Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on World Environment Day
June 5, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Environment Day:
“Today, on World Environment Day, we join the international community to celebrate the natural world around us and reflect on our shared responsibility to safeguard the environment for generations to come.
“The theme for this year’s World Environment Day – Beat Plastic Pollution – calls on all of us to make changes in our lives that help eliminate plastic waste and pollution, and protect our planet.
“Plastic pollution is a global challenge that does not respect borders – it litters our streets, accumulates in our landfills, and contaminates our rivers and oceans. To help reduce waste and fight climate change, the Government of Canada has taken significant steps and is planning important new measures to protect the environment and promote clean growth, here at home and abroad.
“Today, we announced the appointment of Patricia Fuller as Canada’s new Ambassador for Climate Change to help advance Canada’s clean growth and climate change priorities on the world stage. Later this week at the G7 Summit, we will bring world leaders together to discuss how we can reduce plastic pollution, tackle climate change, and improve the health of the world’s oceans.
“The Government of Canada will continue to drive progress on the environmental challenges we face as a global community, and protect the clean air and water we share.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage everyone to take action and #BeatPlasticPollution. I also invite Canadians to share their ideas on how we can move Canada toward zero plastic waste. From changing how we create plastics to making sure they are reused and recycled, together, we can make a real difference for our planet’s future.”
Prime Minister speaks with First Ministers on Canada-United States trade issues
June 5, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke yesterday with provincial and territorial premiers to discuss Canada-United States (U.S.) trade issues, in particular concerning the unacceptable decision of the U.S. to apply tariffs to Canadian steel and aluminum.
The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment with the decision by the U.S. Administration to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. The Prime Minister noted that, given our shared history, it is inconceivable that Canadian steel or aluminum might be a security threat to the U.S. He stressed that these tariffs will hurt workers and industry on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border.
The Prime Minister thanked Canadian premiers for their hard work and continued support in advocating against the unwarranted tariffs. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the steel and aluminum sector to the Canadian economy, and First Ministers agreed to continue to vigorously defend and protect Canadian workers, industry, and interests. The Prime Minister outlined Canada’s plans for reciprocal retaliatory measures.
With respect to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister noted that the federal government is working to conclude negotiations on an agreement that is in the best interests of Canadians.
Prime Minister names new Ambassador for Climate Change
June 5, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada continues to provide international leadership to address climate change, honour its Paris Agreement commitments, and transition to a low-carbon, clean-growth economy. We know our future prosperity and well-being depend on taking ambitious, coordinated action at home and as a global community.
Today, on World Environment Day, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that Patricia Fuller has been appointed Canada’s new Ambassador for Climate Change, for a term of three years, effective immediately.
Ms. Fuller will advise both the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Foreign Affairs on how Canada can best advance its climate change priorities on the world stage and work closely with Canadian missions to put the Government of Canada’s environmental policies into practice. She will reinforce Canada’s work with other countries on innovative climate solutions and promote our clean technology sector to global investors.
Working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy is one of the key themes of Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency and will be at the centre of the discussions at the G7 Summit from June 8-9, 2018.
Quotes
“Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global solution. Everywhere, we are seeing the effects of climate change reminding us of the need to act now. Canada’s new Ambassador for Climate Change, Ms. Fuller, is here to lead Canada’s efforts and work in collaboration with the global community to tackle climate change and promote clean economic growth.”—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“I’m very pleased to welcome Patricia Fuller as Canada’s new Ambassador for Climate Change. Canada is proud to work with our international partners to advance climate solutions like phasing out coal, reducing risks from extreme weather and climate impacts, and supporting clean solutions and innovation. We’re all in this together, and international collaboration is essential to make sure we are leaving a healthy environment and a strong economy to our kids and grandkids.”—The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
- The Climate Change Ambassador is appointed by the Governor in Council to hold office on a full-time basis for a term of up to three years.
- The Climate Change Ambassador has a key role in government-wide engagement on climate change and in the implementation of Canada’s clean growth and climate change priorities.
- Continued leadership and global cooperation are key to moving forward and meeting the Paris Agreement commitment to limit global temperature increases and to increase the ability to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change. To that effect, in December 2016, Canada released the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enable sustainable economic growth.
- In 2014, Canada's clean and sustainable technology industry employed over 55,600 people in almost 800 technology companies in all regions of the country. Most of these companies are small and medium-sized enterprises. Total revenues from this industry reached nearly $12 billion.
- Canada has committed $2.65 billion to international climate finance to support a wide range of programs and initiatives that will help developing countries mitigate and build resilience to the impacts of climate change, deploy clean energy technology, and manage natural resources sustainably.
