Media

1. The Samuel De Champlain Bridge turns off its architectural lighting to mark Earth Hour 

   Montréal, Quebec, March 24, 2023— On March 25, the architectural lighting of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be switched off from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in support of Earth Hour. Safety lighting will remain on.

2. Splatsin, Canada and British Columbia sign historic coordination agreement for First Nations children and families

   Today, at a ceremony in Enderby, British Columbia, Kukpi7 (Chief) Doug Thomas of Splatsin; the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Federal Minister of Indigenous Services; and the Honourable Mitzi Dean, BC Minister of Children and Family Development; celebrated the signing of the first coordination agreement in British Columbia, pursuant to the Act respecting First Nations, Inuit, Métis children, youth and families.

3. Collins Bay Institution and Henry Traill Community Correctional Centre Closed Until Further Notice

   The minimum, medium, and maximum-security levels at Collins Bay Institution and the Henry Traill Community Correctional Centre are now closed to the public until further notice due to an ongoing police investigation in the area.

4. Joint message from Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu on World Tuberculosis Day

   Tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks continue to be an unfortunate and unnecessary reality in Inuit Nunangat.

5. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at the Federal Training Centre

   On March 18, 2023, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on the perimeter of the Federal Training Centre, a multi-level security federal institution. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included 177 grams of marijuana, 119 grams of hashish, 5 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of cannabis wax, and 441 grams of tobacco. The total estimated institutional value of the items seized is $47,124.

6. $12.5 million announced to build new healing house in Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc 

   Today, Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir of the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, and Colleen Erickson, Board Chair of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), are pleased to jointly announce $12.5 million in federal funding towards the construction of a new healing centre at Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc.

7. Government of Canada and the First Nations-led institutions under the Act highlight new proposed legislative amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act

   Today, C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board; Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority; Allan Claxton, Chair of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; announced new proposed amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which were introduced in Parliament on March 23, 2023.

8. Backgrounder: New proposed legislative amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act

   Today, C.T. (Manny) Jules, Chief Commissioner of the First Nations Tax Commission Harold Calla, Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board; Ernie Daniels, President and CEO of the First Nations Finance Authority; Allan Claxton, Chair of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute Development Board; and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations; announced new proposed amendments to the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, which were introduced in Parliament on March 23, 2023.

9. BPR to pay $485,000 following seventh Québec bid-rigging settlement

   BPR to pay $485,000 following seventh Québec bid-rigging settlement March 23, 2023 - GATINEAU, QC - Competition Bureau

10. Canada invests in improvements to Comox’s Community Centre 

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and Her Worship Nicole Minions, Mayor of the Town of Comox, announced a joint investment of more than $485,000 to modernize the Comox Community Centre.

11. Government of Canada launches call for applications for the National Advisory Council on Poverty

    Since before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken action to fight poverty, support Canadians and strengthen the economy. The results speak for themselves: Canada’s overall poverty rate decreased substantially between 2015 and 2020, falling from 14.5% to 6.4%. This represents close to 2.7 million Canadians lifted out of poverty, including 782,000 children and 187,000 seniors. These are encouraging results. It is important to consider them in the context of the pandemic, during which unprecedented income support measures were put in place.

12. New electric school buses for students in St. Albert

    St. Albert, Alberta, March 23, 2023 – Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, and Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, announced more than $2.9 million in joint funding for the purchase of five zero emission school buses and related charging infrastructure to service the St. Albert Public School Division.

13. Statement on World Water Day 2023 

    Today, on World Water Day, I join people from around the globe to highlight the importance of water in its many forms for human life, health and vitality.

14. The Plains of Abraham Is Proud to Host  the Main Stage of the Festival d’été de Québec

    An unparalleled gathering place in the heart of the city, the Plains of Abraham will once again welcome the biggest acts of the Festival d’été de Québec (FEQ).

15. Advance Declaration now available at Edmonton International Airport: Travellers can submit customs declaration in advance and save time at the airport

    Advance Declaration now available at Edmonton International Airport: Travellers can submit customs declaration in advance and save time at the airport

16. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Atlantic Institution

    On February 27, 2023, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Atlantic Institution, a maximum-security federal institution. The contraband and unauthorized items seized included Suboxone tablets and strips, methamphetamine crystal and pills, hashish, shatter and shatter papers, a cell phone, a charger, SIM cards, a USB key and a micro SD adapter. The total estimated institutional value of this seizure is $19,500.

