SURROUNDED by family, supporters and elected and nominated New Democrats, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh was nominated on Friday as his party’s candidate for Burnaby South in the upcoming federal election—which he said will be an election all about whose side the federal parties are on.

“For decades, rich corporations have had someone on their side, and governments that were ready to go to any length to make their life easier,” said Singh. “And you’re left to pay the price. It’s time to have someone on your side.”

Singh’s vision is a New Deal for People, which lays out an additional tax on multi-millionaires and the end of tax loopholes for the super-wealthy. The NDP will reinvest that money in people and their public services—including a universal pharmacare plan.

“Rich and powerful companies want to make sure that the Conservatives and Liberals continue to work for them, and Canadians pay the price for that,” said Singh. “Everyday families are getting more and more squeezed by skyrocketing drug prices, housing prices, and cell phone bills. That’s because, for decades, Liberal and Conservative governments have been caving to the demands of the richest corporations.”

It was revealed Friday that two companies have agreed to pay almost $450,000 in fines after admitting they made illegal political donations to both the federal Liberals and Conservatives between 2004 and 2009—which Singh describes as yet more proof of who Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer are working for.

“Instead of working for them, I’m in it for everyday people,” added Singh. “We can make life easier for regular folks by bringing in pharmacare for all, creating 300,000 new jobs, building more housing, and by capping cell phone and internet bills. I owe the multi-millionaires and mega-corporations nothing—I’m in it for you.”