(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 anger and concern of the protesters.
Posted 11:58am Updated 4:36pm
Mickey Djuric The Canadian Press
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 Monday’s resumption of the House of Commons.
“We feel how tough times are right now. We have a global economic slowdown, combined with inflation, combined with higher interest rates, Trudeau said before a meeting with Liberal MPs on Saturday. Many people feel pressured. »
The prime minister said he expected a global economic slowdown to last six to 12 months but assured his liberal government would provide more targeted support without raising inflation.
He argued that the Liberals and the New Democrats want the same thing for the next session, such as expanded dental coverage.
Other shared priorities under their Trust and Supply Agreement include this year’s Pharmacare legislation and the introduction of a so-called “Just Transition” law to create a green economy that includes safeguards for energy workers.
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says when it comes to green energy job creation, last year was just a start and this year will be the main agenda. In particular, he praised recent industrial investment in Ontario.
Last year, Champagne announced that his government would give $259 million to General Motors of Canada in Oshawa, Ontario, to boost electric vehicle manufacturing. The government says this investment will create thousands of jobs.
Trudeau said part of his administration’s deal with the New Democrats, signed last March, is 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 trying times. That’s what I look forward to in Parliament and, frankly, I know Canadians will. In difficult times we stick 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 to be broken” in Canada when addressing his caucus on Friday.
Canada’s economy is in for a “turbulent” year, but the federal government still has some wiggle room on big priorities like a new health deal with the provinces, Deputy Treasury Secretary Randy Boissonnault said at the Liberal Hamilton cabinet retreat earlier this week.
On February 7, Justin Trudeau is set to meet with Canada’s prime minister to discuss additional health care funding, but the amount is yet to be determined.
“We will know in about eight or nine days,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said on Saturday, marking the final day of the Liberal group’s withdrawal.