Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Saskatoon on Wednesday with an agenda that included meetings with long-term care residents, agriculture students, vaccine researchers and a visit to a daycare.
The Prime Minister’s first stop was at the St. John’s Long-Term Care Home. Ann’s Citizen Center. During his time there, protesters scared the Canadian leader.
In a joint announcement with Everett Hindley, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, the Elderly and Rural and Remote Health, Trudeau said the federal government had agreed to give the Saskatchewan government $ 32 million to improve care for the elderly living long term.
Trudeau said the money will be used to improve care, safer dining practices, greater site cleanliness and staff safety protocols.
Federal funding is provided through the Long-Term Safe Care Fund. Nine provinces, including Saskatchewan, receive funding.
“These investments are making a real difference for people and for caregivers,” Trudeau said.
Funding for long-term care homes is part of a $ 1 million commitment the federal government made in the fall of 2020.
The Liberals pledged $ 9 billion for long-term care during the last election, in addition to the $ 3 billion for five years already pledged to the 2021 budget.
“And now that we’ve reached an agreement on $ 32 million in funding, which involves $ 32 million here in Saskatchewan, we’re happy to talk about more federal government funding … to make sure that residents of long-term care Homes across the country are not only safe, they thrive, ”Trudeau said.
Hindley said the past two years have been a challenge as the pandemic has progressed. He said restrictions and feelings of isolation have been especially difficult for the elderly.
“We are grateful for the support of the federal government today in the work that Saskatchewan has done to improve long-term care prevention and control measures over the past two years,” he said.
However, Hindley said the federal funding will be used to offset the provincial costs that have already been incurred during the pandemic.
“So if it’s about the cohort of staff and facilities because of some of the measures, the prevention and the control of infections. So that $ 32 million will be used in this “So there’s nothing really new in terms of where that money is going to go.”
Students, VIDO and daycare
Trudeau then met with students from the University of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. There he received a lesson in plant improvement and technological advances, including the use of drones. Trudeau also learned about innovative farming practices.
“I think one of the things that remains extremely important is that the federal government stay committed to the people of Saskatchewan,” Trudeau told reporters earlier in the day.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with students from the University of Saskatchewan’s School of Agriculture and Bioresources. There he received a lesson in plant breeding and technological advances. (CBC News)
During the photo opportunity period of Trudeau’s visit with the students, the Prime Minister faced more shouts from protesters who were critical of his leadership.
The Prime Minister then visited the University’s Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Organization. VIDO has been at the forefront of Canada’s efforts to develop a vaccine against COVID-19. There Trudeau greeted the board and the researchers who developed vaccines, thanking them.
“Everyone here, you and, in fact, the University of Saskatchewan, it increased a lot a couple of years ago when the pandemic hit and everyone had to take action,” Trudeau said.
“And one of the reasons you were able to move forward so quickly and lead so well during this challenge is that you’ve been working on it for a long time and you’ve all been showing the kind of dedication and excellence that shows the best. of Saskatchewan, the best in Canada, not just across the country, but around the world. “
During his visit to the University of Saskatchewan on Wednesday, Trudeau addressed about 100 VIDO employees on the stairs leading to the building. (CBC News)
Last year, Ottawa pledged nearly $ 60 million to upgrade facilities to the highest level of security. VIDO is also building a vaccine manufacturing plant.
Trudeau’s fourth and final stop was at the Queen Elizabeth School Child Care Center, run by the Saskatoon Open Door Society. There, she met with families to talk about early learning and child care.
Last year, Ottawa signed an agreement with the Saskatchewan government to reduce the amount parents pay for child care. The goal is to get a $ 10 a day licensed daycare in the next three to four years.
At the end of the day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited the Queen Elizabeth School Child Care Center in Saskatoon. (CBC News)