17. Historic coordination agreement to be signed by Splatsin, Canada, and British Columbia related to First Nations children and families

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will join Kukpi7 (Chief) Doug Thomas of Splatsin, and the Honourable Mitzi Dean, British Columbia Minister of Children and Family Development, to celebrate the signing of the first coordination agreement in British Columbia to support the well-being of First Nations children.

18. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada releases “What We Heard” report on fertilizer emissions reduction target and outlines collaborative approach with the sector

    Canadian farmers are on the front lines of climate change and are already taking action to improve resilience and enhance profitability while reducing emissions. The Government of Canada set a target to reduce fertilizer-related emissions, which led to consultations with the sector to gather feedback on how best to support farmers and producers through voluntary measures moving forward.

19. Minister O’Regan releases the What We Heard Report on Developing Greater Labour Protections for Gig Workers 

    Every day, more and more Canadian workers are taking on gig work—casual work arrangements involving specific and often one-off tasks, frequently through digital platforms.

20. Funding to be announced at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc

    Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will join Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc and Colleen Erickson, Chair of the Board of Directors of the First Nations Health Authority, for a funding announcement at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc.

21. Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from federal ministers of Indigenous Services and FedNor; Crown– Indigenous Relations; and Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor

    Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from federal ministers [of Indigenous Services and FedNor; Crown–Indigenous Relations; and Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor].

22. Minister Bibeau to announce funding for youth agriculture awareness

    The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, will announce funding to Agriculture in the Classroom Canada to raise awareness of agriculture among youth.

23. Service Canada works to improve client experience for passport applicants

    In learning the lessons of a very challenging period, and applying them for the future, this Government is setting up the passport program to be more reliable, more flexible, and more capable of serving Canadians effectively for years to come. Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, announced the launch of a new online Passport Application Status Checker.

24. Backgrounder on 10-day passport pick-up service at Service Canada Centres

    Beginning in August 2022, Service Canada started to roll out 10-day passport pick-up service at 13 Service Canada Centres across the country. Canadians can apply for a passport at these locations and receive it after 10 business days. The passport can either be mailed or be picked up in person.

25. Parliamentary Secretary Duguid to lead Canadian delegation to the United Nations 2023 Water Conference

    Media representatives are advised that Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will lead the Canadian delegation to the United Nations 2023 Water Conference.

26. Minister Wilkinson Celebrates International Day of Forests With Over 400,000 More Trees to Be Planted Across Canada

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, announced more than $2.2 million in funding to ALUS to plant more than 400,000 trees on marginal farmland in 13 communities across Canada. The contribution is through the 2 Billion Trees program, which supports program recipients in planting two billion trees for a better tomorrow.

27. Minister Marci Ien announces funding for an Ontario organization to address systemic barriers to employment for Muslim Women  

    Despite progress in recent decades, gender equality in Canada remains a pressing issue as significant disparities and systemic barriers persist in areas such as the economy, workforce, politics, health, and education. These same barriers are even more pronounced for equity-seeking communities.

28. Government of Canada invests in a Battery Electric Bus Feasibility Study in Belleville

    Belleville, ON, March 21, 2023 — Today, Jennifer O'Connell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and His Worship Neil Ellis, Mayor of the City of Belleville, announced a federal investment of more than $150,000 to conduct a battery electric bus feasibility study and build a fleet transition plan project for the City of Belleville.

29. Women’s leadership: Government of Canada supports growth of three Chaudière‑Appalaches businesses

    P.H. Tech, Métal Duquet and Les Pierres Stéatites, three women‑led businesses, receive over $900,000 in financial assistance from CED.

30. Dr. Markus von Wartburg appointed Chief Economist to the Competition Bureau

    Dr. Markus von Wartburg appointed Chief Economist to the Competition Bureau March 21, 2023 - GATINEAU, QC - Competition Bureau

31. Federal minimum wage rising to $16.65 on April 1

    Every Canadian deserves a real and fair chance at success. Yet some Canadian workers still struggle financially while working part-time, temporary and low- or minimum-wage jobs.

32. Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation will harvest opportunities with a full-scale oyster farm in Pomquet Harbour

    Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation has a deeply rooted connection to the nearby water and its resources. With a name that means “by the bay,” the Mi’kmaw of Paqtnkek have fished Pomquet Harbour as a source of food for generations, living in harmony with the local environment.

