Premier to Meet with Prime Minister in Ottawa

Premier Tim Houston will make his first trip as Premier to Ottawa to meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday, November 22.

The two leaders will begin discussions on Nova Scotia priorities and common interests between the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada, including improving access to healthcare, advancing climate change and environmental goals, increasing immigration and continuing to work collaboratively to increase the affordable housing supply.

“We can do so much more when we work together across both levels of government,” said Premier Houston. “I welcome the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Trudeau and discuss solutions to the big challenges, like achieving truly universal mental healthcare. This is one of the first priorities that we want to work with the federal government on.”

The Province also wants to work with the federal government on growing the population to two million people by 2060.

This collaboration has already started with initiatives like the Atlantic Immigration Program. The program helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign skilled workers who want to immigrate to Atlantic Canada, as well as international post-secondary students who want to stay in Atlantic Canada after they graduate. Nova Scotia currently has more than 1,500 designated employers across many key sectors. Due to its success, the Government of Canada is making this a permanent program.

“We need support from the federal government to reduce processing times for applicants seeking permanent residency, increase our immigration allocation numbers, and increase support for training to address our labour market needs,” said Premier Houston. “I look forward to speaking with Prime Minister Trudeau and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Minister Sean Fraser on these important issues.”

Another issue the Premier will raise is completing the Atlantic Loop and partnering on more clean energy projects to achieve the goals outlined in the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act.

“Nova Scotians expect us to act urgently and decisively when it comes to climate change. The federal government and Nova Scotia share a common goal – a cleaner and more prosperous future for Nova Scotians and Canadians,” said Premier Houston. “We have some of the most aggressive targets to reduce greenhouse emissions in the country. I value the federal government as a partner, and it only makes sense that we work together to fight climate change.

Quick Facts:

• Premier Houston will travel to Ottawa Sunday, November 21, and return Tuesday, November 23