Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs
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November 8, 2022
Oromocto, New Brunswick
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs to discuss energy issues, the Atlantic Loop, and other shared priorities. The Prime Minister was also in Oromocto to announce new federal funding to help connect rural homes across Canada to high-speed Internet, including more than 16,000 homes in New Brunswick.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed ways the federal and provincial governments can continue to work together to improve energy security and resiliency while reducing costs for consumers by supporting a clean electric grid in Atlantic Canada. The leaders spoke about small modular reactors, liquified natural gas, and the importance of continued collaboration on the Atlantic Loop to support the phase-out of coal, achieve net-zero, ensure energy security, and create new opportunities for people and businesses in the region.
The leaders also discussed the importance of protecting language rights and official bilingualism in the province and strengthening health care.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Higgs agreed to keep working together on these and other shared priorities.
Associated Links
- Connecting Canadians with high-speed Internet in New Brunswick and across Canada
- Government of Canada supports a net‑zero industry transformation
- Government of Canada invests in small modular reactor technology to help transition Canada to net zero with cleaner sources of energy
- Clean Power Roadmap for Atlantic Canada Unveils Collective Vision for an Interconnected Power Grid
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs
November 8, 2022
Oromocto, New Brunswick
Reliable access to high-speed Internet is a necessity for all Canadians. It brings family and friends closer together, helps us work and study, and connects Canadian businesses with customers around the world. Connecting people in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities from coast to coast to coast to fast and reliable high-speed Internet will help create good, middle-class jobs and build an economy that works for all Canadians.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a $475 million top-up to the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF). The top-up will help connect an additional 60,000 rural homes across Canada to help achieve our goal of providing every community, in every province and territory, with high-speed Internet access.
To date, the Government of Canada has already announced that up to 900,000 more homes will have access to high-speed Internet, with more announcements to come, and we are on track to meet our goal of providing access to high-speed Internet to 98 per cent of Canadians by 2026. Already, 93.5 per cent of Canadian homes today have access to high-speed Internet or are targeted to receive access through existing program commitments, compared to just 79 per cent in 2014.
To better support the people of New Brunswick, the Prime Minister also announced up to $17.6 million, on top of the previously announced $55 million in federal funding, to provide high-speed Internet access to a total of more than 27,000 homes in New Brunswick. This expansion means that we have a plan to ensure that every home in New Brunswick has high-speed Internet access by 2030.
As Canadians experience the rising cost of living due to global inflation, we will continue to deliver high-speed Internet to those who need it, in partnership with service providers, for $10 or $20 a month through the Connecting Families initiative. Recently, eligibility for this initiative was broadened from families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to include seniors receiving the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Through this partnership, we are helping connect hundreds of thousands of low-income families and seniors to affordable high-speed Internet.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and Internet service providers so that all Canadians, no matter where they live, have access to high-speed Internet as soon as possible.
Quotes
“From the student who relies on the Internet to hand in their assignments on time, to the small business owner who sells their products around the world online, every Canadian, wherever they are in the country, deserves good, reliable high-speed Internet. With today’s announcement, we will continue to improve and expand high-speed Internet access in every community across the country, to build an economy that works for all Canadians.”
“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age – it’s a necessity. Access to fast, reliable Internet helps rural Canadians by levelling the playing field to access essential services like health care and education, participate in the digital economy, or simply connect with loved ones. Today’s announcement reinforces our government’s commitment to getting 100 per cent of Canadians connected, no matter where they live, by 2030. What’s more, I am happy to report that we’ve already connected over 93.5 per cent of Canadians, compared to 79 per cent in 2014, and are well on our way to reaching our target.”
Quick Facts
- The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) is a $3.225 billion investment by the Government of Canada designed to help connect 98 per cent of Canadians to reliable high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100 per cent of Canadians by 2030.
- The government has partnered with several provinces to ensure that UBF dollars go even further. This includes British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec (Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Operation High Speed), Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
- To date, the Government of Canada has invested $7.6 billion in broadband Internet infrastructure to connect communities from coast to coast to coast.
- The Government of Canada has also launched an update to the National Broadband Internet Service Availability Map. Through this interactive tool, Canadians can find Internet service providers and connectivity projects underway in their area.
- To provide Canadians with the latest information on the government’s progress toward accessing universal high-speed Internet, the government also published an interactive High-Speed Internet Access Dashboard today. The Dashboard allows Canadians to track national progress and government funding by province and territory.
- The Government of New Brunswick’s Remote Satellite Internet Rebate Program will help connect remote homes not covered by UBF projects in the province.
Related Product
Associated Links
- High-speed Internet for all of Canada
- Universal Broadband Fund
- Connecting all Canadians to high-speed Internet
- Government of Canada invests $55 million to bring high-speed Internet to nearly 11,000 households throughout New Brunswick
November 8, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:
“Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh religion and first Sikh guru.
“On the anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth, family and friends will come together to reflect on his life and teachings of unity, compassion, and equality – core values of the Sikh faith that Canadians embody every day. As Sikhs honour the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, I hope we all can find inspiration in his teachings, and in his universal and timeless message for all of us.
“This day is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions Sikh Canadians have made – and continue to make – to create a better Canada. Sikhs across the country practise seva, or selfless service, by helping Canadians in need, irrespective of background.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I offer our warmest wishes to all those celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.”
November 8, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Indigenous Veterans Day:
“Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis service members who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces. On this day, we also remember those who never made it home and those whose lives – and the lives of their families – were forever changed by conflict and war.
“For over 200 years, Indigenous Peoples have been – and continue to be – an integral part of Canada’s military history. Key battles in the War of 1812 were won thanks to the contributions of brave First Nations and Métis people. In the last century, thousands of volunteers from Indigenous communities across the country enlisted to serve in the First and Second World Wars, in the Korean War, and in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations.
