May 10, 2024
West Kelowna, British Columbia
Last year, Canada’s wildfire season was the most destructive on record. Communities across the country were devastated, with thousands of Canadians being forced to flee their homes and leave everything behind. But first responders answered the call. They selflessly risked their lives to save others, and thousands of volunteers across Canada stepped up to provide help to their neighbours and communities in need.
Budget 2024 is about restoring fairness for every generation. That means taking climate action, protecting our communities, supporting our brave firefighters, and ensuring future generations don’t foot the bill for the costs of inaction.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, highlighted measures included in Budget 2024 to support volunteer firefighters, bolster Canada’s wildfire preparedness, and help Indigenous communities respond to emergencies.
Here’s what we’re doing:
- Doubling the Volunteer Firefighter and Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credits, which will increase from $3,000 to $6,000 for 2024, saving volunteer firefighters up to an additional $450 per year.
- Investing $800,000 more to expand firefighting capacity. This funding will help the International Association of Fire Fighters expand their training program for structural firefighters to respond to wildfires that impact urban areas. This builds on existing funding to support the federal government’s commitment to train 1,000 wildland firefighters.
Indigenous communities are often located in remote areas, where there is a higher risk of natural disasters. Budget 2024 announces investments in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to save lives and better protect communities against wildfires. We are:
- Investing over $145 million to help First Nations communities prepare for emergencies. This includes developing community-specific plans to respond to natural disasters and builds on the $260 million announced in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement to support wildfire response activities on First Nations communities.
- Providing $20.9 million for fire prevention in First Nations communities. This funding will support the First Nations Fire Protection Strategy, 2023 to 2028 by distributing fire alarms and fire extinguishers to home and community facilities on reserve, as well as assisting fire-related education programs.
- Committing $9 million to help support Indigenous governments directly affected by the 2023 wildfires in the Northwest Territories. This funding will help Indigenous partners reimburse expenses incurred when they were providing cultural supports to community members during the 2023 wildfire season.
The investments highlighted today will be critical in building a safer, more resilient Canada. We’re taking bold climate action, protecting our communities, and making sure that Canada’s volunteer firefighters get the support they deserve – and these are just some of the things included in Budget 2024. Alongside these measures, we’re growing our economy, building more homes, investing in health care, and creating good-paying jobs so that every generation can get ahead.
Quotes
“Climate change is here, and we’re making sure our communities are ready. With Budget 2024, we’re investing in emergency management, supporting our dedicated volunteer firefighters, and making sure Canadians have what they need to stay safe. We will stay resilient; we will stay united; and we will get through this, together.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Last year was the worst wildfire season in Canadian history, and climate change is only causing more frequent and more extreme wildfires. That’s why in Budget 2024, we are investing in the first responders who keep us safe, and in the tools communities, including Indigenous communities, need to protect Canadians from wildfires.”
— The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
“As we prepare for another potentially severe wildfire season, it’s more important than ever that we support those who are on the frontlines. With the increased tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, and the commitment to increase firefighting capacity and support at-risk Indigenous communities, we are adapting to the new reality of climate change.”
— The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Quick Facts
- Canada’s 2023 wildfire season resulted in over 235,000 people being evacuated from their homes. By September 2023, 297 evacuation orders had been issued nationally. This included those for more than 95 Indigenous communities – more than the four previous years combined.
- On May 9, 2024, Government of Canada officials provided an updated seasonal outlook for the 2024 wildfire season. Higher-than-normal temperatures are expected nationwide for the spring and summer, setting the stage for the possibility of another active wildfire season and other incidents of extreme weather. The warmer than normal temperatures last winter and drier than usual conditions may result in some regions – particularly British Columbia and the Prairies – experiencing early, above normal, fire activity.
- Since 2019, the Government of Canada has invested over $800 million for initiatives that support wildland fire response, prevention, and mitigation.
- The Government of Canada’s Budget 2024 was tabled in the House of Commons by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on April 16, 2024.
Associated Links
- Fairness for Every Generation
- Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation
- First Nations Fire Protection Strategy, 2023 to 2028
- 2023 Fall Economic Statement
- International Association of Fire Fighters
- Wildfires
May 9, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Since the signing of the Inuit Nunangat Declaration in 2017, the Government of Canada and Inuit leaders have continued to meet annually and work together through the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) to advance shared priorities, strengthen the Inuit-Crown partnership, and create a more prosperous Inuit Nunangat.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, federal Cabinet ministers, and elected Inuit leadership from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, Makivvik, and the Nunatsiavut Government gathered for a meeting of the ICPC in Ottawa, Ontario.
