As the Freedom Convoy marks one year since it arrived in the capital, Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged “good long-term jobs” as a way to ease the pressure Canadians are facing while protesting. He said he understands the anger and concern people have.
Dozens gathered outside Parliament on Saturday to mark the anniversary as members of the Liberal Party attended the caucuses to discuss upcoming priorities when the House of Commons reopens on Monday.
“We can feel how tough times are these days. said.
“A lot of people are feeling a lot of pressure.”
Prime Minister Trudeau said he expected a slowdown in the global economy over the next six to 12 months, but promised the liberal government would provide more targeted support without exacerbating inflation.
He said the Liberals and New Democrats want the same things for the next conference, including expanding dental care.
Other common priorities under the Trust and Supply Agreement include introducing this year’s PharmaCare Act and a “just transition” bill to help build a green economy that protects energy workers. .
Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said he preferred to call it the “sustainable jobs” bill. He said the government will introduce further policies on green technology projects in the coming months and a bill will be submitted later this year.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the government was just getting started. jobs create Within the green energy sector, promoting recent industrial investments in Ontario.
Champagne announced last year that the government would donate $259 million to General Motors of Canada in Oshawa, Ontario, to boost the production of electric vehicles. The government says the investment will create thousands of jobs.
“Last year it was the appetizer, I think. The main course this year,” Champagne said Saturday.
He said. jobs‘ is best suited to combat inflation and promises to ‘do more for Canadians’ this year.
Trudeau said part of the government’s agreement with the New Democrats, signed last March, “is about creating good jobs for the future in the long term.”
“Canada is well positioned for the years to come and we must work together as Canadians do in this difficult time.
“That’s what I look forward to doing in Congress, and frankly, I know Canadians will. We don’t put our hands up and say everything is broken.”
Trudeau was referring to Pierre Polivre, who said “everything feels broken” in Canada when the Conservative Party leader addressed the caucuses on Friday.
Canada’s economy is facing a ‘turbulent’ year, but the federal government still has room to spend on big priorities such as new health care agreements with provinces, says Deputy Finance Minister Randy Boissonault. said earlier this week at the departure of Hamilton’s Liberal government.
Prime Minister Trudeau is scheduled to meet with the Canadian Prime Minister on February 7 to discuss further medical funding, although the amount is still unknown.
“We’ll know in about eight or nine days from now,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said on Saturday, marking the final day of the Liberal caucuses.
The government also plans to introduce legislation related to pharmaceutical and long-term care this year, Duclos said.
On Monday, all members of Congress are scheduled to return to the House of Representatives to discuss incorporating a national childcare system into federal law.
Ottawa has entered into agreements with provinces and territories to reduce childcare costs across Canada to an average of $10 a day by 2025-2026.
The government says incorporating the deal into childcare laws across the country will ensure the system will hold up well into the future.
Lawmakers will also consider bill C-13, the official language law, at Tuesday’s committee meeting.
The proposed bill, which aims to promote and protect the use of French in private business in the federally regulated province of Quebec, has been criticized by the province’s English-speaking community.
Official Languages Minister Ginette Petipas Taylor said the English-speaking people would not lose their rights if the bill were passed.
“We are aware that French is on the decline in this country and we cannot minimize it. That is the reality,” she said Saturday.
“Our official language law is also enacted to respect and protect our official language minority communities, including the English-speaking population of Quebec.”