Minister Morneau takes Canada's Plan for a Strong Middle Class Plan to Saskatchewan

News Release

July 27, 2017 – Regina, Saskatchewan – Department of Finance Canada

The Government of Canada is making smart investments that lead to shared growth and create opportunities and jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau attended the 38th Annual General Assembly of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), where he met with National Chief Perry Bellegarde and members of the Chief's Committee on Fiscal Relations to reiterate the Government's commitment to reconciliation and partnership with Indigenous peoples and communities.

The Government has taken important first steps towards reconciliation through the historic investments in a range of critical areas, notably infrastructure and health care. As a result of Budget 2016 and Budget 2017 investments, federal government spending on programs for First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada will increase 27 per cent to over $14 billion in 2021–22.

The Minister also visited the University of Regina where he highlighted the Government's support for post-secondary education so that students can be equipped with the skills they need in the emerging economy. Budget 2017 invested an additional $90 million over two years to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program to better assist Indigenous students.

These efforts contribute to the Government's ambitious plan to build a stronger middle class through tax fairness, and through investments in people (tax cuts for the middle class, the Canada Child Benefit, education, and skills training), in our communities (housing, roads, bridges and green infrastructure) and in our economy (innovation, smart cities and digital). The Government is working to create middle class jobs and more opportunities to succeed in the economy of tomorrow.

Quotes

"The Government's economic plan is having a real, positive impact on people's lives. In the last twelve months, the Canadian economy has created more than 300,000 new jobs, the majority of them full-time, and our unemployment rate has dropped to 6.5%. As our economy grows, we need to ensure that our success is shared, including with our First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. That's why the Government is determined to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Peoples – by closing socio-economic gaps, supporting greater self-determination, and helping Indigenous Peoples get the skills and work experience they need to succeed."

– Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

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Contacts

Media may contact:

Chloé Luciani-Girouard
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
chloe.luciani-girouard@canada.ca 
613-369-5699

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000

General enquiries

Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca

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