Justin Trudeau visited Saskatoon to discuss the benefits for Indigenous communities in the 2024 federal budget. He highlighted measures such as $21 million in support for the Virtual Health Hub and funding for primary care workers in remote areas. The budget also includes more investment for Indigenous entrepreneurs and tourism, as well as for post-secondary education and housing and infrastructure. Trudeau emphasized the government’s commitment to working as partners with Indigenous Peoples to create opportunities and move towards reconciliation.
The budget includes $243 million to improve access to post-secondary education for Indigenous communities, with a nearly 50% increase in Indigenous people with post-secondary degrees since 2016. Local projects in Saskatchewan, such as the Hatchet Lake all-seasons road project, are receiving funding to support economic growth and close infrastructure and housing gaps. Minister Dan Vandal highlighted the importance of investments in education and economic growth to help Indigenous Peoples succeed, but acknowledged that more work needs to be done, particularly in the area of housing.
Whitecap Datoka First Nation Chief Darcy Bear stressed the need for investment in people and highlighted the impact of the Virtual Health Hub on public health care. He shared an example of a pilot project in Saskatoon that significantly reduced the number of people sent to the emergency room. Trudeau discussed the federal government’s efforts to address homelessness, mental health, and addictions in partnership with other levels of government. He encouraged provinces and municipalities, including Saskatchewan, to unlock public lands for building more homes, especially supportive housing for those with specific needs.
When asked about the lack of a meeting with Premier Scott Moe, Trudeau explained that the federal government is working with other levels of government and pushing them to invest more in key areas. Despite disagreements over the carbon price issue, Trudeau assured that carbon rebate money for Saskatchewan families will not be impacted. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and working together to address pressing issues affecting Indigenous communities and all Canadians. The federal government is committed to continued partnership and investment to create more opportunities and build a fairer society for all.
