Trudeau tours Sask. Polytechnic to tout skills training investment

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his second stop in Saskatoon in the last four months on Wednesday to tour trade programs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

Students from the mechanical engineering technology, power engineering and agricultural equipment technician labs showcased their skills to the prime minister.

“If the government invests in this trade it will get better mechanics and shops are always looking for those Red Seals,” said Travis Platt, an agricultural equipment technician student.

Cameron Ahmed, press secretary for Trudeau, told 650 CKOM no funding was specifically announced for Sask. Polytechnic Wednesday afternoon, but the government is commiting $8.2 billion over five years to skills development and innovation.

“We will be investing in things like post secondary institutions, post secondary training for indigenous students and making EI more flexible,” he said.

Ahmed couldn’t say whether Saskatoon could get investments in the future for Sask. Polytechnic or the University of Saskatchewan.

Trudeau didn’t hold a press conference but did engage with students, asking them to explain what their projects and demonstrate what they’ve learned.

Sorry I’m late to the party, was live with @saskafternoon during everything, @JustinTrudeau checking out vehicle proto from @SaskPolytech pic.twitter.com/3dClH3kjbV

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) March 29, 2017

Wednesday marked Trudeau’s first visit to Saskatoon since stopping at the U of S for his cross-Canada town hall tour.