The federal NDP proposes that Ottawa no longer charge GST on a broader range of essentials to help alleviate price pressures on ordinary Canadians.

Jagmeet Singh is in St. John’s attending a series of events and doing some politicking along the way.

Singh says Ottawa recognized some time ago that GST should not be applied to grocery items, and the NDP wants to see that taken further.

That includes cell phone and internet bills, which he says are essential in this day and age. “We want to take it off our monthly heating bill, we know that in a country like Canada…we’ve got to keep ourselves warm.” He also suggests that GST be removed from things like grab-and-go food, diapers and children’s clothing.

He also proposes implementing a price cap on a list of items he considers essential. To address the revenue loss this may cause, Singh mentions that the NDP is suggesting an Excess Profit Tax, similar to those in place in certain European countries.