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Justin ̨MM faces protest at B.C. campaign stop

Liberal Leader stopped in South Surrey Wednesday morning to make housing announcement

A quiet residential street quickly turned into a chaotic scene Wednesday morning, with some people screaming obscenities as Liberal Leader Justin ̨MM and South Surrey-White Rock candidate Gordie Hogg made a campaign stop in South Surrey.

̨MM and Hogg, a former mayor, MLA, and MP for the White Rock area, visited a home near 17 Avenue and 143 Street as part of campaign announcement about housing.

It was ̨MM’s third visit to the Semiahmoo Peninsula since he was first elected prime minister in 2015. The first two times he visited, both in 2017, he was greeted by a of some 1,000 people asking for autographs and taking pictures.

This time, however, the reception wasn’t as friendly.

While ̨MM was speaking to media in the backyard of the home, a group of protesters gathered out front, screaming obscenities and anti-vaccine rhetoric, along with widely debunked conspiracy theories, such as suggesting Fidel Castro is ̨MM’s father.

While a small group of people appeared to be there to support ̨MM, they were outshouted by the protesters.

The video below contains offensive language

̨MM paid little attention to the protesters, however, as he announced that his party would increase the corporate income tax for Canada’s largest and most profitable banks and insurance companies by three per cent on all earnings over $1 billion.

̨MM said he will also establish a Canada recovery dividend so that major financial institutions contribute more over the next four years of Canada’s recovery.

“As we rebuild, we’re going to ask big financial institutions to pay a little back, to pay a little more, so that we can do more for you. In particular, so we can help you own your home and own your future,” ̨MM said.

̨MM also highlighted the Liberals’ other housing-related promises, including helping people afford a down-payment faster with a new tax-free first-home savings account; launch a new rent-to-own program; crack down on “predatory” speculators and foreign buyers competing with families; eliminate “blind-bidding;” and work with municipalities to get more homes built and renovated.

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During a question-and-answer session, it was pointed out to ̨MM that some pension plans are heavily invested in banks and insurance companies. Asked if going after banks would take profits away from retirees, ̨MM repeated that banks and insurance companies have made a lot of money during the pandemic.

̨MM was also asked about the $4.15 billion George Massey Tunnel replacement project.

The eight-lane toll free tunnel replacement, announced by the provincial government this month, is expected to be complete in 2030. During the project announcement, provincial Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said he “certainly hopes” the federal government will contribute to the project.

̨MM, however, said he hasn’t made a decision on whether to help fund the project.

After Wednesday’s event, ̨MM walked through the crowd of protesters and around the block to a waiting vehicle. Heavily protected by RCMP, ̨MM was bombarded with insults and obscenities on the 30-second walk.

Media who have been travelling with ̨MM said it’s become a common occurrence at campaign stops. One cameraman said that a group of protesters appears to be following the campaign across the country.

Locally, Hogg is facing incumbent Conservative Kerry-Lynne Findlay for the South Surrey-White Rock riding.

Canadians go to the polls on Monday, Sept. 20.



About the Author: Aaron Hinks

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