Canadian voters will head to the polls in just three short weeks as the 2019 federal election is Oct. 21.
At publication time, the Conservatives hold a narrow lead over the Liberals in average polling data at 34.3 per cent to 33.4 per cent, with the NDP holding in third at 13.8 per cent according to aggregate polling data from CBC.
While polling data can provide a snapshot of where voters are leaning, many voters remain undecided on how they will cast their ballots on Oct. 21.
Do you fall into that group of undecided voters? Need to know more about what each party is promising?
Let's take a look at what the official opposition party, the Conservatives, have laid out in their election platform when it comes to some of the more notable election issues.
Climate change:
The Tories have said that they are committed to meeting the Paris agreement target, but have also said that they will get rid of the carbon tax. The party wants to sign agreements that will allow Canada to get credit for helping achieve emission reductions internationally and launch a green-tech patent tax credit for businesses.
Carbon tax:
As mentioned, the Conservatives have been critical of the Liberal party's carbon tax, calling it ineffection and vowing to axe it entirely. The party would leave it to the provinces to decide if they want to put a price on carbon.
Health care:
The Conservatives have committed to increasing health transfer payments by at least three per cent every year. They have dismissed pharmacare and would instead turn their focus to those not covered provincially or at work. The Tories have promised $1.5 billion to buy more MRI and CT machines in an effort to reduce long wait times.
Jobs:
The party has railed against many Liberal policies, claiming they threaten jobs. Leader Andrew Scheer has been a strong advocate for struggling oil workers. Conservatives have promised to end foreign oil imports and get pipelines built, including the Trans Mountain, which they claim will create tens of thousands of jobs.
Seniors:
Andrew Scheer has been vocal in his promises to benefit seniors, including removing GST from home heating and reintroducing a publci transit tax credit. Scheer has also promised to increase the Age Tax Credit by $1,000 - a credit that is available to seniors making less than $87,750.
Taxes:
Conservatives have promised a universal tax cut, cutting the rate on taxable income under $47,630 from 15 to 13.75 per cent over three years. There’s also a promise to make Employment Insurance benefits for new parents tax-free, along with the above mentioned promise to remove the GST from home heating costs and revive the public transit, children's fitness and arts tax credits.
Guns:
The Conservatives have been vocal in their opposition to the handgun ban, arguing that it punishes lawful gun owners. Scheer is proposing lifetime bans for those convicted of violent crimes of gang activity, and for those who buy firearms in bulk and resell them on the black market. Conservatives have also promised more money for police to combat gun and gang violence.