During the meeting, leaders discussed a collective vision for joint implementation activities for the Inuit Nunangat Policy, endorsed by ICPC leaders in 2022. They committed to work vigorously to advance the Policy, which would result in transformative changes by directing how federal departments and agencies design and deliver policies, programs, and services that apply to Inuit and across Inuit Nunangat. Leaders agreed to work toward a partnership to establish an Inuit-led university in Inuit Nunangat.
The Prime Minister, President Obed, and ICPC leaders discussed the recent federal budget, which includes an investment of $370 million for Inuit Nunangat to support housing and community infrastructure in Inuit communities. Leaders also noted the investment of $45 million over two years to support Makivvik and Canada working together on the federal response to address the negative and enduring impacts of the historical slaughter of sled dogs and the loss of Inuit culture, which are deliverables of the ICPC’s Reconciliation Measures priority area. Leaders highlighted the Government of Canada’s recent announcement of an independent oversight body headed by a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation and its implications for Inuit.
ICPC leaders discussed progress achieved over the last year, which included reaching milestones in longer-term work underway in many priority areas as well as improvements in ICPC’s management and administration systems, as recommended by the evaluation report endorsed last year.
Quotes
“The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee was founded on the principle that an equal partnership between Inuit and the Crown is essential to reconciliation. We are ensuring that trust, transparency, and accountability remains at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to working with Inuit leadership through the ICPC to build and advance a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Open and honest discussion between Inuit leadership, the Prime Minister, and Cabinet members is pivotal to bringing about the transformational change the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee was intended to create. Through this work two years ago we announced the Inuit Nunangat Policy: the first federal policy to align government intent regarding substantive equity for Inuit with outcomes. Today, we have made strong advances in our commitment to implement the Policy. This is a commitment to our collective prosperity, and the prosperity of all Canadians.”
Natan Obed, President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
“We gather around this table three times a year to continue driving progress on Inuit priorities. From housing to health care to land claim implementation, Inuit know the needs of their communities. Inuit are advocating for and driving solutions, and we will be a partner in this work. Much remains to be done and we will continue to work together – at this table and outside of it – to make life better and more fair for people all across Inuit Nunangat.”
The Hon. Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
Quick Facts
- The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee (ICPC) was founded on the principle that an equal partnership between Inuit and the Crown is essential to reconciliation. The Committee meets three times a year. Once a year, it is co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.
- The ICPC also includes as permanent participants the presidents of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada, the National Inuit Youth Council, and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada.
- Participants at today’s meeting included:
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
- Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
- Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
- Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
- Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
- Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
- Natan Obed, President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami
- Duane Smith, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
- Aluki Kotierk, President, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
- Johannes Lampe, President, Nunatsiavut
- Pita Aatami, President, Makivvik
- Nancy Etok, President, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada
- The proposed Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation would take shape as an Agent of Parliament. The Commissioner’s role was co-developed with Modern Treaty Partners to ensure independent, credible, effective, and sustainable oversight of Modern Treaty implementation, and hold the federal government accountable to Parliament for Modern Treaty objectives, obligations, and relationships.
- The Commissioner must hold the confidence of Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners, and thus consultation with Indigenous Modern Treaty Partners will be an integral part of the legislative and appointment process.
- Inuit Nunangat is the Inuit homeland in Canada. It encompasses the land, water, and ice of the Inuit land claim regions of the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, Nunavut, Nunavik in Northern Quebec, and Nunatsiavut in Northern Labrador.
- Co-developing and implementing an Inuit Nunangat Policy has been a priority of the ICPC since March 2020. The Inuit Nunangat Policy, endorsed by ICPC leaders in 2022, marks the first time the Government of Canada has co-developed an overarching, whole-of-government policy of this nature.
- The Inuit Nunangat Policy recognizes Inuit Nunangat as a distinct geographic, cultural, and political region. It outlines an approach for the design and renewal of all federal policies, programs, services, and initiatives that apply in Inuit Nunangat or benefit Inuit. This approach will improve coordination across Inuit Nunangat and ensure engagement with Inuit in these processes.
- A guiding principle of the Inuit Nunangat Policy is recognition that federal investments for Inuit and Inuit Nunangat are an important element of the right of Inuit to self-determination and self-government. The Policy directs federal government organizations to consider the unique rights, interests, and circumstances of Inuit in their approach to directly fund Inuit Land Claims Organizations.
