June 10, 2018
Québec City, Quebec
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met today with Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Chair of the African Union, following the G7 Summit at Charlevoix.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked President Kagame for his participation at the G7, and the two leaders discussed shared priorities including women's empowerment and gender equality, and environmental protection.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the bilateral relationship and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Trudeau commended President Kagame on his chairmanship of the African Union and spoke of Canada's increasing engagement with Africa, including in support of economic growth.
The Prime Minister congratulated the President for Rwanda's election to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2020 and said he looked forward to continued strong collaboration for a successful outcome.
The two leaders also discussed the Francophonie and its role in projecting French language and culture. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his strong support for the re-election of Michaelle Jean as Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie.
Prime Minister concludes successful G7 Summit focused on creating economic growth that benefits everyone
June 10, 2018
Québec City, Quebec
As the 2018 G7 President, Canada put forward a progressive agenda that reflects our values and ambitions. This week, G7 leaders met in the Charlevoix region of Quebec to find real, concrete solutions to pressing global challenges—the type of solutions that will make a real difference in the lives of people in our countries and around the world.
At the Summit, G7 leaders talked about investing in economic growth that works for everyone and preparing people for the jobs of the future. They reaffirmed their commitment to advance gender equality, defend their democracies against foreign threats, and build a more peaceful and secure world. They also discussed climate change, oceans, and clean energy.
Yesterday, Canada, along with the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, announced an investment of nearly $3.8 billion CAD to support quality education for women and girls living in crisis, conflict-affected and fragile states. This funding represents the single largest investment of its kind in history. In the fight for greater equality, education is key—it gives women and girls the tools they need to make their own decisions about their future and live the life they want for themselves.
Throughout the Summit, leaders discussed the future of the economy and their shared responsibility to create sustainable economic growth that works for everyone, particularly those at risk of being left behind. They endorsed the Charlevoix Commitment on Equality and Economic Growth, which reinforces a common commitment to fight poverty, achieve gender equality, reduce income inequality, and ensure better access to financial resources so that everyone has a chance to earn a decent living. They also committed to build a common vision for the future of artificial intelligence and to champion innovative financing that supports international development and reinforces gender equality and women’s empowerment.
G7 leaders discussed how to tackle climate change, and the importance of investing in clean energy, and protecting our oceans and coastal communities. Recognizing that plastics pose a significant threat to our oceans, five countries have agreed to the Oceans Plastics Charter, which speaks to our common resolve to eradicate plastic pollution. This is a positive step for the environment and for businesses that will benefit from reducing the cost associated with plastic use. Building on this initiative, Canada will invest $100 million to rid our oceans of global marine litter and plastic pollution.
G7 leaders agreed to the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, which will promote sustainable oceans and fisheries, and support resilient coasts and coastal communities. Canada will invest $162 million to support these goals, and preserve the health and resilience of our oceans and coasts.
To build a more peaceful and secure world, leaders committed to take strong action in response to foreign actors who seek to undermine our democratic societies and institutions, our electoral processes, and our sovereignty. G7 leaders agreed to establish a G7 rapid response mechanism, which will strengthen coordination among our countries to identify and respond to these diverse and evolving threats. Through this initiative, G7 countries will share information and analysis, and identify new opportunities where we can work together to defend our democracies.
As leaders, we will ensure all workers have access to the skills and education they need to adapt and prosper in our rapidly changing global economy. In particular, we will expand training and education programs for women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), to ensure that we build a forward-looking economy for future generations.
On the margins of the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister also met with several world leaders and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, to promote increased cooperation and collaboration on global issues of mutual concern. They discussed gender equality, climate change, peace and security, as well as economic growth—themes that were at the forefront of Canada’s G7 Presidency.
Canada hopes that this year’s G7 marks the start of a new tradition where gender equality will continue to be a cross-cutting theme of G7 presidencies. In the coming months and years, we must continue to work together to spur innovation, put people first, and deliver growth that works for everyone. Together, the leaders have a real opportunity to improve the lives of their citizens and build stronger communities and economies. The discussions they had over the past two days will help address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, and Canada looks forward to continue working with its partners to deliver meaningful solutions for people around the world.
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“We are facing pressing social, economic and environmental challenges that transcend all borders. Only by working together will we find the innovative solutions we need to deliver meaningful results to people around the world. Canada is committed to working with other countries to fight inequalities, create economic growth that benefits everyone, and leave a better, healthier planet for future generations.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Prior to meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau, world leaders and heads of international organizations participated in a special G7 Summit outreach session focused on healthy oceans and resilient coastal communities.
- In addition to meeting with the G7 leaders, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with the following leaders:
- Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina and Chair of the G20
- Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh
- Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya
- Paul Kagame, President of Rwanda and Chair of the African Union
- Macky Sall, President of Senegal
- Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa
- Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, Prime Minister of Vietnam
- The Prime Minister also held a roundtable discussion with leaders of Small Island Developing States.
