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

The NDPreleased part of its campaign platform Tuesday, targeting women with promises of a higher minimum wage, affordablehousing 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-hourminimum 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 redirectedinto 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-hourminimum wage, Coffin said, would mean incremental increasesfrom$11.40.

"Certainly it won't be overnight."

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

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