Prime Minister Trudeau Meets Premier Susan Holt, Pledging Cooperation on Health, Housing, and Climate Action
Fredericton, New Brunswick – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and newly elected New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt met today in the Greater Fredericton Area to establish a collaborative path forward on a range of issues important to both provincial and federal governments. Joined by Minister of Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc and New Brunswick’s Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, the leaders outlined shared goals across health care, housing, affordability, and climate resilience.
Prime Minister Trudeau offered his congratulations to Premier Holt on her recent election victory and expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between Ottawa and New Brunswick. Among the key initiatives discussed was New Brunswick’s recent step to improve abortion access by covering costs for surgical abortions conducted outside of hospitals, along with a pledge to make contraception free for all residents. Trudeau praised the province’s move, which aims to expand access to critical health services for New Brunswickers.
Premier @susanholt and I are focused on what matters for New Brunswickers: bringing down everyday costs, improving healthcare, and building more homes.
Our work together starts now. pic.twitter.com/ymHrxfjbg1
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 13, 2024
Both leaders emphasized the need to bolster health care services nationwide, with Trudeau and Holt highlighting plans to reach a bilateral agreement on pharmacare that would address medication affordability for Canadians. They also explored collaboration on studying neurodegenerative diseases, looking at potential advances in understanding and treating these conditions.
Beyond health care, the discussions touched on pressing issues related to affordability and housing. The leaders reaffirmed their intent to work together on federal initiatives such as the National School Food Program, the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, and Canada Builds. Trudeau and Holt recognized the importance of supporting communities experiencing unsheltered homelessness, underscoring their commitment to channel additional funding toward encampment solutions.
Climate action was also high on the agenda, with both leaders committing to advance clean energy initiatives. The Chignecto Isthmus project, an essential effort to protect infrastructure against rising sea levels, was another focal point, as they discussed avenues for federal support in fortifying the region’s environmental resilience. Trudeau and Holt also pledged to safeguard Canada’s economic interests by addressing issues surrounding softwood lumber duties.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working on these priorities, promising increased cooperation on health, housing, and climate challenges that impact not only New Brunswick but Canadians across the country.
SOURCE PMO
