World-renowned chimpanzee expert Jane Goodall says she had a "meeting of the minds" during a private talk with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa.

The pioneering primatologist, who became famous for her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees in Tanzania, praised the Liberal government for being "sympathetic" to the issues of prime concern for her: protecting the environment, tackling climate change and engaging youth.

Goodall said she is optimistic about Canada's future because so many youth support the Trudeau government's priorities going forward.

She said she draws on the wisdom of indigenous people in her actions.

"I know we have very pressing issues to cope with now, but we mustn't forget the generations ahead," Goodall told reporters after being recognized in the House of Commons. "If we don't change, then in a hundred years, it's not a place I would want a child of mine to be born into."

A news release from the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada noted the federal government has been a "generous supporter" of the institute's project in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Last year, the Canadian government awarded the project a $4.1-million grant.

Protecting rain forests

Goodall's institute is also involved in climate change efforts to protect rain forests and a program to engage young people in projects to protect important habitats.

Goodall first travelled to what is now Tanzania in 1960 when she was just 26, immersing herself in the study of wild chimpanzees and fascinating people around the world with her work.

She has become internationally renowned as a scientist and for her commitment to social justice and the environment.

Goodall will be delivering a sold-out lecture at Ottawa's Shaw Centre tonight called "Journey from the Jungle."