Prime Minister welcomes appointment of Sergeant-at-Arms
July 4, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Patrick McDonell as the new Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons. This appointment is effective July 1, 2019.
Mr. McDonell was first appointed as Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms and Director General of the House of Commons Protective Service in 2014, and has served as Acting Sergeant-at-Arms and Corporate Security Officer of the House of Commons since 2015. Prior to this, he served as Director of the Senate Protective Service, following a distinguished career of 31 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The Sergeant-at-Arms is appointed by the Governor in Council. As a senior official of the House of Commons, the Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the Chamber of the House of Commons.
Under the direction of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Sergeant-at-Arms performs a number of ceremonial functions and works together closely with the Director of the Parliamentary Protective Service to ensure security both inside and outside the Chamber.
Mr. McDonell was chosen as the nominee for the position of the Sergeant-at-Arms through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
Biographical Notes
New investments to extend the Montréal Metro’s Blue line
July 4, 2019
Montréal, Quebec
Canadians rely on public transit – whether it’s getting to work, picking the kids up from daycare, or taking advantage of everything our cities have to offer. Investing in public transit means growing the economy, fighting climate change, and making our communities stronger.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a federal investment of more than $1.3 billion to extend the Montréal Metro’s Blue line. This project will lower daily commute times, reduce the number of cars on the road, and make Montréal greener.
Once completed, the metro will have five new stations and cover nearly 6 additional kilometres, connecting the current Saint-Michel station to Anjou. This funding will also support the construction of two bus terminals and a new park-and-ride.
With the Blue line extension, more than 17,000 new people will have access to the metro and benefit from more reliable, effective, and accessible service. This investment will help make sure Montrealers have the public transit they need – today and tomorrow.
Quotes
“It’s a big day for Montréal and for Montrealers. By investing in the Blue line extension, we’re making a real difference in the lives of families, while creating good jobs and building a greener Montréal. Our government is working hard to support projects like this – projects that make our communities better – right across the country.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“I am proud to announce our major contribution to the extension of the Montréal Metro’s Blue line. The five new stations will simplify travel for the city’s east end residents and the people who work there, so they spend less time in traffic and more time with their loved ones. Through projects like this, we are building a greener future for all, while encouraging the use of sustainable transportation and reducing the number of vehicles on the streets of Montréal.”
—The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“The Government of Quebec is committed to accelerating the project to extend the Blue line to Anjou and is making the necessary efforts to make it happen. This project is key to improving mobility in the metropolitan area and stimulating development in Montréal’s east end. After a 30-year wait, the development of the Montréal Metro is getting a reboot, and this is just the start.”
—Chantal Rouleau, Quebec Minister for Transport and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will invest more than $1.3 billion through the public transit component of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan.
- The Government of Quebec’s Minister for Transport and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Chantal Rouleau, also attended the event.
- To date, through the Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, the Government of Canada has invested more than $737 million for more than 313 public transit projects in Quebec.
- Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green and social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- Of this amount, $28.7 billion is for public transit projects, which includes $5 billion available for investments through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- The transportation sector accounts for 25 percent of Canada’s emissions. Investments in public transit help improve commuting, reduce air pollution, strengthen communities, and grow the Canadian economy.
Associated Links
- Investing in Canada Plan
- Infrastructure Canada Projects and Programs (since 2002) - Quebec
- Blue line extension
Statement by the Prime Minister on the Sixth Anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic Tragedy
July 6, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the sixth anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy:
“Today, I join the people of Lac-Mégantic and all Canadians to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the train disaster six years ago.
“On July 6, 2013, a runaway train carrying crude oil derailed and exploded in the heart of the community. The accident took the lives of 47 people, forced thousands more from their homes, and destroyed nearly half of the downtown, in the deadliest train disaster in our country’s modern history.
“On this solemn anniversary, our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, and all those whose lives were forever changed. The tragedy left scars that cannot be erased – but in the aftermath, the people of Lac-Mégantic showed profound resilience, solidarity, and determination. Over the last six years, they have worked hard to heal, rebuild, and create a better future for their community.
“No community should have to go through what Lac-Mégantic experienced. Rail safety and the safe transportation of dangerous goods in Canada remain major priorities for the Government of Canada. We are continuing to work with provincial, municipal, and industry stakeholders to make sure a tragedy like this never happens again.
“Last year, we took an important step to support the community’s rebuilding efforts. Answering the call from Lac-Mégantic and the neighbouring municipalities of Nantes and Frontenac, we announced key investments in the rail bypass project. Once completed, the rail line will be permanently removed from Lac-Mégantic’s downtown. We hope that the project will help mark a new beginning for this brave, resilient community.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to honour those who lost their lives and stand with all those affected by this tragedy. To the people of Lac-Mégantic: know that you are in our thoughts and that you have our unwavering support.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium
July 6, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Charles Michel, Prime Minister of Belgium.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Michel on his confirmation as the next President of the European Council, in succession to President Donald Tusk on December 1, 2019.
The two leaders discussed the profound relationship between Canada and the European Union, including through increased trade thanks to the new Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which creates good jobs for the middle class on both sides of the Atlantic. They also discussed the importance of Canada and the European Union working together in buttressing the rules-based international order and confronting insecurity, by supporting and reforming multilateral architecture and institutions, including the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Prime Minister Trudeau praised the close collaboration he has enjoyed with current European Council President Donald Tusk, including through the G7 and G20, and expressed his confidence that the partnership between Canada and the European Union will continue to grow.
