September 4, 2024
Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
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When kids eat well, they do better in school. And when kids do well in school, they succeed.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, today announced an agreement to expand school food programs in the province. This agreement, under the National School Food Program, will result in 4,100 more kids in Newfoundland and Labrador getting healthy meals this school year.
Participating families with two kids will save an estimated $800 a year, on average. It will mean lower grocery bills for families and school meals for kids – helping them learn, grow, and get the best start in life.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province to reach an agreement with the federal government through the new National School Food Program. This initial investment of approximately $9.1 million over three years will help more kids get access to school food. We invite all provinces and territories to reach these agreements – it’s one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and care for our kids.
With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program, announced in Budget 2024, will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. The Program will also be a safety net for the kids who are most impacted by the lack of access to food, including lower-income families and some Indigenous communities. Through the agreement announced today, the federal government is helping students across Newfoundland and Labrador to reach their full potential, on a full stomach.
This announcement is good for parents, kids, teachers, and the economy. Alongside this, we’re bringing down the cost of living, building more homes, investing in affordable dental care, and helping every generation get a fair shot.
Quotes
“The National School Food Program is a game changer. Today’s agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador will get healthy school meals to kids and help parents save hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. It’s one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and make sure no child goes hungry.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“In Newfoundland and Labrador, we recognize the importance of helping our young people ‒ the future of our province ‒ reach their full potential. Supporting students with healthy food through this agreement with the federal government will have a massive impact on families across our province, and we are proud to be a leader in the country in this program.”
— The Hon. Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“This historic agreement is about more than just food – it’s about giving children in Newfoundland and Labrador a fair shot. It’s a promise to our children that, no matter where they come from, they will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed in school and in life. Because we know full bellies lead to happy, thriving kids.”
— The Hon. Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“Our National School Food Program will help connect schools with local food organizations, while creating opportunities for our farmers, food processors, and harvesters. Most importantly, it will let kids focus on being kids and take some of the pressure off parents. Quite simply, kids can’t learn when they’re hungry. This agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is a great first step, and I know it will make a real difference for children and families across the province.”
— The Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“Curious young minds cannot learn on an empty stomach. A national school food program will give kids in Newfoundland and Labrador the best possible start and help their parents with the cost of living. That is fairness for everyone.”
— The Hon. Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Quick Facts
- School food programs provide children and youth with meals and snacks at school, often at no-to-low cost for participating families. Providing food to children and youth provides many benefits, including reducing hunger, improving nutrition and health outcomes, supporting local economies, and reducing food-related spending for families.
- According to Statistics Canada estimates, in 2022, 22.3 per cent of families and more than 2.1 million children under the age of 18 in Canada reported experiencing some level of food insecurity over the previous 12 months.
- Budget 2024’s investment of $1 billion over five years includes distinctions-based funding for First Nations on reserve as well as Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and Self-Government agreement holders. We are working directly with Indigenous partners on the rollout of that funding, with more information to come.
- Following the announcement of the new National School Food Program in Budget 2024, the Prime Minister unveiled the federal government’s National School Food Policy in June. The Policy sets out a vision, principles, and objectives for school food programming across Canada, and is guiding the creation of the National School Food Program in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners. It is focused on accessibility, flexibility, inclusivity, sustainability, and better health for kids.
- In 2023-24, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invested over $3 million in their school food programs, which contributed to supporting over 61,000 students under their school breakfast programming and over 37,000 students under their school lunch programming.
- To give every child the best start in life, the federal government is also:
- Giving families more money through the Canada Child Benefit to help with the costs of raising children and make a real difference in the lives of kids in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit, which is providing up to $7,787 per child in 2024-25, is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living and has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty since its launch in 2016.
- Delivering an early learning and child care system across all provinces and territories, which has already cut fees for regulated child care to an average of $10-a-day or less in over half of all provinces and territories, and by 50 per cent or more in all others.
- Improving access to dental health care for children under 18 with the Canadian Dental Care Plan, because no one should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table.
Associated Links
- National School Food Policy
- Feeding the future today: Canada’s National School Food Program
- National School Food Program
- Giving every child the best start in life
- Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation
September 3, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the people of Ukraine for the lives lost in Russia’s missile strike in Poltava this morning. He reiterated his condemnation of Russia’s horrific increased indiscriminate attacks on Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure, notably as children return to school. As Russia continues its unjustifiable war of aggression, the Prime Minister underscored how these egregious attacks will only serve to further strengthen global unity and resolve in support of Ukraine at upcoming international engagements.
The leaders discussed the situation on the ground. Prime Minister Trudeau updated President Zelenskyy on the status of Canada’s commitment to provide further assistance to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s aggressive offensive in Eastern Ukraine. This includes Canada’s support to bolster Ukraine’s air defence through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group Air Force Capability Coalition, such as enhancing F-16 pilot training and providing critical equipment to support the safe operation of these aircraft.
The leaders exchanged views on Ukraine’s efforts toward a just and sustainable peace, as well as Canada’s efforts to help achieve this goal. Prime Minister Trudeau shared updates on an upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting on the human dimension of the war, which Canada plans to host.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy reaffirmed their intention to remain in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Ukraine relations
- Prime Minister strengthens defence and security partnerships at the NATO Summit
- Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
September 3, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader.
