News Releases

Statement From Premier Heather Stefanson on Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

I had a very positive meeting today with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on priorities for all Manitobans. We discussed continuing collaboration between our governments, the results we have achieved together for Manitobans, and additional opportunities to deliver critical infrastructure, advance reconciliation, address immigration and labour market shortages, and renew the health-care funding partnership necessary to sustain the health-care system that Canadians rely upon across the country.

We talked about building on past successes through additional federal-provincial co-operation and investments on environmentally friendly and critical water and wastewater projects across the province, including the next phase of the North End Water Pollution Control Centre in Winnipeg, supporting Manitoba’s clean and renewable energy profile and potential, and the renewed strategic opportunities for the Port of Churchill. I reaffirmed that Manitoba is keen to partner on key infrastructure projects that create jobs, spur economic growth, and help build a cleaner, greener province for the benefit of all Manitobans.

We also discussed the current global economic challenges and rising prices impacting all Canadians. I noted our government’s continuing efforts to make life more affordable for all Manitobans, including through the new $87-million Family Affordability Package to help ease the burden of higher cost pressures for Manitoba families with children, seniors living on a fixed income and Manitobans who are struggling the most.

I again urged the prime minister to take additional federal steps to ease the cost burdens faced by Manitoba families, parents, workers, farmers and businesses.

We shared views on improving our immigration systems, to address labour-market shortages in Manitoba and across the country, and sustain our continuing economic recovery. I stressed the need for a larger provincial role, more provincial nominees, faster federal immigration processing, improved labour mobility and enhanced recognition of foreign credentials.

We also discussed the brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and Canada’s ongoing support. Manitoba has been the national leader in welcoming Ukrainians seeking shelter and safe haven. I updated the prime minister on Manitoba’s unique approach and unwavering efforts, noting that over 7,300 Ukrainians have arrived in Manitoba and that we are delivering a full range of provincial supports and services through Manitoba’s Ukrainian Refugee Task Force.