33. CBSA to reopen all NEXUS airport enrolment centres

    CBSA to reopen all NEXUS airport enrolment centres

34. Government of Canada invests over $25.7 million to fuel innovation and economic growth in Vancouver

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $25.7 million to help 10 Vancouver-based organizations fuel the B.C.

35. Backgrounder: Government of Canada invests over $25.7 million to fuel innovation and economic growth in Vancouver

    Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $25.7 million to help 10 Vancouver-based organizations fuel the B.C.

36. A 200-MW wind project: a partnership between nine Innu communities and Boralex on the traditional territory (Nitassinan) of the Uashat mak Mani-utenam First Nation

    Today, the Innu communities of Ekuanitshit, Essipit, Pessamit, the Pekuakamiulnuatsh First Nation, Pakua Shipi, Uashat mak Mani-utenam, Matimekush-Lac John, Nutashkuan, and Unamen Shipu, under the umbrella of the Société en commandite Apuiat (S.E.C. Apuiat) in collaboration with Boralex and with the contribution of Indigenous Services Canada, announce the development of a major 200-MW wind farm.

37. Minister Gould to make an announcement and provide an update on passport service delivery

    The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould, will provide an update on passport service delivery.

38. Canada and the Okanagan Indian Band sign agreement for an advance payment against settlement of specific claim

    Today, Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, announced that Canada and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) have reached an innovative agreement whereby Canada will make an advance payment of $30 million to the Band to be applied against the anticipated settlement of the Colonial Reserve IR 1 Specific Claim.

39. National Seniors Council launches consultations on Aging at Home

    Canadians are living longer and healthier lives than previous generations and many want to live independently, in their homes they built, in the communities that support them, for as long as possible. Helping Canadians age closer to home and family by supporting access to home care is a priority for our government.

40. Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan partner to invest $485 million in Saskatchewan under the new five-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, announced $485 million for strategic agricultural initiatives in Saskatchewan under the new five-year Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

41. Government of Canada invests in the modernization of St. Albert Place 

    St. Albert, Alberta, March 20, 2023 — Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, and Her Worship Cathy Heron, Mayor of St. Albert, announced more than $13.9 million in joint funding to retrofit St. Albert Place, St. Albert’s main community hub.

42. First meeting of ministerial advisory committee on green shift

    The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED, gathered together for the first time, on March 13, 2023, the ministerial advisory committee on the environmental transition. This is a key step in CED’s action plan to promote the environmental shift and long-term competitiveness of Quebec’s businesses and regions.

43. Women’s leadership: Government of Canada supports Créations Verbois’s growth

    Créations Verbois, a business owned by five stakeholders including two women, receives over $500,000 in financial assistance from CED.

44. Call for proposals opened to support the Additions to Reserve Policy redesign

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announced that the Government of Canada has opened a call for proposals to support the redesign of the Additions to Reserve (ATR) Policy.

45. Ministers Guilbeault and Hajdu will hold a media availability to speak to the ongoing situation at Imperial Oil’s Kearl Oil Sands Processing Plant and Mine

    Ministers Guilbeault and Hajdu will hold a media availability to speak to the ongoing situation at Imperial Oil’s Kearl Oil Sands Processing Plant and Mine

46. Samuel De Champlain Bridge: Special Illumination for the International Day of La Francophonie

    Montréal, Quebec, March 19, 2023 — On March 20, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in green, blue, red, and purple from sunset to 9 p.m. to recognize the International Day of La Francophonie.

47. Government of Canada to make multi-million dollar funding announcement to help Vancouver-based businesses expand operations and reach global markets

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), will provide details on funding that will help several innovative businesses accelerate their growth and compete globally.

48. Death of an inmate from Dorchester Penitentiary

    On March 16, 2023, Melvin Miller, an inmate from Dorchester Penitentiary, died while in our custody.

49. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg First Nation announces construction of new water treatment plant 

    Biigtigong Nishnaabeg held celebrations today to formally announce the construction of a new raw water intake and treatment plant.

50. Biigtigong Nishnaabeg celebrates signing of Community Benefits Agreement and funding for new Cultural Centre

    Today, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg hosted celebrations for the signing of the Community Benefits Agreement related to the Marathon Palladium Project, a proposed palladium mine located 10 kilometres from Marathon, Ontario and 9.3 km upstream from Biigtigong Nishnaabeg territory along the banks of the culturally important Biigtigig Zibi.