PRESS RELEASE – April 12th, 2023 

University of Manitoba Fort Gary Campus, Winnipeg, MB Today UMSU was delighted to welcome the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, onto our beautiful campus. Joining Prime Minister Trudeau in his announcement was the Honourable Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Climate Change, Terry Duguid. 

In this announcement, Prime Minister Trudeau discussed the highlights from the 2023 federal budget as well as sustainability initiatives coming from the Government of Canada. More specifically, Clean Electricity Investment, Clean Technology Manufacturing, Clean Hydrogen, and Carbon Capture tax credits were announced. University of Manitoba students play a large part in advancing, researching, and developing many of these important clean energy initiatives that will aid in building a cleaner, greener future for our province and our country. 

The Prime Minister said the following: 

“When it comes to clean energy and clean technology, Canada is a world leader. That’s why companies from around the world continue to choose Canada – and above all, Canadian workers – to grow their operations. The investments we are proposing in Budget 2023 will help us continue to build an economy that works for everyone, with good middle-class jobs, while leaving a stronger, healthier future for our kids.” 

The Right Honourable Trudeau also outlined the 40% increase towards Canada Student Grants (CSG). This increase is a necessary move to support students during times of high inflation, and a step towards accessible and affordable postsecondary education across our country. While UMSU is pleased about the $1,200 increase in CSG funding, we are also eager to see a reinvestment into the doubling of Canada Student Grants from the federal government. 

When asked about the event today, Jaron Rykiss, the President of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union, had the following to say: 

“Thank you, Prime Minister Trudeau, for coming to our home, meeting with students, and engaging with our community. We look forward to our continued partnership with the government and for continued support towards not only accessible post-secondary education, but also a clean and sustainable future.” 

We are hopeful that the federal government will continue to support students. UMSU will remain a strong advocate for more affordable and accessible education as a whole. 

**For inquiries, please contact pres@umsu.ca