PM Justin Trudeau delivers speech to Liberal caucus
OTTAWA –
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has urged his Liberal faction to meet on Friday as Canadians grapple with the high cost of living, a struggling health care system and the effects of climate change.
In a 12-minute speech to MPs, Trudeau laid out the minority government’s priorities for the upcoming session of the House of Commons, which begins on Monday.
“The world is at a moment. And as liberals, and as Canadians, and as a country, we must face it,” Trudeau said.
Most of his speech focused on economics, with Trudeau positioning the growth of green technologies as a legacy that will benefit future generations.
His Liberal government is expected to introduce a “just transition” bill this year that aims to build a net-zero economy with clean energy projects across Canada while building in worker protections within the sector.
The pending bill is part of the confidence and supply deal the Liberals struck with the New Democrats last March, in which the NDP agreed to back the minority government through key votes through 2025.
While the two parties could work together to create a dental care program, Trudeau reminded his faction to “be prepared for anything.”
“Stay close to your communities and keep bringing your votes into Parliament, and let’s keep being the voice of Canadians,” Trudeau said.
“Let’s keep fighting for families. Let’s keep fighting for patients and medical workers and for facts, science and truth.”
Trudeau also lashed out at Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, painting himself as the more sensible leader and saying their visions were very different.
“There are two leaders you must choose between. Are we making sure we are working on a positive vision of the future, or are we inciting people’s anger without offering constructive and positive solutions?” Trudeau said in French.
“Mr Poilievre has made his choice. He decided to say that everything is broken without offering concrete solutions. Yes, these are difficult times, but that’s why our Liberal team decided to work even harder.”
Trudeau also said his administration will continue to work towards reconciliation with indigenous peoples, a key priority since they came to power in 2015, which has drawn criticism
He said he will continue to fight for the freedom of Ukraine and Canada and amplify the voices of women in Iran and support Afghan refugees.
Trudeau also brought up his upcoming meeting with prime ministers where they will discuss additional healthcare funding.
He said improving the healthcare system is a priority while ensuring that universal public healthcare remains intact for Canadians.
“Let’s build a Canada where people thrive and where future generations will benefit directly from our choice to meet this moment.”
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on January 27, 2023.
