CANADA latest news

Prime Minister visits Pikangikum First Nation

January 19, 2018
Pikangikum, Ontario

The Government of Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples – one based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership. We will continue to partner with Indigenous Peoples to advance meaningful reconciliation, and to build a more just and equal future for people across Canada.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited Pikangikum First Nation. He was joined by the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief, Alvin Fiddler, the Minister of Indigenous Services, Jane Philpott, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, Don Rusnak, and the Member of Parliament for Kenora, Bob Nault.

The visit was a chance to meet with community members and reinforce our commitment to work with them to make real progress and bring about positive change.

During the visit, Prime Minister met with the Chief and Council of Pikangikum First Nation. The leaders discussed pressing social, infrastructure, and economic issues that have a unique impact on remote Indigenous communities.

The Prime Minister also met with other community members and visited a new school that opened in 2016. There, he held a question and answer session with students, and helped dedicate a plaque commemorating the school’s opening.

Quote

“It is an honour to meet again with members of Pikangikum First Nation. Our government will continue to partner with Indigenous Peoples to find long-term, sustainable solutions that make a real difference in their lives and in communities across Canada.”

— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• In August 2017, the Government of Canada announced up to $60.2 million in funding for Wataynikaneyap Power to build a 117-kilometre power line with infrastructure from Red Lake into the local distribution system at Pikangikum First Nation.
• This project is part of long-term collaboration with the Government of Ontario to advance electrification for First Nation communities in Northern Ontario. The project is on schedule, and negotiations continue to extend the power line to more communities.

Associated link

• The Government of Canada invests in bringing clean, safe and reliable electricity to Pikangikum First Nation in northwestern Ontario

Prime Minister to travel to the United States

January 19, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to the United States from February 7 to 10, 2018.

This visit – which includes stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago – will provide an opportunity for the Prime Minister to further strengthen the deep bonds that unite Canada and the United States.

In the Los Angeles area, the Prime Minister will deliver remarks at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley. During the remarks, he will underscore the interconnectedness of the Canada-U.S. economies.

In San Francisco, the Prime Minister will meet with local business leaders and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for increased collaboration between our countries.

Before heading to California, the Prime Minister will meet with key officials in Chicago and deliver a speech at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics to highlight the importance of public service, and how it can contribute to a prosperous middle class and stronger Canada-U.S. economic and political ties.

Quote

“Canadians and Americans know we are all better off when we work together to grow the middle class, and create more opportunities for people on both sides of the border. I look forward to meeting with government and business leaders in the United States again to explore new opportunities for collaboration and growth, so we can build a more prosperous future for people in both countries.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• Prime Minister Trudeau last visited the United States in October 2017.
• Canada and the United States share one of the largest trading relationships in the world. Bilateral trade between the two countries was valued at nearly $882 billion in 2016, and Canada is the largest secure supplier of energy to the U.S.
• The two countries share the longest, secure border in the world, over which some 400,000 people and $2.4 billion worth of goods and services cross daily.
• Canada buys more goods from the United States than China, Japan, and the UK combined.
• Canada is the number one export destination for most American states, and cross-border trade and investment supports nearly nine millions jobs in the United States.

Associated Link

• Canada and United States Relations
• Reminder - Itinerary for Friday, January 19, 2018
  
  January 18, 2018
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Friday, January 19, 2018:
  Pikangikum, Ontario
  11:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chief and the Council of Pikangikum First Nation.
  Pikangikum Band Offices   
  Note for media: 
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  12:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a demonstration of a traditional form of fishing by Eenchokay Birchstick School students.
  Note for media: 
  • Pooled photo opportunity
  12:40 p.m. The Prime Minister will unveil a plaque in recognition of the official dedication of Eenchokay Birchstick School and will deliver brief remarks.
  Eenchokay Birchstick School
  Note for media: 
  • Pooled coverage of the plaque unveiling and of a Q&A with students
  2 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with community elders.
  Community Centre
  Note for media: 
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting