Singh: As Trump Threatens Canadian Jobs, Carney Promises Deep Cuts at Home

SASKATOON—NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is warning that Mark Carney’s pledge to balance Canada’s operating budget within three years would require nearly $43 billion in cuts—reductions that would weaken the public services Canadians rely on, just as Donald Trump’s trade war threatens jobs and drives up household costs.

Carney has committed to balancing the federal operating budget, which includes direct program spending and transfers to provinces and territories, such as the Canada Health Transfer and the Canada Social Transfer. In Saskatchewan alone, this could mean $300 million cut from health care—that’s the equivalent of 3,000 nurses.

In an interview with Rosie Barton, Carney made it clear that these services are on the chopping block.

“Carney’s plan would mean fewer nurses, longer wait times, and even more pressure on families already stretched to the limit,” said Singh. “Canadians need a government that has their back—not one that guts services while handing tax breaks to the wealthy.”

Based on Parliamentary Budget Officer forecasts and current fiscal plans, NDP fiscal analysis shows that balancing the budget on Carney’s timeline would require nearly $43 billion in cuts by year three. Singh warned that these reductions would leave provinces and communities scrambling to maintain core services at a time when families are already facing mounting pressures on housing, health care, and the cost of living.

“In the middle of a trade war started by Donald Trump, we need to protect what makes us Canadian: universal health care, strong communities, and a government that supports people,” said Singh.

At a time when Canadians are looking for relief, Singh said New Democrats offer a clear alternative: invest in public services, bring down costs, and ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share.

“Every real win for working people—dental care, Pharmacare, safer workplaces—came from electing New Democrats,” said Singh. “We’ve delivered before, and we’ll keep fighting for national rent control, a family doctor for everyone, universal Pharmacare, grocery price caps, and tax relief for working and middle-class families—without cutting the services people count on.”