- The ICPC’s current priorities include:
- Inuit land claims implementation;
- Inuktut revitalization, maintenance, protection, and promotion;
- Inuit Nunangat policy space;
- Reconciliation measures and missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls;
- Education, early learning, and skills development;
- Health and wellness;
- Environment and climate change;
- Housing;
- Infrastructure;
- Economic development and procurement;
- Legislative priorities;
- International Inuit priorities;
- Monitoring, evaluation, and learning;
- Sovereignty, defence, and security; and
- Homelessness.
Associated Links
- Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee evaluation report
- Inuit-Crown Partnership endorses historic Inuit Nunangat Policy to better support Inuit self-determination
- Prime Minister of Canada and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announce the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee
- Advancing reconciliation with a new Commissioner for Modern Treaty Implementation
- Budget 2024 backgrounder: A Fair Future for Indigenous Peoples
- Map of Inuit Nunangat
May 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Mayor Khan on his re-election and wished him success in his historic third term.
The Prime Minister and the Mayor underscored their mutual commitment to improving the lives of people on both sides of the Atlantic. They discussed efforts to address shared priorities, including tackling climate change, combatting misinformation and disinformation, and promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly amid the disturbing rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia being felt across the world.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Khan agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to opportunities to continue their strong collaboration.
Associated Link
May 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister and the Emir reiterated the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, and the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s efforts to advance mediation efforts in the region, including to secure a ceasefire agreement.
The leaders expressed their deep concern with Israel’s military offensive in Rafah and the devastating humanitarian impacts further escalation would cause. The leaders also discussed the regional security implications of the conflict and the need for de-escalation.
Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s lasting support for a two-state solution and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
The Prime Minister and the Emir agreed to remain in contact as the situation continues to evolve.
Associated Links
- Canada-Qatar relations
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
May 9, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Europe Day:
“Today, on Europe Day, we join our friends in Europe and around the world to celebrate the ongoing success of the European Union (EU) and the values of democracy, peace, and unity it upholds.
“Our formal relationship with the EU dates back to 1959, making Canada the EU’s longest-standing industrialized partner. Our ties have only grown stronger. Through the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, we are creating good middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic. Thanks to the Strategic Partnership Agreement, we are deepening this relationship in areas ranging from security and defence to infrastructure, health, and clean energy. The recently established Canada-EU Green Alliance will also strengthen our joint efforts in environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
“Europe Day reminds us that we are stronger when we work together. This comes at an important time as Russia continues its brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, undermining European and global security. Canada, along with the EU, remains united in support of Ukraine as it defends itself. As outlined in our renewed vision for the future of our Armed Forces, Our North, Strong and Free, our participation in NATO’s collective defence measures in Europe will only grow in the years to come, including through Operation REASSURANCE – our largest active overseas military operation.
“Unity is at the heart of our relationship with Europe. From the World Wars to the United Nations, to trade, innovation, health, and so much more – Canada and Europe will always be close partners. Together, let’s keep building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous world. Happy Europe Day!”
May 6, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes on behalf of all Canadians to President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine on the occasion of Orthodox Easter.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy discussed the situation on the ground and ways to continue supporting Ukraine, particularly following Russia’s repeated and indiscriminate attacks on critical energy and civilian infrastructure.
The leaders discussed Canada’s unwavering support to Ukraine, including implementation of a new, historic agreement on security co-operation between Canada and Ukraine, which was signed in Kyiv in February.
Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine and for President Zelenskyy’s ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a just and sustainable peace, including through Canada’s co-leadership of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The leaders exchanged views on next steps, including the upcoming Summit on Peace in Ukraine, to be held in Switzerland, and engagement with developing and emerging countries that are also facing the impact of Russia’s brutal and illegal war of aggression.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy reaffirmed their intention to remain in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Ukraine relations
- Prime Minister visits Kyiv and announces additional support for Ukraine
- International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
- Canada reaffirms our unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
May 6, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss the 2024 wildfire season.
Recognizing the devastating impact that wildfires had on communities across Canada last year, the Group was briefed on the forecast for this year’s wildfire season and the current operational situation. They discussed Canada’s level of preparedness.
Ministers and senior officials stressed the need for all orders of government to prepare accordingly and discussed the plans or changes that provincial and territorial governments are making to be ready for another potentially challenging fire season. The Group discussed the readiness of the federal government to assist when an emergency cannot be managed at the local level. They emphasized the importance of providing emergency management support for Indigenous peoples and including Indigenous leaders in emergency planning and response. They noted the roles of federal partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Canadian Armed Forces, and recognized the importance of building response capacity through non-governmental organizations, such as the Humanitarian Workforce.
The Group expressed gratitude for the difficult and dangerous work undertaken by first responders to protect our communities. They highlighted the important role of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre in co-ordinating interprovincial and international firefighting support. They also noted the efforts and generosity of Canadians across the country who step up when it’s needed most.
