Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom
September 5, 2018
Vancouver, British Columbia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom.
The leaders discussed developments related to the attack in the United Kingdom in March 2018 by agents of the Russian government using a military-grade nerve agent, which were the subject of a statement by Prime Minister May in the House of Commons in London today.
The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s full solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom in light of these developments, and recommitted Canada’s cooperation and full support to the British government.
The Prime Ministers stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation between Canada and the United Kingdom in response to challenges, by Russia and other countries, to the rules-based international system.
Prime Minster Trudeau and Prime Minister May also discussed the rise of authoritarianism, and the need for Canada and the United Kingdom to continue to play a leading role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Major rapid transit projects to ease congestion in Metro Vancouver
September 4, 2018
Vancouver, British Columbia
Metro Vancouver is home to some of the fastest growing cities in Canada. Modern, efficient transit systems are needed more than ever to reduce traffic congestion, connect businesses and communities, and meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan, today announced more than $3 billion in federal and provincial funding for two major rapid transit projects in Metro Vancouver: the Broadway Subway project and the Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project.
The Broadway Subway project will add 5.7 kilometres and six stations to the line, bringing frequent and reliable SkyTrain access to one of the most congested transit corridors in Metro Vancouver.
The Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project (LRT) will create the first light-rail transit system in British Columbia. With 11 new stations along 10.5 kilometres of street‑level track, the LRT will provide much needed transit services in underserved areas, connect and revitalize communities, and make it easier to travel across the Lower Mainland.
These projects will create thousands of good, middle class jobs during construction. Once completed, they will meet current and future transportation needs, reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and create more livable, connected communities.
Quotes
“Bringing light rail to Surrey will transform the city, connect communities, and make getting around the Lower Mainland faster and easier. The Broadway Subway will also go a long way in reducing commute times and transit overcrowding, and making Vancouver’s Skytrain even more convenient and accessible. Our government will continue to listen to communities, and make historic investments in the infrastructure they need, today and tomorrow.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
"Rapid transit is key to helping people get where they need to go quickly so we can meet the needs of a growing region. Cutting traffic and getting people and goods moving faster will unlock economic growth while making our communities more affordable, accessible and clean.”
—The Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will contribute $1.37 billion to the two projects, the Government of British Columbia will contribute $1.82 billion, and Translink, the City of Vancouver, and the City of Surrey will contribute $1.23 billion.
- The Broadway Subway will be able to move 5,100 more passengers per hour, per direction than the existing B-Line bus service it will replace, increasing capacity by 250 per cent. It will also be built to accommodate additional future capacity increases.
- In Surrey, the Light Rail Transit project will take people from one end of the line to the other in approximately 27 minutes. The line will operate within dedicated train-only lanes on the road, allowing the trains to bypass traffic queues, making it an attractive public transit choice.
- Federal and provincial funding for these projects is the result of a new funding agreement signed by the governments of Canada and British Columbia in the spring of 2018, under the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan that will see $3.917 billion in federal dollars invested in British Columbian infrastructure over 10 years.
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- Of this funding, $28.7 billion will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated Links
- Investing in Canada Plan
- Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
- Broadway Subway project
- Surrey-Newton-Guildford Light Rail Transit project
Statement by the Prime Minister on Labour Day
September 3, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Labour Day:
“On Labour Day, we celebrate Canada’s workers and the major achievements of our country’s labour movement. Today, thanks to generations of labour activists, Canada’s workplaces are safer, more equitable, and more just. We honour the dedication and determination of the labour movement, and continue to stand with workers from coast to coast to coast.
“Canada’s workers have been the backbone of our country for generations. From building crucial infrastructure, to providing the services we rely on, our workers make Canada strong. Year after year and across every sector and industry, they grow our economy and strengthen the middle class at the heart of our country’s success.
“That is why the Government of Canada works every day to support Canada’s workers and make sure people across our country have a real and fair chance at success. Today, Canada’s economy is the fastest-growing in the G7 – and the unemployment rate is at its lowest level since the 1970s. This year, we created a stronger Canada Workers Benefit to help low-income workers keep more of their hard-earned money, succeed in the workforce, and build a better future.
“Canada’s workforce is more diverse than ever before – and all of us benefit when everyone has a chance to participate in the workforce and contribute to our economy. With Budget 2018, we introduced measures to address the gender wage gap and increase job opportunities for women, especially those in underrepresented groups. We are also taking action to reduce work-related dangers and harassment, and we are proposing changes to the Canada Labour Code to provide five days of paid leave to workers in federally regulated workplaces who are survivors of family violence.
“From protecting the right to organize to improving workplace safety and job training, the Government of Canada is proud to be a partner to the labour movement. Together with provinces and territories, we are making major investments to create employment and skills training programs that meet the diverse needs of Canadian workers – and thanks to our historic agreement to strengthen the Canada Pension Plan, we are making sure more Canadians have a secure and dignified retirement. The Government of Canada will continue to take action to support workers, grow our economy, and make a real difference in the lives of Canadians.
“On Labour Day, I encourage all Canadians to celebrate the workers who make our country a better place to live. On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish all Canadians a safe and happy Labour Day.”
