Good morning, everyone.

I am pleased to be here with the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, Catherine McKenna, and the Chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Michael Sabia. 

Before making today’s announcement, I would like to take a moment for a COVID-19 update.

In the last few days, COVID-19 cases have continued to rise across the country.  

Ontario has seen its highest ever daily number of cases.

Montréal and Quebec City are at their top level of alert.

And everywhere, this virus remains a threat.

Last spring, we worked together to flatten the curve. I know we can do that again this fall.

So please, keep following public health instructions: Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance.

And, if you haven’t already, download the COVID Alert app from the App Store or Google Play.

It’s free, it protects your privacy, and it’s another way to keep yourself and others safe.

As of this morning, Manitoba has now brought the app fully online, joining Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.

And in the coming days, we’re looking forward to even more provinces following their lead. So, download the app today.

Due to an increase in the number of cases, it’s important for everyone to keep following public health instructions: Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance.

And, if you haven’t already, download the COVID Alert app.

As of this morning, Manitoba has now brought the app fully online, joining Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Saskatchewan.

We’re looking forward to even more provinces following their lead.

For our part, the government is continuing to work with the provinces and territories to keep you safe.

Earlier this week, I called Premier Ford and Premier Legault to offer my full support, as we face this second wave together.

We talked about what more our government could do, especially in terms of screening, and support for small and medium-sized businesses.

Later today, we will hold our nineteenth meeting with Canada’s premiers.

We must continue working together.

I am thinking of the Safe Restart Agreement and the Safe Return to Class Fund.

These are federal investments that help with all kinds of measures, including personal protective equipment, and the protection of children and school staff.

The priority, right now, is to help Canadians weather the storm.

Last Wednesday, in the Speech from the Throne, we announced our plan to support Canadians through this crisis, as long as it takes, whatever it takes.

Job one remains keeping people safe.

And as we do that, we’re also going to fight for the livelihoods of every single worker.

This spring was tough for a lot of people who either lost their jobs, or saw their hours cut.

And while many Canadians are back at work, many others are still looking.

As a government, there are ways we can help by building on what we’ve done so far.

In the Throne Speech, we announced a plan to create over a million jobs for Canadians.

We’ll make this happen by extending the wage subsidy and investing in youth employment.

And we’ll also look at opportunities in growing sectors, which is what I want to talk about today.

This morning, our government is launching a $10-billion infrastructure plan to build stronger, healthier communities while helping Canadians get back to work.

In fact, this plan alone will create about 60,000 jobs right across the country.

Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, this three-year Growth Plan will invest in everything from clean power, zero-emission buses and home retrofits, to broadband and irrigation infrastructure for farmers.

This is a win-win.

With smart, targeted investments, we can get people back on the job and grow the economy, while building a healthy, sustainable future for everyone.

This morning, our government is launching a $10-billion infrastructure plan to build stronger, healthier communities while helping Canadians get back to work.

Through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, this three-year Growth Plan will invest in everything from clean power, zero-emission buses and home retrofits, to broadband and irrigation infrastructure for farmers.

With smart, targeted investments, we can get people back on the job and grow the economy, while building a healthy, sustainable future for everyone.

As we work to build a stronger country, we must ensure that no one is left behind.

The past six months have been difficult for everyone, but especially for many of our seniors.

Seniors: you worked hard your entire lives and now it’s our turn to work hard to give you the best support possible.

Our government will continue to listen, and we will stay on the lookout, to ensure you have everything you need.

As we announced in the Speech from the Throne, we will continue to take steps to protect people in long-term care facilities, while helping seniors to stay in their homes longer and increasing benefits.

Our communities—just like our families—are stronger because of the contributions of seniors.

On National Seniors Day, and every day, let’s recognize the people in our lives who helped raise us, and who made this country what it is.

Finally, I want to end today by recognizing some important news out of the House of Commons.

Earlier this morning, our government introduced a Bill to end conversion therapy in Canada.

It’s past time to put a stop to this unacceptable, discredited practice that has hurt far too many LGBTQ2 Canadians.

Conversion therapy is harmful, degrading, and has no place in Canada.

I hope all parties step up, come together, and support this Bill.