The Prime Minister, ministers, and senior officials reiterated that the federal government will continue to work with all orders of government to support emergency response and recovery efforts as needed over the 2024 season.
Information for affected Canadians
- Clients affected by wildfires can submit an eServiceCanada request online.
- Workers affected by the wildfires can apply for EI benefits online.
- Workers are encouraged to create a My Service Canada Account where they can view, verify, and update information for EI and other benefits delivered by Service Canada.
- As the delivery of physical cheques by mail may be impacted by wildfires, EI, CPP, and OAS recipients are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit by sending an eServiceCanada request or by contacting 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) for further information.
Associated Links
May 6, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Mental Health Week:
“Today, we mark the beginning of Mental Health Week, a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and taking frequent, regular, and quality care. Because mental health is health.
“We’re making sure that all Canadians have access to the mental health care they need, no matter where they live or what they do. That means making sure that mental health is a full and equal part of our health care system.
“Over the past year, we have reached agreements with all provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health care system, including funding for mental health care. These agreements are delivering $25 billion in new funding to provinces and territories over the next decade to improve health care for Canadians. We’re also investing $2.4 billion to help provinces and territories bolster mental health and substance use services so that help gets to those who need it – quickly and effectively. And last fall, we improved access to suicide prevention supports by launching the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – available to Canadians wherever and whenever it’s needed.
“Budget 2024 announced a suite of new investments aimed at improving mental health care for Canadians, including the creation of a new Youth Mental Health Fund. The Fund will help support community health organizations that provide mental health care to young Canadians. It will also equip these organizations with the tools and resources they need to refer youth to other mental health services in their communities. Because when we invest in our youth and their mental health, we also invest in helping them reach their full potential.
“We are also taking steps to improve mental health care in underserved communities, including Indigenous communities. Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately impacted by mental health challenges, with many facing significantly higher barriers to accessing the mental health care and supports they need. That’s why Budget 2024 includes supports that provide continued access to mental health services for Indigenous Peoples, including approaches to mental health that are culturally appropriate for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
“This year’s Mental Health Week theme, #CompassionConnects, calls on us to be kind to others and to ourselves. It can be as easy as checking in on a friend, being open and patient with others, or accepting help when we need it. We all have a part to play in ending the stigma around mental health challenges. And by working together to create a society and mental health care system that are rooted in compassion, we will build a better future for all Canadians.”
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For mental health and wellness information and key links to services and supports, please go to Canada.ca/mental-health.
May 6, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Nursing Week, which runs from May 6 to 12:
“Today, as we mark the start of National Nursing week, I join Canadians across the country to celebrate our nurses, their remarkable contributions, and the invaluable role they play in making our lives better.
“This year’s theme, ‘Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow’, invites us to reflect on the meaningful and lasting impacts nurses have within our health care system and beyond. From providing world-class health care to helping patients and families in the most difficult of times, to educating future generations of health workers, nurses are an irreplaceable part of Canada’s health care system.
“In recent years, as our health care system and its workers experienced enormous strain, nurses showed up for Canadians, time after time. So, we’re making sure nurses have what they need to succeed. We’ve reached historic agreements with all provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system, including better support for our nurses.
“Through our Working Together Plan, we are increasing support for health care workers – by supporting provinces and territories to hire more nurses and doctors, streamlining foreign credential recognition, and helping nurses move between provinces easily. It’ll mean nurses and other health care professionals can spend more time with patients and less time dealing with red tape. In Budget 2024, we also announced new funding to help internationally trained nurses practise in Canada and deliver care to Canadians.
“Today, we also mark National Indigenous Nurses Day, which recognizes the crucial role of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis nurses in our health care system. Their ongoing efforts and unique ability to bridge traditional healing with Western medicine help build a health care system that is holistic, culturally safe, and more accessible for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
“On this first day of National Nursing week, we thank Canada’s nurses for their constant care, compassion, and lifesaving expertise in supporting the health and well-being of Canadians. Nurses make Canada stronger, healthier, and more prosperous. Together, we will build a health care system that supports our nurses as much as they support us.”
May 7, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister and the King expressed their deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as well as the humanitarian implications of Israel’s military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. They stressed the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Both leaders shared their concern with the extremist settler attacks on convoys transporting aid to Palestinian civilians.
The leaders reiterated the importance of continuing to work to secure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. The Prime Minister underscored Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
Prime Minister Trudeau and His Majesty King Abdullah II agreed to remain in close contact as the situation continues to evolve.
