CANADA news

Prime Minister highlights project to improve public transit in Maple
February 7, 2019
Maple, Ontario
In 2016, the Government of Canada launched the biggest infrastructure plan in Canadian history. Since then, we have invested in and approved thousands of infrastructure projects, including 650 public transit projects in Ontario alone.
As Canadian cities continue to grow, we need to make sure their public transit systems keep pace with current and future transportation needs. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited Maple, Ontario, where he highlighted an investment of over $1.8 billion from the Government of Canada to expand GO rail public transportation infrastructure, including between Barrie and Union Station in Toronto.
These improvements will be funded as part of the ongoing GO Expansion project – the single largest transit project the federal government has ever funded.
With construction soon to be under way, the project will continue to create good, middle class jobs. Once completed, it will cut traffic, reduce air pollution, grow transit ridership, and make it easier and safer for people to get around the Greater Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario.
“Smart investments in public transit help connect communities, create good, middle class jobs, and protect our environment. They also make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them get to work on time in the mornings, and be home with their families in the evenings. We will continue to work with and listen to communities, and invest in the infrastructure they need – today and into the future.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
The Barrie Corridor project, which runs through Maple, includes the construction of approximately 51.2 km of new track between Union Station and Barrie, train layover facilities, and station upgrades.
The Government of Canada is contributing more than $1.8 billion to the Metrolinx GO Expansion project through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component – National and Regional Projects.
The New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component provides funding to support infrastructure projects of national and regional significance that contribute to economic growth, a clean environment, and stronger communities.
The Government of Canada is also contributing more than $1.4 billion under the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund for over 650 projects in Ontario to improve transit services across the province.
Budget 2017 invested $20.1 billion over 11 years through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories, and an additional $5 billion through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, to support communities across Canada as they build the new urban transit networks and service extensions that will transform the way Canadians move, work, and live.
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Quick Facts

Associated Links
Infrastructure Canada – Public Transit Infrastructure
Metrolinx – GO Expansion project
Metrolinx – Barrie Go Line

Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Paul Dewar
February 6, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario



The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Paul Dewar, former Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre:

“Ottawa lost one of its most dedicated voices today.

“I was saddened to learn of the death of former Member of Parliament Paul Dewar. On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Julia; their two sons, Nathaniel and Jordan; and to Paul’s many friends and all those he represented.

“A teacher, politician, labour activist, and community leader, Paul dedicated his life to the service of others. Whether from his seat in the House of Commons, or at the front of a classroom, he challenged us all to dream bigger and do better to care for the people around us.

“Paul represented the people of Ottawa Centre as an NDP Member of Parliament from 2006 to 2015. During that time, he distinguished himself as a community builder, an advocate for young people, and a tenacious voice for human rights around the world. He lived up to everything a leader should be – principled, compassionate, and brave.

“Faced with a terminal diagnosis, Paul responded as he always did: he showed his love for his family and community, and encouraged those around him to take care of each other and live as lovingly and generously as possible. In the last few months of his life, Paul launched Youth Action Now – an initiative to support young people and help them lead change in their communities.

“Paul Dewar brought people together, stood up for the most vulnerable, and touched lives in Canada and beyond. He showed us what stewardship looks like, and earned the love of his community and the respect of so many of us. He will be sorely missed.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund
February 6, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario



Today, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke with Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

The Prime Minister thanked Mme Lagarde for her work to advance gender equality and the economic empowerment of women and girls, including through the G7 and G20, and they discussed the upcoming Women Deliver Global Conference in Vancouver in June.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Mme Lagarde discussed the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, and the urgent need for international assistance to support Venezuela’s economic recovery and sustainable transition to democracy. The Prime Minister noted Canada’s commitment to humanitarian aid and development support, which will be focussed on meeting the basic needs of those most affected by the crisis, including migrants and refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries.

They also discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China, the application of the death penalty to a third Canadian in China, and the importance of safeguarding international norms, including diplomatic immunity, judicial independence and respect for the rule of law.