REGINA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has landed in Regina for a day of events in the city.
This morning, Trudeau was at Sherwood Co-op in Harbour Landing. There, the Prime Minister highlighted affordability measures in the 2023 budget, including the grocery rebate.
That rebate would allow an eligible couple with two children to receive a rebate of $467, Trudeau said. He called it a measure that will make life more affordable for 11 million individuals and families.
During the appearance Trudeau shook hands and took selfies with staff and shoppers in attendance. The appearance also drew a slew of protesters outside, who waved placards at Trudeau's motorcade as it left the venue.
In remarks to reporters Trudeau spoke about the controversy earlier this week over recent remarks by Justice Minister David Lametti that he might take a look at the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, touching off concerns by Prairie premiers including Premier Scott Moe that the Feds might overturn that agreement.
On Thursday Trudeau specifically said the government "will not be touching the NRTA."
"National resources are constitutionally directed to be the purview of the provinces. We are not putting that into question."
On a separate topic, Trudeau said they would look "very carefully" at the recommendation from the Mass Casualty Commission report to close RCMP training Depot based in Regina. Trudeau spoke favourably about Depot but was nevertheless non-committal regarding its future.
"Depot is a Canadian institution just as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are," he said, citing the great work that Depot does. "We know how important it is for the local economy."
But Trudeau added "we all recognize there have to be changes tin how we move forward to ensure communities are safe." He said those are conversations they will continue to have and they will take things "one step at a time."
Trudeau was also asked about the relationship with the provincial government and with Premier Moe; Trudeau confirmed his office had reached out to the Premier's office but Moe was unavailable to meet with him during this visit.
This afternoon, Trudeau is hosting a Budget 2023 Town Hall meeting with students and community members at First Nations University of Canada; Mayor Sandra Masters is among those in attendance.
Stay tuned for further coverage of Trudeau's visit to Saskatchewan.
