New investments to improve public transit for British Columbia
July 18, 2019
Victoria, British Columbia
British Columbians need efficient and affordable public transit to get them to work or school on time, and back home safely at the end of the day. By investing in public transit, we fight climate change, reduce commute times, strengthen the middle class, and build more sustainable communities.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Premier of British Columbia, John Horgan, and President and Chief Executive Officer for BC Transit, Erinn Pinkerton, today announced more than $79 million in joint funding to improve public transit in British Columbia. This funding includes $16 million in contributions from municipalities.
These funds will be used to purchase 118 new buses for use in Victoria and communities across British Columbia. The new buses will help shorten daily commutes, reduce the number of cars on the road, and make the province a greener place to live.
The new buses will replace others at the end of their life cycle or increase capacity in communities where ridership is growing. The investment includes funding for 10 long-range electric buses that will provide greener transportation options in Greater Victoria. The new buses will be more efficient, have improved accessibility and safety features, and will support BC Transit's new NextRide technology and closed-circuit television security cameras. By investing in zero-emission buses, the Government of Canada is also working towards fulfilling its Drive to Zero pledge, and is taking steps towards achieving a transition to zero-emission vehicles and a clean economy.
This investment will help meet British Columbians’ transportation needs while cutting air pollution and making our communities better places to live. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in the future so that we can grow the middle class and help Canadian families thrive.
Quotes
“Many British Columbians depend on public transit to get where they need to go safely and efficiently. As communities in B.C. continue to grow, investments in public transit need to keep pace. By investing in reliable, efficient public transit, we are making a real difference in the lives of British Columbians, while protecting our environment, strengthening the middle class, and making our communities even better places to live.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Public transit infrastructure is vital to building strong, sustainable communities where all residents have access to essential services and opportunities, and businesses can thrive. This investment in modern, eco-friendly vehicles serving communities across British Columbia will ensure that public transit services can continue to provide convenient, accessible transportation options that will improve the quality of life for residents today and contribute to a greener future.”
—The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“A strong public transit system is essential to making B.C. communities more affordable for the people who live in them, and to greening our transportation systems. Through this investment, we can meet rising transit demand, attract new transit riders, and put public transit in B.C. on a solid road toward a green future.”
—The Hon. John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia
“These valuable partnerships have enabled BC Transit to actively pursue and implement low carbon technologies as we strive towards a cleaner, greener transit fleet. We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Canada, the Province of B.C. and our local government partners for their contributions and continued collaboration.”
—Erinn Pinkerton, President and Chief Executive Officer, BC Transit
Quick Facts
- In 2016, the Government of Canada launched the biggest infrastructure plan in Canadian history. Since then, the Government has invested in thousands of infrastructure projects to expand highways, build new roads, and make traveling safer and easier for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
- The Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia are each contributing approximately $31 million towards the purchase of the new buses and municipalities are investing more than $16 million.
- In addition to the 106 new buses announced in November 2018, this investment will provide thousands of new seats to meet the growing public transit needs of British Columbia.
- The federal investment for this project is provided through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. Additional funding will be provided by British Columbia and municipalities.
- The Public Transit Infrastructure Stream is part of the Investing in Canada Plan, through which 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, including $5 billion available for investments through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- Through its Investing in Canada Plan, the Government of Canada has invested over $2.4 billion in more than 40 public transit projects in British Columbia.
- The transportation sector accounts for 25 per cent 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
- Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia
- Canada and British Columbia support transit improvements in communities across B.C.
Prime Minister concludes productive Canada-European Union Summit
July 18, 2019
Montréal, Quebec
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation at the Canada-European Union (EU) Summit, where he hosted European Council President Donald Tusk. The European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström, as well as the Minister of International Trade Diversification, Jim Carr, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, also took part in the Summit.
The ever-expanding Canada-EU partnership is based on common history and shared values, and generations of Canadians and Europeans working together to face the greatest challenges of their time. During this year’s Summit, leaders discussed how Canada and the EU are working together to build economies that benefit everyone and strengthen the middle class in Canada and the EU.
At the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Tusk highlighted the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is creating new opportunities and good, middle class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored how, over the first year that CETA was in force, two-way trade between Canada and the EU grew by almost eight per cent compared with the previous year. He emphasized how CETA protects the environment, upholds labour rights, creates new opportunities for workers and businesses, and offers a blueprint for future trade deals around the world.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Tusk discussed the Strategic Partnership Agreement, signed together with CETA, which is further strengthening ties and deepening cooperation between Canada and the EU.
