Justin Trudeau highlights supports for Saskatchewan Indigenous communities

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Saskatoon on Tuesday discussing supports for local Indigenous communities.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Saskatoon Tuesday to highlight some of the measures in the 2024 federal budget benefiting Indigenous communities.

He spoke at the Wanuskewin Heritage Museum, discussing $21 million in supports for the Virtual Health Hub, led by the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, and funding for primary care workers in remote parts of the province.

The budget also boasts more investment for Indigenous entrepreneurs and tourism through the Strategic Partnership Initiative, more money for Indigenous post-secondary education, and additional housing and infrastructure investment.

He said nearly $243 million was allocated in the budget to create better access to post-secondary education for Indigenous communities, adding that since 2016 there’s been an almost 50 per cent increase in the number of Indigenous people with a post-secondary degree.

“Our government is here as a partner. And through Budget 2024, we’re moving forward – together – to create more and fairer opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. These investments will bring opportunity, create jobs, build homes and continue our shared path toward meaningful reconciliation,” Trudeau said.

One of the local projects highlighted in Saskatchewan includes $89 million for the Hatchet Lake all-seasons road project.

“Indigenous communities contribute greatly to Canada and are full of opportunities, but often don’t have the necessary resources to prosper,” said Dan Vandal, minister for northern affairs and Prairie economic development.

“With Budget 2024, we’re making the necessary investments in education and economic growth, and we’re helping to close the infrastructure and housing gap to give Indigenous Peoples from across the country the chance to succeed.”