The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, met today with the Premier of Quebec, Philippe Couillard. The leaders discussed the economy, and the importance of investing in infrastructure. They also discussed their common desire for an ambitious pan-Canadian plan to help combat climate change, its connection with economic development, and related investments in public transit and social and green infrastructure.

Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Premier Couillard for the warm welcome Quebec is extending to Syrian refugees beginning with the first arrival flight in Montréal on Saturday, December 12.

Other matters that were raised included federalism and Quebec’s place in Canada, senate reform, physician-assisted dying, and the public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. That inquiry is an important step in the strengthening of a collaborative nation-to-nation relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada and Quebec.

The leaders welcomed the close collaboration between them to date and committed to maintaining an open line of communication.