Trudeau talks wildfires, opioid crisis, housing and taking selfies

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – After touring the damage caused by wildfires in the Interior, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flew to Vancouver for a series of media interviews and to meet with Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

Trudeau stopped by the studios of Breakfast Television where he was grilled on a several topics, including funding for wildfire victims, the housing crisis and the ongoing opioid crisis that is now a nation-wide epidemic.

At the top of the interview, Trudeau was asked why he took so long to come to BC, given a state of emergency was declared three weeks ago.

“The last thing I want to do is to take away from the amazing work that’s being done by the first responders. Whenever a prime minister shows up, there’s a whole hoopla that goes around it and we were looking for a little bit of a lull which we’ve had this past week, in terms of the intensity of the fires.”

LISTEN: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks on BT Vancouver

 

He praised crews for their work and dedication to try and save homes and to prevent further damage. However, he was also asked to respond to criticism about the fact the federal government is not matching dollar-for-dollar donations to the BC wildfire fund, like Ottawa did for Fort McMurray.

“We defer to BC Red Cross and the provincial government to say, ‘What is the best way for the federal government to help?’ And they said to do it this way and we’re happy to do it. It’s different in each situation, but we’re focused on giving people the help they need when they need them. We’re matching the provincial contributions. We’re giving about $27 million.”

Rolling Stone cover

Trudeau was asked if his recent cover on Rolling Stone magazine distracts from more important things happening in the province and country right now.

“I’m focused on the [BC] wildfires. I’m focused on the renegotiation of NAFTA. I think putting the message out there that Canada is doing great things… is not a terrible thing, but it’s certainly not the central focus of our government.”

The prime minister was also questioned about how often he takes selfies with people. “I try to get out and meet with as many Canadians as I can. I think it’s really important to stay connected with folks, to listen to what people’s concerns are and understand how best to serve them as a government. I’ve never apologized for the amount of time I spend chatting with Canadians and if they ask me for a selfie, I will give them a selfie.”

Trudeau’s Take: How PM @JustinTrudeau says his government is handling #BCWildfires, #OpioidCrisis & #Pipelines. #BCPoli #CanPoli pic.twitter.com/YP3NYFQuVZ

— Breakfast Television (@BT_Vancouver) August 1, 2017

Opioid crisis hitting BC hardest

Trudeau is taking some time during his pit stop in Vancouver to talk to Mayor Gregor Robertson about the opioid crisis that has claimed hundreds of lives so far this year.

“We need to be working at it from all levels of government. Whether it’s faster approval of safe consumption sites here in BC but also right across the country, whether it’s making it tougher at the border to bring through small packages that could contain fentanyl… we’re continuing to engage at a multi-level way.”

However, are the efforts of the Trudeau administration actually working? “We’re working to open new centres, to extend the hours of the safe consumption sites, to create a better response in terms of prescribing opioids so we’re more thoughtful about cutting this off.”

BC set a record last year for the number of people who died due to the opioid crisis and the deaths in 2017 are expected to surpass that.

Pipeline projects in BC

BC Premier John Horgan has been adamant about stopping the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline project — something he and Trudeau don’t agree on.

Trudeau claims the two aren’t that far apart on pipelines. “Yes, there is a difference of opinion on approach, but the values of saying, ‘We need to grow the economy and protect the environment at the same time…’ the premier certainly agrees with that.”

Trudeau says they’ll work through any issues with the new NDP administration on a step-by-step basis.

Affordable housing

It’s no surprise the issue of housing and the hot real estate market came up with the prime minister. He was asked what Ottawa was doing or could do to help get people into a home they could actually afford.

“What we have done is actually step up and get re-engaged on housing. The federal government, for a long time, stepped out of housing but we’re stepping back in.”

Trudeau talked about cutting taxes for the middle class as one way his government is trying to help. “We’re also growing the economy. We’re creating new jobs and if people have better jobs and more income coming in they’ll be better able to afford their homes.”

He adds they’re working to fund more affordable and social housing units, but didn’t give many specifics.