Education more important than mega-prisons, says Liberal leader
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is more interested in building prisons than spending on education, said Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff.
Ignatieff says Harper turned down his proposal to implement a $1 billion educational fund in favour of building U.S.-style mega prisons.
“He can afford $13 billion locking up your kids and can’t afford $1 billion educating them,” Ignatieff told a crowd of 700 supporters at a campaign stop at Richmond’s Delta Vancouver Airport Monday.
The Liberal’s proposal, the Learning Passport, offers all Canadians taking post-secondary $1,000 annually in federal funding, up to four years. Under the program, low-income Canadians are eligible for an additional $500 a year.
He wants to give every Canadian child a “world class” education, saying that it’s the best way to create positive economic impact.
“We put out this commitment…Harper said we can’t afford it,” Ignatieff said. “Well I got news for Mr. Harper, we can’t afford him.”
Ignatieff added that Harper displayed “incredible arrogance” in asking the Canadian people to give the Conservatives a majority. He said the best way for the Liberals to “take the country back” is by going to the polls.
“We’re going to fire Stephen Harper and send him back to school,” Ignatieff said. “May 2 is the moment.”
Canadians go the polls on May 2.
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