the economy.

Other political parties are also talking about health care. The Liberal Party has promised to expand dental care to people between 18 and 64 years old. They say this could save Canadians about $800 each year.

The Conservative Party has said they will keep the current dental care, pharmacare, and child care plans. They’re also focusing on treatment for addictions and health care for veterans.