“While serving, a number of Indigenous soldiers became specialized reconnaissance scouts and snipers due to their ability to adapt to different landscapes. In the Second World War, some First Nations soldiers earned the title of ‘code talkers’ for secretly communicating and delivering military intelligence in the Cree language. Code talkers provided a unique service that helped protect our allies and win the war.
“Despite their service and sacrifice during these conflicts, many Indigenous Veterans endured hatred and systemic racism while serving. When they returned to Canada, they did not receive the same benefits, honours, and respect as non-Indigenous Veterans. The Government of Canada is working to ensure that all Indigenous service members and Veterans receive the recognition and the support they deserve – we owe it to them.
“Indigenous Peoples’ legacy of courage and service continues today: there are more than 2,700 Indigenous members serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. We are thankful for their sacrifices and contributions to Canada’s security and peace efforts at home and around the world – from missions to places like Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan in recent years, to North Atlantic Treaty Organization duties in Europe, and responding to domestic emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and patrolling the Arctic.
“We all have a duty to remember and honour the sacrifices of Indigenous Peoples who have answered the call to serve. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage everyone to take some time today to honour Indigenous Veterans and learn more about their past and current contributions to Canada’s proud military history.
“Lest we forget.”
November 7, 2022
Laval, Quebec
Amid global economic uncertainty, the Government of Canada will continue to be there for people – just like we were throughout the pandemic. By continuing to attract investment in research and development and manufacturing, we will continue to create good, middle class jobs and build an economy that works for all Canadians.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, took part in the ground-breaking of vaccine developer Moderna’s new state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Laval, Quebec. When completed, this new facility will be able to produce up to 100 million made-in-Canada mRNA vaccine doses annually and will create hundreds of good jobs. The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to remind Canadians to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including getting booster shots when eligible to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The facility is expected to be completed in 2024 at the earliest. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, it is expected to be able to produce vaccines for other respiratory diseases, such as influenza – pending their ongoing development by Moderna and approval by Health Canada.
During the pandemic, we worked hard to secure life-saving personal protective equipment, invest in our health care system, and ensure everyone eligible in Canada could get vaccinated. As we move forward, we will strengthen our biomanufacturing and life sciences sector to re-establish Canada’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capability, bring Canadian innovation to the front lines of tomorrow’s health solutions, and ensure we are better prepared for future health crises – all while growing the economy and creating good jobs.
Quotes
“COVID-19 vaccines saved lives and got Canadians back to doing the things they love. Breaking ground on this vaccine manufacturing facility is an important milestone toward ensuring that Canadian workers and Canadian innovation play a key role in keeping our communities safe building an economy that works for all Canadians.”
“Today’s ground-breaking for Moderna’s facility in Laval brings us one step closer to seeing the future of vaccines being developed right here in Canada. With talented workers, researchers and students, Laval will play a key role in global health and health innovation. Moderna’s presence in Canada will strengthen our national biomanufacturing ecosystem, positioning the entire sector to continue to grow and to create even more jobs right across the country.”
“Staying up to date with vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. By bolstering Canada’s domestic manufacturing capacity, we are strengthening domestic health security and pandemic preparedness through timely access to innovative, cutting-edge vaccines that help us save lives.”
“Our government is continuing to ensure Canadians have access to the latest vaccines now and into the future. Breaking ground on this new facility is another important step in our partnership with Moderna to build a domestic biomanufacturing capacity for mRNA vaccines. Access to made-in-Canada vaccines will help ensure we are ready in the event of a future pandemic. We have, and will always work to protect the health and safety of everyone in Canada.”
“I am very pleased that we were able to attract Moderna to Laval. Its arrival strengthens Laval’s long-established biopharmaceutical sector and kicks off Phase II of Biotech City.”
“Today marks another milestone for Moderna and our long-term strategic partnership with the Government of Canada to support pandemic preparedness. We are moving quickly to ensure local supply and manufacturing capabilities of mRNA vaccines for Canadians, with the goal of completing our manufacturing facility in Quebec by the end of 2024.”
Quick Facts
- Moderna is a pioneering biotechnology company specializing in mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. In August 2021, the Government of Canada announced a memorandum of understanding with Moderna to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine production facility in Canada. In April 2022, the Prime Minister announced that plans were moving forward toward building this new facility in Quebec. Since then, a definitive agreement has been finalized between the Government of Canada and Moderna.
- Moderna is partnering with Canada’s leading research universities and institutions to help advance cutting-edge research and development here at home.
- Through the Strategic Innovation Fund, the government has supported projects from coast to coast to coast. This includes up to $415 million to support Sanofi in building an end-to-end influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in Toronto, Ontario; up to $175.6 million for AbCellera toward its antibody therapy research and the construction of an antibody production facility in British Columbia; $39.8 million for BioVectra to build a state-of-the-art facility in Prince Edward Island and reconfigure their facilities in Nova Scotia.
- The government has also invested $126 million to build a new Biologics Manufacturing Centre at the National Research Council Canada’s Royalmount site in Montréal. The facility received its drug establishment licence in August 2022 and will be capable of large-quantity, end-to-end production of vaccines ‒ approximately 24 million doses annually.
- Budget 2021 provided a total of $2.2 billion over seven years toward growing a vibrant domestic life sciences sector and securing pandemic preparedness. This funding will help build Canada’s talent pipeline and research systems, as well as foster the growth of Canadian life sciences firms.
Associated Links
- Government of Canada announces agreement with leading COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna, Inc. to build mRNA vaccine facility in Canada
- Producing made-in-Canada vaccines and creating hundreds of good jobs
- Vaccines for COVID-19
- Moderna
November 6, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that a by-election will be held on December 12, 2022, in the electoral district of Mississauga—Lakeshore.
