**Interim NDP Leader Calls for Increased Investment in Upcoming Federal Budget**
OTTAWA — Interim NDP Leader Don Davies has outlined his party’s priorities ahead of the November 4 federal budget, emphasizing the need for greater investment in health care, affordable non-market housing, and projects that create unionized jobs.
Speaking with reporters before question period on Wednesday, Davies revealed that he conveyed the New Democrats’ key priorities to Prime Minister Mark Carney during a meeting last week.
“We communicated very clearly that we would not be able to support a budget that takes an austerity approach,” Davies said. “We need to invest in Canadian communities, Canadian businesses, Canadian workers and Canadian infrastructure.”
Davies stressed that the party did not press for specific projects or spending programs.
“We don’t have a shopping list. We’re not bargaining either in public or privately,” he explained. “What we are doing as New Democrats is laying out our vision of what’s required for our country going forward very transparently.”
The minority Liberal government requires the support of at least three opposition MPs to pass the budget and avoid triggering an election. When asked if the NDP was prepared to head to the polls over the budget, Davies responded that it is up to the Liberals to present a budget that can gain opposition backing.
“That’s entirely up to Mr. Carney. I don’t think Canadians want an election right now,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet indicated last month that he needs to review the government’s spending plans before deciding whether to support the budget.
The government has signaled there will be a “substantial” deficit in the upcoming budget as it plans to increase investment in capital projects while reducing operational spending.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 8, 2025.
David Baxter, The Canadian Press.
https://www.sudbury.com/national/davies-says-ndps-budget-support-is-up-to-carney-after-sharing-partys-priorities-11322927
