VANCOUVER — The Green party is pledging to invest billions of dollars in sustainable jobs, expanded health care and support for seniors — all without running a deficit.
The Greens were the first of the federal parties to unveil their platform before the Oct. 19 election.
"Our platform shows that the Green party is the party of big ideas: the party that will ensure the 21st century is successful for all Canadian families," Leader Elizabeth May said in a news release Wednesday before speaking in Vancouver.
"Sustainable economic plans, aggressive climate action, democratic reforms, and national strategies to support our communities: this is what the Green party stands for."
The economy is top of mind for Canadians, May said, adding the Green party would invest in sustainable technology and renewable energy infrastructure to achieve economic success.
"Canada has the potential to capitalize on the single-biggest business opportunity in human history — the shift to a green economy through cleantech and green infrastructure investments," she said.
A key point in the platform is the expansion of universal health care to cover prescription medication for all Canadians, a move the party said would save $11 billion a year through bulk buying.
The Greens also promised to put a price on carbon and give the money generated back to all Canadians aged 18 and older through a "carbon dividend."
The party promised $6.4 billion a year in municipal infrastructure spending, a minimum wage of $15 an hour and $75 million in annual funding for scientists.
A Green government would restore funding to Veterans Affairs, the CBC and Canada Post, and repeal the controversial anti-terror bill, C-51, May said.
