Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Paul Gérin-Lajoie
June 25, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement on the death of Paul Gérin-Lajoie, a former Quebec minister and a pioneer of education:
“Today, we pay tribute to former politician and pioneer of the Quebec educational system, Paul Gérin-Lajoie.
“Having served as both the minister of youth and minister of education in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec, Mr. Gérin-Lajoie was known as the father of modern education in the province.
“Mr. Gérin-Lajoie also played a key role in support of international development, first as the President of the Canadian International Development Agency and later as the founder of the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation.
“Whether as a politician or a citizen, Mr. Gérin-Lajoie made immense contributions to Quebec and the world. His enduring commitment to education and youth helped strengthen communities across Canada, while building a better future for young people around the world. His work has won him the esteem of his province, and today our whole country honours this great Canadian.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Gérin-Lajoie.”
Prime Minister Trudeau to attend NATO Summit
June 25, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the NATO Summit on July 11 and 12, 2018.
Canada, along with 11 other countries, founded NATO in 1949 on the fundamental values of democracy, individual liberty, human rights, and the rule of law. For more than six decades, NATO has proven itself to be a major contributor to international peace, security, and stability – essential for economic growth and prosperity.
At the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau will discuss trans-Atlantic security issues and challenges with other NATO leaders, including how to work together to strengthen the international rules-based order and protect our citizens.
Together, NATO leaders will explore how best to reinforce our collective security, including by responding to emerging and evolving threats as well as conducting training and capacity-building with partner nations and organizations. Leaders will also address Russia’s aggressive and illegal actions, and Prime Minister Trudeau will reaffirm Canada’s support for Ukraine.
In all discussions and working sessions, Prime Minister Trudeau will reiterate Canada’s commitment to playing an active role in the Alliance, and a strong and constructive role in the world.
Quote
“NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy, and an important alliance as we look for more stability in a world going through rapid change. I look forward to meeting with leaders from NATO member states in Belgium to deepen our already strong relationships, and to discuss what more we can and must do to advance peace and security for our citizens and people around the world.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Since 2014, Canada has actively worked alongside NATO allies to maintain security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. Measures include training, exercises, and other operational tasks.
- Operation REASSURANCE is the Canadian Armed Forces’ support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe. As part of this operation, Canada has established its largest sustained military presence in Europe in over a decade by leading a multinational NATO battlegroup in Latvia.
- In light of continued international instability, NATO Allies decided at the July 2016 Warsaw Summit to further strengthen the Alliance posture in order to deter possible aggression against NATO members. The most visible element of this strengthened deterrence and defence posture is the establishment of the enhanced Forward Presence in Central and Eastern Europe.
Associated Links
Statement by the Prime Minister on la Fête nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day
June 24, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on la Fête nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day:
“Today, my family and I join Quebecers to celebrate Quebec’s unique culture, history, and heritage. On la Fête nationale du Québec, we honour our province’s distinct history, which has shaped a Canada that is strong in its differences and proud of its diversity.
“Quebec is a core part of Canada’s founding story, and of its success. Over the years, Québecers have cultivated a unique identity based on the principles of equality, freedom, and democracy. Today, Quebec talent shines on the international stage, and Quebecers’ many contributions, at home and abroad, make all Canadians proud.
“On Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, we also join Francophones from coast to coast to coast to celebrate the language, the traditions, and the identity of francophone Canada.
“From one generation to the next, Canada’s Francophones have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the French language and culture across the country. Francophones have played a leadership role throughout our history, whether socially, economically, or culturally, shaping our common values and our Canadian identity. Today, we celebrate their many contributions to building a strong, open, and prosperous Canada.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to Quebecers, Francophones, and all those celebrating la Fête nationale du Québec and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day.”
June 27, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Statement by the Prime Minister on Canadian Multiculturalism Day
June 27, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to highlight Canadian Multiculturalism Day:
“As the first country in the world to adopt a policy of multiculturalism, Canada has shown time and time again that diversity and inclusion are sources of strength, and at the heart of our success.
“One-fifth of Canadians were born elsewhere and chose to immigrate to Canada. Vibrant, progressive, and diverse, our towns and cities have become windows to the world because of the people who have made them home.
“While we have much to celebrate, we need to recognize that the Canadian reality has not been – and is not today – welcoming, fair, and equal for everybody.
“As Canadians, we must work even harder to create a level playing field that expands opportunity and gives a voice to all. Canada is successful and prosperous because generation after generation of Canadians have embraced this task, and challenged themselves, and each other, to broaden our understanding of what it means to be an open, compassionate, and accepting country.
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, I call on all Canadians to put our values into practice, and embrace the differences that make us strong. We are all custodians of Canada’s character.
“May we never forget, or take for granted, that Canada is an accepting, compassionate, and respectful country – and an example to the world – because we are accepting, compassionate, and respectful to each other.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to take part in the many activities being held across the country, and to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions that people of all backgrounds have made, and continue to make, to Canadian society.”
