Andrew Scheer is in the Toronto suburbs this morning to announce some tough-on-crime proposals. In this live story, we’ll be tracking the campaign news as it happens
3:00 p.m. — Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley unsure about voting NDP
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley wouldn’t commit to voting NDP in the upcoming federal election, saying she doesn’t agree with federal leader Jagmeet Singh on his opposition to the Trans Mountain pipeline.
Here’s what Notley told CBC Calgary :
“When asked if Singh’s position will impact the way she votes, Notley was non-committal.
“When we get closer to the election, I’ll make a decision in my own riding about which candidate’s best able to represent the needs of Albertans and the people in my riding of Edmonton-Strathcona,” she said.”
1:00 p.m. — Trudeau says his beliefs on abortion ‘evolved’ since 2011
In Quebec City this morning, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said his views on abortion have “evolved” since 2011, when he said he was personally opposed to abortion but supported a woman’s right to choose.
In that interview, “I expressed something I no longer believe,” said Trudeau, admitting there was “inconsistency in being a man opposed to abortion, but in favour of a woman’s right to choice.”
Trudeau says he is now fully in favour of abortion.
12:30 p.m. — Singh hosts raucous media availability in Saskatoon
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh held a media availability in front of a raucous crowd in Saskatoon this morning.
“You guys are giving me life,” said Singh, who seemed a little surprised by the energy of the crowd. (At one point, the crowd erupted into cacophonous cheers after a reporter said he worked for a campus newspaper).
The Q&A session with reporters ranged from topics like Conservative leader Andrew Scheer’s dual-citizenship, to the NDP pharmacare plan, to a spat with the Green Party about their candidate’s views on abortion.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May accused Singh of putting out misinformation about her party and said she doesn’t know of any Green candidates who are pro-life.
“I know the Green Party likes to Photoshop things, but they can’t change what she said,” said Singh, referring to a National Post story about the Green Party altering an image to remove a disposable cup from May’s hands.
12:00 p.m. — Scheer promises to end automatic bail for gang members awaiting trial
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer promised an end to automatic bail for gang members awaiting trial and to revoke parole for gang members who associate with their former gang after being released.
Scheer was in Etobicoke this morning to announce a bundle of new tough-on-crime proposals.
The Conservatives also unveiled a plan to treat gangs as criminal entities in the Criminal Code, much like terrorist organizations are currently treated. Scheer also promised mandatory minimum sentences for violent gang crime and possession of smuggled guns.
“Today in Canada there are families who are afraid to let their children play outside or walk to school for fear of gun violence,” said Scheer.
9:30 a.m. — Trudeau remains in Quebec, while Scheers hits the GTA
Liberal leader Justin Trudeau will visit with local candidates and take questions from reporters in Quebec City this morning at 10:30 a.m.
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer will take questions from reporters at 10:30 a.m. in Etobicoke this morning.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will be in Saskatoon today at 9 a.m. to take questions from reporters.
Green Party leader Elizabeth May will be in Victoria today to make an announcement about tree-planting at 9:30 a.m local time.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2019
