First, it’s no secret that the last year and a half has been difficult.

But we all rolled up our sleeves to ensure that our neighbours, our friends, and our front-line workers were safe.

And now, as we put the pandemic behind us, it’s time to roll them back up to rebuild.

And, as we rebuild, why not build back better?

What we want is to come back, not like it was before, but stronger than it was before.

Our regions must have the tools they need to succeed.

And that is exactly why we’re here today.

Speaking of building back better, this morning, I was speaking with Mayor Lapierre of the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and other members of the Madelinot community.  

I was there to announce that we are withdrawing the Port of Cap-aux-Meules from the Port Asset Transfer Program, which means we are committed to having a long-term plan for the fishers’ wharf. 

In the short term, for Madelinots, I also announced that we will be installing a barge to create additional moorage at the Port of Cap-aux-Meules. The mandate will be awarded in September at the latest for next year’s fishing season.

When our rural communities are stronger, it means our country as a whole is stronger.

And that’s why we’re here today—to talk about what we’re doing to create more jobs for the middle class, and more opportunities for our communities.    

For our regions to be stronger, they need good, reliable, well-paying jobs.

And today we have very good news on that front.

General Electric’s LM Wind Power will expand its wind turbine blade plant here in Gaspé.

The federal government will contribute up to $25 million of this $170-million project.

With investments like these, we are solidifying our standing as a world leader in green energy.

We are also helping people to breathe cleaner air and creating good jobs for the middle class, right here at home.

Once the project is completed, the plant will be able to create at least 200 new jobs and maintain another 380 jobs.

For those who are not used to it, yes, these blades look pretty big, but the new blades we could build are up to two and half times longer.

It’s a lot of work, but it’s something I am sure everyone here is capable of doing.

We are very happy to be working in partnership with the Government of Quebec on this project, and with the municipality of Gaspé.

These projects are essential to Quebecers’ prosperity.  

Jonatan and Daniel, thank you again for your collaboration.

Here in Gaspé, LM Wind Power will produce and export some of the world’s largest rotor blades for markets in Europe and the U.S.

If you think these ones are big, you’ve got to know, the ones they’re planning on building are two and a half times longer than the ones we have presently right here.

That’s big.

This is what building back better is all about—working together to build a cleaner and more prosperous future.

So Heather and Alexandre, thank you for your commitment to this project.

I often say that building a more sustainable future goes hand in hand with growing the economy.

And today is yet another perfect example.

It’s not that we have to make a choice between fighting climate change and creating good jobs.

It’s the only way of creating and maintaining good jobs, not just for the years to come but for the decades to come, is to do it in a way that understands the transformation our planet is going through, and the need to continue to step up in the fight for cleaner environment and against climate change.   

We have the skills, expertise, and resources here in Canada to be leaders in clean technologies.

And our government will continue to take real actions to develop our industrial advantage when it comes to renewable energy.

The vitality of our regions will always be a priority for our government.

Today at lunch, Diane brought us to the Maison du Pêcheur in Percé.

We had an amazing view of the Percé Rock.

I had the opportunity to meet some local entrepreneurs.

Marc-Antoine spoke of his family seafood processing company.

Shaddy told me about her restaurant, Buvette Thérèse.

We talked about the challenges of the last year, but, as I told them, there are better days ahead.

We will rebuild, together.

We will make sure that our communities are stronger.

And with our government, the regions will always have an ally in Ottawa.

Thank you, my friends, for being here today.