Prime Minister announces St. Louis apology
May 8, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will deliver a formal apology in the House of Commons over the fate of the MS St. Louis and its passengers.
On May 13, 1939, the MS St. Louis departed Germany with close to a thousand passengers, including 907 Jewish German citizens desperate for safety and refuge from persecution. The Jewish refugees on board were not allowed to disembark at the ship’s first destination, Cuba, and were subsequently denied entry into the United States and, finally, Canada, due to our discriminatory “none is too many” immigration policy of the time. The refugees were forced to return to Europe, where many were condemned to concentration camps. 254 of the passengers were murdered during the Holocaust.
The Prime Minister made the announcement while speaking at the March of the Living’s 30th anniversary gala. The March of the Living is an annual educational program for students to travel to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp as a tribute to the survivors and victims of the Holocaust and the strength and resilience of the Jewish community.
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“When Canada denied asylum to the 907 German Jews on board the MS St. Louis, we failed not only those passengers, but also their descendants and community. An apology in the House of Commons will not rewrite this shameful chapter of our history. It will not bring back those who perished or repair the lives shattered by tragedy. But it is our collective responsibility to acknowledge this difficult truth, learn from this story, and continue to fight against anti-Semitism every day, as we give meaning to the solemn vow: ‘Never again.’ I look forward to offering this apology on the floor of the House.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister nominates new Chief Electoral Officer
May 8, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of Stéphane Perrault as the new Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.
Born and raised in Montréal, Mr. Perrault’s distinguished career with the Government of Canada spans more than two decades as both a senior executive and lawyer. He has been the Acting Chief Electoral Officer since December 2016.
As the head of Elections Canada, the Chief Electoral Officer is responsible for operating fair and efficient federal elections in accordance with the Canada Elections Act and other laws that govern the federal electoral process, including the Referendum Act and the Electoral Boundaries Readjustment Act. Elections Canada works to ensure all Canadians can exercise their democratic rights to vote and to be a candidate.
Stéphane Perrault was chosen as the nominee for the position of Chief Electoral Officer through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
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“I am pleased to announce the nomination of Stéphane Perrault as Canada’s new Chief Electoral Officer. His experience leading the agency for the last year and a half and administering many by-elections across the country make Mr. Perrault an excellent choice to head Elections Canada.”
– The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Chief Electoral Officer is an independent Agent of Parliament. Under the Canada Elections Act, the Chief Electoral Officer is appointed by resolution of the House of Commons to hold office for a term of 10 years.
- The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons tabled this nomination in the House of Commons for referral to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. The Committee will have 30 days to examine the nomination and report back to the House of Commons, at which time the House will vote on the appointment.
Biographical Notes
Itinerary for Wednesday, May 9, 2018
May 8, 2018
Ottawa, OntarioNote: All times localOttawa, Ontario10 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the National Caucus meeting.2 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend Question Period.3 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a ceremony to pay tribute to Olympic and Paralympic athletes in the House of Commons.3:30 p.m.The Prime Minister will attend a reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes and deliver remarks.Reading Room (237-C)
Centre Block
Parliament HillNote to media:
- Open coverage