Prime Minister Trudeau extended his congratulations to President Abinader on his recent re-inauguration.
The leaders underscored the need to help address the ongoing crisis in Haiti and expressed concern over the security conditions in the country. They discussed the efforts of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission and underlined the need for international partners to step up and provide much-needed support for the mission to restore security and stability in Haiti.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the situation in Venezuela, following the recent presidential election, and shared their concern with the ongoing crackdown on the opposition. The leaders reiterated their call for the immediate publication of all the original records from the election and the impartial and independent verification of results. They committed to continue working with partners in the region to advance dialogue and ensure that the democratic will of the people of Venezuela is respected.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his full support for a successful Summit of the Americas, to be hosted by the Dominican Republic next year.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Abinader expressed their mutual interest in collaborating on key regional issues to support economic growth in both countries.
Associated Links
- Canada-Dominican Republic relations
- Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean
- Prime Minister strengthens ties with the Caribbean, announces new support for the Haitian people
- Statement by Minister Joly on results of presidential election in Venezuela
September 2, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Taoiseach of Ireland, Simon Harris.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Taoiseach Harris reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. The leaders underscored the efforts of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as members of the international community, toward a just and sustainable peace, and they discussed how to build on the momentum of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which was held in Switzerland last June.
The Prime Minister welcomed Ireland’s membership in the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and both leaders encouraged other countries to rally behind our efforts to help Ukrainian children displaced by Russia’s unjustifiable aggression to return to their rightful homes and communities in Ukraine. They looked forward to our two countries’ continued collaboration at an upcoming foreign ministers’ meeting on the human dimension of the war, which Canada plans to host in October.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Taoiseach Harris also discussed the conflict in Gaza and the importance of promoting lasting peace and security in the Middle East.
The two leaders highlighted Canada and Ireland’s many shared values and priorities, including fighting climate change, promoting economic security, and strengthening trade and investment. The Prime Minister highlighted the benefits of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which is creating opportunities for businesses and middle-class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Taoiseach Harris highlighted Canada and Ireland’s close ties, as we celebrate 85 years of diplomatic relations this year. They looked forward to continuing the strong collaboration between Canada and Ireland, and agreed to remain in close contact.
Associated Links
Statement by the Prime Minister on International Literacy Day
September 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Literacy Day:
“Literacy helps us reach our full potential. Today, on International Literacy Day, we renew our commitment to supporting the educators, teachers, and innovators who make this learning possible.
“As we become more interconnected, literacy – including digital literacy – will be critical. That’s why we’re putting young Canadians at the forefront of digital transformation through programs like CanCode. This program has helped over nine million students learn skills in areas such as coding and artificial intelligence. It also aims to provide learning opportunities for another 1.5 million students and training for 100,000 teachers over the next two years. With the Skills for Success program, we’re helping 90,000 Canadians improve their literacy, numeracy, and digital skills, so they can participate and succeed in the economy of today and tomorrow.
“Bilingualism is our national pride. With measures like the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-28, we’re helping Canadians develop literacy skills in their first official language while getting opportunities to learn their second. We also continue to work with Indigenous partners, including through the Indigenous Languages Act, to protect Indigenous languages in Canada and support crucial efforts to help Indigenous communities reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen them.
“On the world stage, Canada continues to support international efforts to promote quality education – part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This includes initiatives like the Global Partnership for Education, which helps provide inclusive and equal access to education in low income and crisis-affected countries.
“It’s up to all of us to build a world where everyone, no matter their background or their gender, has a fair and equal shot at success – and literacy is a vital part of that.”
September 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the closing of the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games:
“The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games just wrapped. It was remarkable to see our athletes on the world stage – uniting Canadians over the shared love of sport and inspiring us all to dream big.
“Over two weeks, Team Canada joined their competitors from around the world in an exceptional display of sportsmanship. With dedication and hard work, our Paralympians exemplified the best of Canada. Whether they were competing for the first time or returning Team Canada members, they embodied the values, virtues, and spirit of the Maple Leaf with skill and grit.
“In total, our athletes brought home 29 medals, proving once again that Canada is a leader in international parasport. Several athletes made Paralympic history for Canada with their remarkable achievements. Nicholas Bennett became the first Canadian male swimmer in two decades to win two or more medals at a single Paralympic Games, taking home two gold medals and one silver medal. Greg Stewart returned from retirement to win gold in the men’s shot put, becoming a two-time Paralympic champion. First-time Paralympian Cody Fournie captured two gold medals, in the 100-metre and 200-metre wheelchair racing. Brent Lakatos won his second-career Paralympic gold medal in the 800-metre race. Aurélie Rivard completed her medal set for a second straight Paralympic Games by winning gold in the women’s 400-metre freestyle swim. And Sebastian Massabie broke the world record with his gold medal in the men’s 50-metre freestyle swim.
“As we watch flag bearers Nicholas Bennett and Brianna Hennessy lead our Paralympians into the Closing Ceremony today, let us recognize the Paralympic Games as a powerful reminder of how sport can transcend borders and inspire progress.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I thank our athletes for their extraordinary performances. We also extend our gratitude to the families, friends, coaches, and communities who supported them throughout their journeys. Congratulations to our Paralympians for their achievements at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. You made us all proud.”n
