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Trudeau insists he has what Canadians want, announces new policies

The federal Liberal cabinet is in Halifax today as part of a three-day retreat to prepare for the return of Parliament.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is heading into a fall session with the Liberals polling around 23%, with Abacus Data showing only 14% of Canadians think Trudeau deserves a fourth term.

When asked if the Liberals should learn anything from Kamala Harris’ Democrat’s rise in popularity, Trudeau responded, "I think the big lesson is in responding to the things that people are actually worried about, We believe that using that strong economy to support Canadians in responsible ways is the best way to build the future. That's what we're focused on. We're not focused on culture wars, on complaining that everything is broken, going off on strange tangents that, quite frankly, Canadians are scratching their heads about."

When asked if the Liberals should replace Trudeau, Chrystia Freeland said, “Absolutely not.”

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre told reporters the retreat is a ‘reward’ for cabinet ministers who have left Canada worse off.

Trudeau has announced two new policies so far, a tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles, and reducing the number of temporary foreign workers in the country.

Amid industry pressure to copy the U.S. program, Trudeau said a 100 percent surtax will be levied on all Chinese-made EVs, effective Oct. 1. The tariff would effectively double the price of imported vehicles, as it is expected most of the tax would be passed on to consumers.

As for the reduction in temporary foreign workers, Trudeau said employers in high unemployment areas — places where the unemployment rate is six percent or higher — will not be able to hire low-wage temporary foreign workers (TFWs), with limited exceptions for "food security sectors" like agriculture and food and fish processing as well as construction and health care where acute staffing shortages still exist.

Trudeau said more changes to immigration can be expected.

Parliament resumes on September 16.

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Incumbents offer ‘survival tips’ for future MLAs

As students enjoy the last week of summer vacation and prepare to return to school this fall, the Saskatchewan Legislature is preparing for a minimum of twelve new MLAs to take their seats after this October’s election.

CKOM News spoke to incumbent MLAs from both parties to get advice for the soon-to-be newly elected MLAs.

MLA for Saskatoon Westview David Buckingham compared his first day on the job to the first day of school saying, “You walk up and it’s like ‘What do I do? Who do I see?’ It’s a really cool experience.”

Education Minister and MLA for The Battlefords Jeremy Cockrill had never been to the building before getting elected and said, “You drive up and you’re like ‘Where do I park? There’s reserved parking for important people here… I must be in the back somewhere!'” he laughed. “You walk up those stairs and it’s like ‘Wow.’ You think about the different people who have come through those doors… it’s pretty incredible.” Cockrill also encourage all members to take the tour of the Legislative Building and learn the history.

Cockrill also warned future members not to light their fireplaces saying, “The temperature in this building can be challenging, and not just because of the hot air coming out of our mouths sometimes,” he said with a smile.” Today’s elected officials have been strictly banned from lighting fires in the century-old hearths, although it may be tempting given the cut wood and fireplace tools displayed beneath each ornate mantel.

MLA for Saskatoon Meewasin Nathaniel Teed also recommended members take the building tour, and also warned newly-elected members to introduce themselves when they get to the building, saying, “The first time you walk in, you kind of have to identify yourself. You're like, ‘I just won an election! I’m an MLA!’ Because MLAs are supposed to have unencumbered access. So you get a little pin to put on your jacket so you can just come and go. Everyone else has to check in and do security, But as an MLA, you’re just allowed to walk in.”

Teed also encouraged MLAs to work together, especially with more experienced MLAs, even after a big debate. “A lot of times you’ll leave… take a breath… and you just realize that we’re all people. And we’re all there because we believe in a vision of Saskatchewan and a betterment for the people here.”

You can read the full interview here.

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Premier Moe defends health-care investments in response to doctor’s op-ed

Premier Scott Moe is defending his government’s investments in healthcare following an op-ed that was widely shared on social media last week.

Last week, Dr. Isabelle Richard wrote an op-ed in the Star Phoenix and Leader-Post. Richard, a family doctor, articulated the problems with Saskatchewan’s healthcare system, calling it ‘a mess’ and that ‘no one wins here.’ The op-ed was widely shared by New Democratic MLAs, candidates, and the party.

Moe defended his government’s record on the Evan Bray show where he touted the signed agreement with the Saskatchewan Medical Association that includes a $10 million innovation fund.

Moe said that recruitment is not a Saskatchewan-specific issue, saying “It is a Canadian challenge and we do talk about it actively at our Premier’s table.” He also pointed to a reduction in wait times and the government’s investments including the opening of the Regina Urgent Care Centre and another one planned for Saskatoon.

Healthcare was the top issue for Saskatchewan voters according to the recent Insightrix and Angus Reid polling.

More news and info

• Lac La Ronge Indian Band approves major settlement with federal govt. (CKOM News)

• Top Liberals internally temper expectations on high-stakes byelection in LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, Que. (The Hill Times)

• RFK Jr. says he's suspending 2024 campaign, joins Donald Trump at Arizona rally (ABC News)

• Trump suggests he may back out of a Sept. 10 ABC debate (NBC News)

• Ottawa hoping to convince reluctant civil servants of the benefits of working from the office (CBC News)

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