Prime Minister of Canada announces a by-election in Chicoutimi–Le Fjord
May 13, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that a by-election will be held on June 18, 2018, in the electoral district of Chicoutimi–Le Fjord.
Itinerary for Monday, May 14, 2018
May 13, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Note: All times local
Edmonton, Alberta
6:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will visit Gurdwara Millwoods.
Gurdwara Millwoods
2606 Mill Woods Rd. E. NW
2606 Mill Woods Rd. E. NW
Notes for media:
- Photo opportunity only
- Media are asked to arrive no later than 5:45 p.m. and present themselves at the parking lot across the street.
Prime Minister welcomes the Voltigeurs de Québec to modernized Armoury
May 12, 2018
Québec, Quebec
National historic sites reflect the rich heritage of our country and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diversity, history, and culture. The Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury is an important landmark of the city. Its reconstruction not only commemorates our Army’s proud history and celebrates our armed forces, it will also create good jobs for years to come.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the Voltigeurs de Québec regiment to their new Armoury, which was rebuilt following a fire in 2008. The new building combines modernism with heritage in a space that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Government of Canada invested approximately $104 million in the reconstruction of the Armoury, which created close to 700 jobs during the project. In addition to being used for administrative and ceremonial purposes by the Voltigeurs, the new Armoury now includes a large multipurpose space that is available for the general public to host community, cultural, and social events. The additional space has helped modernize this historic building and will continue to support middle-class jobs in Quebec City’s hospitality and events sector.
Quotes
“Today, we celebrate the official return of the Voltigeurs de Québec – the oldest French-Canadian regiment still in existence – to their new home. The Armoury transformation showcases how historical sites can be brought into the 21st century and meet modern environmental standards, while maintaining their architectural integrity. I know this Armoury will remain an important landmark in Québec, and continue to serve the regiment and the community.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
"Today is an important occasion for the Voltigeurs de Québec and for the city. Rebuilding and expanding this historic place will ensure that you have the resources needed today, while encouraging future generations to join the profession of arms tomorrow. We want to thank all the Canadian Armed Forces members in Quebec City, here in the region, and right across the country, for your continued dedication and your exemplary service.”
—The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
- Les Voltigeurs de Québec is a reserve infantry unit in the Canadian Armed Forces. The regiment is based in Quebec City, and includes 252 members, including a 35‑member band. The regiment has a long and proud list of Battle Honours that includes the most recent addition of “Afghanistan.”
- In April 2008, the original Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury was damaged by a fire that forced the regiment to move to a temporary site.
- Public consultations with the local community were held to help develop the plan for the new Armoury. The project sought to minimize the overall cost of the building’s reconstruction and operation, while maximizing energy efficiency and preserving the building’s original architectural integrity.
Associated Links
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 60th anniversary of NORAD
May 12, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 60th anniversary of NORAD:
“Today, we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the creation of NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command.
“This unique bi-national military command is an enduring symbol of the important partnership between Canada and the United States – one that is essential to us both.
“On May 12th, 1958, Canada and the United States formally agreed to do together what no other two countries had done before – or since – to place the defence and security of their countries and citizens into each other’s care.
“Since then, NORAD has watched over North America’s skies to defend and protect our people.
“The key to NORAD’s success has been its ability to evolve and meet new challenges, and to take advantage of new opportunities. We can trust in its ability to continue to adapt as needed to meet the needs of the future.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank the members of the Canadian and United States Armed Forces working side-by-side in NORAD for their service over the past 60 years. Canada’s commitment to NORAD is unwavering, and we will continue to work together to protect the safety and security of our countries.”
New rail bypass to support recovery and reconstruction in Lac-Mégantic
May 11, 2018
Lac-Mégantic, Quebec
No community should ever have to experience what Lac-Mégantic went through on July 6, 2013. We remember the 47 people who died and stand with all those whose lives were irreparably changed.
Many people in the community face ongoing effects of trauma and loss. Because of the unique nature of this tragedy, and to help more people in the Lac-Mégantic community heal and rebuild their lives, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have signed an agreement-in-principle to jointly fund the rail bypass project.
The 12.8 kilometre route was selected based on a feasibility study managed by the municipality of Lac-Mégantic. The federal government has also reached an agreement with the Central Maine & Quebec Railway, the project proponent, which will also own and operate the new rail infrastructure.
The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with Lac-Mégantic, the neighbouring municipalities of Frontenac and Nantes, the Government of Quebec, and other stakeholders to complete this important project, and support the community as it rebuilds itself once again into a beautiful, vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
Quote
“Hope and resilience have come to define the people of Lac-Mégantic. For nearly five years, they have worked incredibly hard to recover and rebuild, and create a better future for their community. Today, we take another step forward. And while we know there are some wounds that can never heal, we sincerely hope this new rail bypass marks a new beginning for the people of Lac-Mégantic.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will fund 60 per cent of the total cost of the rail bypass project.
- The Transportation Safety Board of Canada completed an exhaustive investigation following the derailment in Lac-Mégantic and published its findings and recommendations to help ensure an accident like this does not happen again.
- The Government of Canada is working to address the Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations and has made significant progress. We also continue to carefully monitor the safety of railway activities and the transportation of all dangerous goods in Canada.
- The Government of Canada provided financial support for the rail bypass feasibility study, which was managed by the municipality of Lac-Mégantic and conducted by the engineering firm AECOM.
- The study recommended a 12.8 kilometre rail bypass at an estimated cost of $133 million. The study assessed technical characteristics, social impacts, territorial planning, environmental considerations, and grade crossings and culverts. The next phase of the study will clarify the cost for the rail bypass.
