Statement by the Prime Minister on the attacks in Saskatchewan
September 4, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
These events are far reaching and deeply impactful. If you need someone to talk to, the Hope for Wellness Helpline offers support to all Indigenous Peoples. Counsellors are available by phone or online chat. This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the attacks in Saskatchewan:
“I am shocked and devastated by the horrific attacks today in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan, that claimed the lives of 10 people and injured many more.
“As Canadians, we mourn with everyone affected by this tragic violence, and with the people of Saskatchewan. We also wish a full and quick recovery to those injured.
“As this is an unfolding situation, I encourage everyone in the area to listen to the advice of law enforcement to take shelter and follow the proper precautions. If you have any information or tips for the police, please call 9-1-1. The RCMP in Saskatchewan are posting all their latest updates on their website.
“I thank the first responders for their hard work to apprehend the suspects, protect people, and treat the injured. The Government of Canada has been in direct communication with the James Smith Cree Nation community leadership and we are ready to assist in any way we can. Those responsible for today’s abhorrent attacks must be fully brought to justice.
“To James Smith Cree Nation and the people of Saskatchewan: You are in our thoughts. We are here to support you during this difficult time.”
September 1, 2022
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson to work on delivering results for Manitobans.
The Prime Minister and the Premier spoke about the progress made in recent months that has led to a number of bilateral agreements between both governments in the areas of infrastructure and public transit, long-term care, and support for Churchill and the Hudson Bay Railway. The two leaders committed to build on these successes and to continue working together on future infrastructure investments.
The Prime Minister looked forward to strengthening his collaborative relationship with the Premier in her new role as upcoming Chair of the Council of the Federation. The two leaders spoke about pressures on Canada’s health care system and the importance of working together on accountable solutions to deliver better care for Canadians. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government of Canada is committed to continue working with provinces and territories to support public health systems that provide quality care for all Canadians.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed their close collaboration to support Ukrainians fleeing violence and coming to Manitoba, and opportunities to continue working together on immigration and to address labour market challenges, notably in the area of foreign credential recognition. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to working with provincial and territorial partners to address labour mobility challenges, and expressed his support for the Premier’s goal of increasing the number of newcomers to the province in order to support economic recovery and growth. The leaders discussed how they’re working together to make life more affordable for people and address the increase in cost-of-living pressures experienced by Canadians across the country.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Stefanson agreed to stay in close touch and to continue working together on these and other issues of importance to both governments.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson
- Arctic Gateway Group’s Hudson Bay Railway on track to support northern connectivity through a historic partnership between Canada and Manitoba
- Council of the Federation
- Government of Canada makes significant additional transfers to provinces and territories in support of health care and transit
- Immigration measures and support for Ukrainians and their families
September 5, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Labour Day:
“Today, on Labour Day, we celebrate Canada’s workers, the backbone of our communities and our economy.
“Our workforce built this country. From constructing the roads we drive on, to maintaining the technology that connects us, to delivering food to our grocery stores, and so much more – we rely on workers every single day.
“Canadians have recovered more than all of the jobs lost since the beginning of the pandemic. Now, as we continue to recover and our economy continues to grow, our workforce is confronting new challenges and rising to meet the opportunities that lie ahead. For example, as we grow a clean economy, we are ensuring that workers in our automotive sector benefit from Canada’s leadership on electric cars. From mining critical minerals to building batteries and manufacturing vehicles, we have already secured tens of thousands of jobs and attracted billions of dollars in investments. And there is more to do.
“In energy, technology, infrastructure, skilled trades, and so much more, the expertise of the Canadian workforce is invaluable. The Government of Canada will continue to support workers and create opportunities for them so we can build a better future for everyone. From protecting the rights of organized labour to improving workplace safety and job training, we have been a partner of the labour movement. Earlier this year, we launched the Skills for Success program to help Canadians acquire the skills they need to succeed at work. We are modernizing Employment Insurance to better meet the evolving needs of Canadian workers and to reflect new realities, like more gig economy jobs. We also increased the federal minimum wage to $15.55-an-hour – indexed to inflation – and are introducing 10 days of paid sick leave for federally regulated workers.
“While Canadians work hard each and every day, we know that families are feeling the impacts of inflation, particularly through rising food and gas costs. That’s why we’re focused on making life more affordable, now. We expanded the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) to put up to $2,400 back in the pockets of families and we are reducing the cost of housing, child care, and dental care as part of our Affordability Plan to help the middle class and those working hard to join it.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all Canadians a safe and happy Labour Day. Today, we not only recognize the hard work and determination of the labour activists who fought for paid holidays, universal health care, and employment insurance, we also commit to building on their successes and continuing to make our workplaces safe and our future brighter.”
