(OTTAWA) As Ottawa marks the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the “freedom convoy” in the nation’s capital, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he understands the protesters’ anger and concerns.
Dozens of people gathered outside Parliament on Saturday to mark the anniversary as Liberal Party members attended their caucus retreat to discuss their priorities ahead of the resumption of the House of Commons on Monday.
“We can feel it, how tough times are right now. We have a global economic slowdown, combined with inflation, combined with higher interest rates, Trudeau said Saturday before meeting Liberal MPs. Many people feel a lot of pressure. »
The Prime Minister said he expected a global economic slowdown that should last six to twelve months, but he assured that his Liberal government would provide more targeted support without increasing inflation.
He argued that the Liberals and New Democrats want the same thing for the next session, such as expanded dental coverage.
Other joint priorities under their trust and supply agreement include pharmacare legislation this year and the introduction of a so-called “just transition” bill to help create a green economy. which incorporates protections for energy workers.
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says when it comes to job creation in the green energy sector, last year was just a starter and this year will be the main course . In particular, he praised recent industrial investments in Ontario.
Last year, Champagne announced his government would provide $259 million to General Motors of Canada in Oshawa, Ont., to advance electric vehicle manufacturing. The government says this investment will create thousands of jobs.
Trudeau said part of his government’s deal with the New Democrats, which was signed last March, is about creating good jobs for the future.
Canada is well positioned for the years to come, and we need to pull ourselves together as Canadians are doing in these difficult times. That’s what I look forward to doing in Parliament, and frankly, that’s what I know Canadians will do. In difficult times, we come together. We don’t give up and say it’s all broken.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Mr Trudeau was referring to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre who said “everything seems broken” in Canada when he addressed his caucus on Friday.
Canada’s economy faces a ‘turbulent’ year, but the federal government still has some leeway on big priorities like a new health care deal with the provinces, the associate minister said earlier this week. of Finance, Randy Boissonnault, at the Liberal cabinet retreat in Hamilton.
On February 7, Justin Trudeau is due to meet with Canada’s premiers to discuss additional funding for health care, but the amount is still undecided.
“We will know in about eight or nine days,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said Saturday, marking the last day of the Liberal caucus retreat.