NDP pushes promises for women — without specifics on spending — as election nears

The NDP released part of its campaign platform Tuesday, targeting women with promises of a higher minimum wage, affordable housing and pay equity legislation.

Leader Alison Coffin, however, was vague on details on where to find the money for the pledges in Newfoundland and Labrador's overdrawn coffers.

And a lot of the promises, such as $25-a-day child care and a $15-per-hour minimum wage, have already been announced.

Asked how the NDP plans to pay for the pledges, Coffin was noncommittal.

"Many of these things require making choices in the budget," Coffin said. She pointed to the Liberal government's decision to provide $40 million in remittances to Canopy Growth if the cannabis producer lives up to its contract. 

"It could have very easily been redirected into child care or low-income housing."

'Won't be overnight'

Asked how the party plans to cover the costs, Coffin said, "There's a pot of $8 billion that's being allocated out. That money can be used to address women's issues."

Reaching a $15-per-hour minimum wage, Coffin said, would mean incremental increases from $11.40.

"Certainly it won't be overnight."

Coffin is also campaigning on pay equity legislation and adding gender and diversity to the criteria for appointments to the province's agencies, boards, and commissions.

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