The leaders also exchanged views on how Canada and the EU can work more closely together to reform the World Trade Organization, advance rules-based international trade, and strengthen the middle class.
The Prime Minister welcomed the signing of a Canada-EU Oceans Partnership, which builds on the Canada-led 2018 G7 Oceans Plastic Charter. The new partnership will strengthen Canada’s leadership in protecting oceans, combatting ocean plastic waste and marine litter, and fighting the climate crisis.
In addition, the Prime Minister announced that Canada has signed a renewed agreement to deepen its participation in EU Election Observation Missions and better support free and fair elections around the world.
He also announced that Canada has joined the Venice Commission – the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters – as a full member, to contribute to the Commission’s independent expert constitutional advice to countries in Europe and beyond.
Finally, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will allocate up to $50 million over the next five years to support Canadian participation in international teams applying for funding through the EU’s Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. These programs encourage research and innovation, stimulate economic growth, and create new jobs and opportunities.
Quote
“From one generation to the next, Canadians and Europeans have joined forces to meet the greatest challenges of their time. This generation is no different, as we come together to fight the climate crisis, create good, middle class jobs, and build a better future for people on both sides of the Atlantic.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The New Frontiers in Research Fund was announced in Budget 2018 with a commitment to invest $275 million over five years (between 2018-19 and 2023-24) and $65 million ongoing to fund international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and high-risk research.
- The EU is Canada's second largest trade and investment partner and an ally on many foreign policy and international security issues.
- Provisional application of CETA began on September 21, 2017, and all economically significant parts of the Agreement (tariffs, origin and tariff-rate quotas, services commitments, temporary entry commitments, government procurement obligations) are in force.
- In 2018, two-way merchandise trade amounted to $118.1 billion, a 9.4 per cent growth compared to 2017, and our two-way trade in service grew by 3.7 per cent, amounting to $46.7 billion.
- In 2018, Canada’s merchandise exports to the EU were nearly $44.5 billion, an increase of 7 per cent over 2017.
- Montréal, the host city for this year’s summit, has seen the benefits of CETA firsthand. During the first year the agreement was in force, the Port of Montréal saw a significant increase in cargo – 55 per cent of which connects to Europe – more than doubling the average annual historical growth.
- To date, thirteen EU Member States have ratified CETA in their national processes, and others are moving towards ratification.
- Twenty EU Member States have ratified the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), the political counterpart to CETA, since October 2016. Under the SPA, regular dialogue now takes place on over 25 thematic and regional topics, across nine federal government departments.
- The signing of the Ocean Partnership Declaration during the Summit will reinforce Canada’s G7 efforts on oceans, including the Ocean Plastics Charter and those articulated in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
- The main role of the Venice Commission is to provide legal advice to help states in Europe and beyond who wish to bring their legal and institutional structures into line with European standards and international experience in democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Canada has been an observer at the Venice Commission since 1991.
- The purpose of EU Election Observation Missions (EOMs) is to assist partner countries in holding elections of a high standard.
Associated Links
- Declaration by Canada and the European Union: concerning the establishment of an Ocean Partnership
- Canada-EU Summit Declaration
- Canada-EU relations: An overview
- CETA: A progressive trade agreement for a strong middle class
Prime Minister announces new Lieutenant Governor for Saskatchewan
July 17, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Russell Mirasty as the new Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan.
Mr. Mirasty has dedicated much of his life to public service. During his 36-year career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, he served in various roles across the country. A member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, he notably became the first Indigenous person to command a division of the national police force.
In his retirement, Mr. Mirasty has continued to make a difference in his home province of Saskatchewan, working to improve the province’s education system. His appointment follows that of the former Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable W. Thomas Molloy, who passed away earlier this month after a battle with cancer.
Quote
“Known as a relationship-builder, Mr. Mirasty is an outstanding leader who paved the way for Indigenous peoples in the national police force. As Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, I know he will continue to make a difference for the people of his province and all Canadians, and inspire others to create change in their communities.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Lieutenant Governors are the personal representatives of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada in their respective provinces. They fulfill the roles and functions of The Queen, including granting Royal Assent to provincial laws, and visiting communities.
- Lieutenant Governors are appointed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They serve terms of at least five years.
