Thank you very much, and I first want to acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional lands of the Treaty 4 territory.
I am so glad to be here at Belle Plaine with some of the really incredible workers from Mosaic.
The Government of Canada will immediately halt all government-led activity at the Bank, and I have instructed the Department of Finance to lead an immediate review of the allegations raised and of Canada’s involvement in the AIIB.
Canada’s pioneering tradition of central bank independence is respected around the world, and the strength and independence of our institutions—including the Bank of Canada—is one of the fundamentals that makes Canada a safe and reliable place to do business.
Canada experienced the strongest economic growth among G7 countries in 2022. Our real GDP grew by 3.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year, which was the highest in the G7, and Canada has both the lowest deficit-to-GDP ratio and the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7.
Our government will continue to invest in our incredible skilled workers here in Canada. We’re going to invest in the training you need to get great careers to support great lives. Our economy depends on you and our economy depends on the excellent training that you receive at places like Red River College—and at the great polytechnics across Canada.