Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of the European Council Donald Tusk
January 9, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Tusk discussed priorities for the relationship between Canada and the European Union during the year ahead. The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s commitment to help ensure a smooth transition as Britain exits the European Union, as a close friend and partner of both.
The two leaders exchanged perspectives on key international challenges and reaffirmed Canada’s and the EU’s shared commitment to core values, including respect for the rule of law.
The Prime Minister thanked the President for the EU’s clear statements on the arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens in China. They underlined the importance of respecting international norms and standards and judicial independence.
Prime Minister announces by-elections
January 9, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that by-elections will be held on February 25, 2019, in the following three electoral districts:
- Burnaby South, British Columbia
- Outremont, Quebec
- York–Simcoe, Ontario
Prime Minister to hold Cabinet retreat in Quebec
January 10, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced he will hold a Cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Quebec, from January 16 to 18.
The Government of Canada has taken significant strides to fulfill its mandate to strengthen the middle class and support people working hard to join it.
During the retreat, the Prime Minister and ministers will discuss ways to continue to deliver real results for Canadians, build on Canada’s strong economic growth, and create good, middle class jobs across the country. Discussions will also reflect other government-wide priorities, from diversifying international trade, to fighting climate change and protecting the environment.
Six Canadian heads of missions will join a panel discussion on Canada’s place in a changing world, and underscore the strong foundation Canada has built through a modernized North American trade agreement, and by securing free trade agreements with the European Union and the growing markets of Asia.
The retreat will be held in Sherbrooke as part of the Government’s commitment to take actions that give Canadians what they need to thrive in the economy of today and tomorrow, and that fuels strong economic growth in all regions of Canada.
Quote
“I look forward to meeting with Cabinet for the first time this year in beautiful Sherbrooke. Quebec is at the heart of Canada’s history and our future success, and we will continue to support the workers and industries of Quebec—and those across the country—to build a stronger economy that benefits all Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick fact
- The six Canadian heads of missions are: Marc-André Blanchard, Canada’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Janice Charette, Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Stéphane Dion, Canadian Ambassador to Germany and Special Envoy to the European Union; Isabelle Hudon, Canadian Ambassador to France; David MacNaughton, Canadian Ambassador to the United States; and John McCallum, Canadian Ambassador to China.
Prime Minister visits Thompson Rivers University’s new Industrial Training and Technology Centre
January 10, 2019
Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada's post-secondary institutions are at the forefront of excellence in science, research, and innovation. They play a fundamental role in our society and help Canadians develop the skills and expertise they need to prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited the newly built $32-million Industrial Training and Technology Centre at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia. The Government of Canada provided $13.25 million in funding for this centre through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.
The new Centre—opened in September 2018—is training Canadians for in-demand trades and technology jobs, in fields such as power engineering and industrial mechanics. As a centre of excellence in instrumentation and engineering, it also serves as a hub for collaboration and research in applied sciences and engineering.
Quote
“TRU’s new Industrial Training and Technology Centre means more opportunities for Canadians to pursue trade and technology careers, and prepare for jobs of the future. Our government will continue to invest in centres like this one to help Canadians get the skills and training they need, and to position Canada as a global leader in innovation.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The new Centre is 5,344 square metres and adds up to 550 full-time equivalent student spaces in Thompson Rivers University’s trades and technology programs.
- The project also created new dedicated teaching spaces for architectural and engineering technology programs in the university’s School of Trades and Technology.
- Additional funding of $7.03 million was provided by the Province of British Columbia and the remaining $11.72 million was provided by Thompson Rivers University and donors.
- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund provides up to $2 billion for infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions to enhance and modernize research and commercialization facilities, as well as industry-relevant training facilities at colleges and polytechnic institutions in Canada.
- In total, British Columbia has received $256 million through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund to support 30 projects throughout the province at twenty public post-secondary institutions and one private First Nations institution.
Associated Links
- Thompson Rivers University
- Canada-B.C. investment builds opportunities for trades students in Kamloops
- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund
- Innovation and Skills Plan
Statement by the Prime Minister on meeting with Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations
January 8, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today after meeting with Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations:
“Today, I had the honour to meet with leaders of Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations for a second time to strengthen our unique and enduring relationship.
“We talked about last year’s accomplishments toward self-determination, including the new fiscal policy we drafted together with Self-Governing First Nations. This new policy is just one example of our commitment to do things differently and redefine our relationship—working nation-to-nation to meet the actual needs and priorities of Indigenous peoples.
“These reforms are also about more than just funding—they are about Canada living up to its promises and obligations under treaties and self-government agreements, and Indigenous communities continuing to demonstrate the success that comes from self-governance.
“In the past year, we have also worked together toward reforming child and family services so that kids stay with their parents and communities. Later this year, we will introduce new legislation to help preserve, promote, and revitalize Indigenous languages.
“While we have achieved a lot together, we have a lot more to do. That is why meetings like the one today are critical, and why we have made it a priority to meet every year. Today, we identified how we can best advance key priorities to strengthen the implementation of modern treaties and self-government agreements. We also talked about the Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations’ other priorities for action on reconciliation.
“There is no relationship more important to the Government of Canada than the one we have with Indigenous peoples. I thank our partners from Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations for meeting today and sharing a desire to build a better future for generations to come. I am confident that today’s discussions will bring even greater progress and create positive and lasting results for Modern Treaty and Self-Governing First Nations.
“We recognize that when our relationships are based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership, we deliver better results for everyone—stronger communities, healthier citizens, thriving cultures, and greater economic success. Modern treaties and self-government agreements are true examples of reconciliation in action.”