- On June 7, Prime Minister Trudeau released a report – Achieving Growth that Works for Everyone – to highlight economic challenges faced by our citizens and identify ways we can work together to address them.
- The G7 is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union was first invited to attend the G7 in 1977, but is not part of the hosting rotation.
- In 2019, France will hold the G7 Presidency.
- The previous Canadian-hosted Summits were held in Muskoka, Ontario (2010); Kananaskis, Alberta (2002); Halifax, Nova Scotia (1995); Toronto, Ontario (1988); and Ottawa-Montebello, Ontario and Quebec (1981).
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Investing in growth that works for everyone
- Backgrounder: Preparing for jobs of the future
- Backgrounder: Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment
- Backgrounder: Working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy
- Backgrounder: Building a more peaceful and secure world
Associated Links
- The Charlevoix G7 Summit Communiqué
- Charlevoix Commitment on Equality and Economic Growth
- Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development
- Charlevoix Common Vision for the Future of Artificial Intelligence
- Charlevoix Commitment to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Abuse and Harassment in Digital Contexts
- Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries
- Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities
- Charlevoix Commitment on Defending Democracy from Foreign Threats
- Canada and partners announce historic investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations
- G7 2018 Charlevoix
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa
June 10, 2018
Québec City, Quebec
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met today with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, following the G7 Summit in Charlevoix. The Prime Minister thanked President Ramaphosa for his contribution to the Summit, and the two leaders discussed further opportunities to advance the oceans agenda, women's empowerment and other priorities of shared concern.
The President and the Prime Minister recalled the historical friendship between their two countries, including Canada's active opposition to apartheid and support in rebuilding a democratic South Africa. They expressed strong interest in further strengthening bilateral cooperation, including in promoting investment and pursuing inclusive economic growth.
The Prime Minister congratulated South Africa on its election this week to the United Nations Security Council. The two leaders discussed regional issues including developments in Zimbabwe.
Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged the importance of 2018 as the Centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela whose leadership was warmly recalled.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the President of Senegal, Macky Sall
June 10, 2018
Québec City, Quebec
Following the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with President Macky Sall of Senegal. The Prime Minister and the President discussed their shared commitment to address oceans issues, including both over-fishing and plastic waste.
The Prime Minister acknowledged Senegal's leadership on regional peace and security issues, and the two leaders discussed the UN peace-support deployment in Mali and their shared commitment to strengthening of UN peace-support capacity more generally.
The two leaders welcomed the substantial outcome achieved at the Charlevoix Summit on women's and girls' education in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Prime Minister Trudeau commended President Sall for his leadership in co-hosting with France the replenishment conference for the Global Partnership for Education earlier this year.
The leaders discussed La Francophonie, and the Prime Minister reaffirmed his support for Michaëlle Jean in her role as Secretary-General.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri
June 10, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Yesterday evening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mrs. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau hosted dinner for President Mauricio Macri of Argentina and his wife, Juliana Awada, on the margins of the G7 Summit in La Malbaie, Quebec.
The Prime Minister and the President reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating closely throughout their respective G7 and G20 presidencies in 2018, and discussed shared priorities of economic growth and job creation, gender equality and trade that benefits everyone.
The two leaders also discussed the important commercial relationship between Canada and Argentina and the opportunities for further growth.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres
June 10, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Yesterday Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, at the G7 Summit Charlevoix.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General discussed opportunities to further advance the education of women and girls, especially those facing barriers to education due to conflict or crisis. They exchanged views on innovative financing of Sustainable Development Goals. They also discussed collaboration on G7 Summit priorities on the protection of oceans and the environment and to address the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.
The Prime Minister and Secretary-General’s conversation addressed the plight of the Rohingya population in Myanmar and also the Elsie Initiative, which has been launched by Canada and international partners to increase the deployment of women in peacekeeping operations.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Secretary-General Guterres for continuing to advance important institutional reforms, and congratulated him for recently achieving gender parity in senior management at the United Nations.
Statement by the Prime Minister on National Public Service Week
June 10, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for National Public Service Week, which runs from June 10 to 16, 2018:
“This week we celebrate Canada's public servants, whose hard work and dedication make a difference each day in the lives of Canadians.
“Canada’s Public Service has earned recognition worldwide – thanks to the leadership, passion, and commitment our public servants show every day. Whether helping those affected by the spring flooding across the country, welcoming the world to Canada during the G7 Summit, or supporting Canadians abroad, public servants are there time and again to deliver the essential services we rely on.
“Public servants continue to show unwavering professionalism as they face unacceptable hardships caused by the implementation of the Phoenix pay system. The government will continue to work diligently to make sure every employee gets the pay they are owed. As outlined in Budget 2018, we have added significant resources to boost processing capacity, improve support for employees within departments, and begin work on a new pay system. Working together with our public service labour partners, we are committed to resolving outstanding pay system issues as quickly as possible.
“From bringing new initiatives to life, to carrying out ongoing services, federal public servants continue to set an example for service excellence around the world. In communities across Canada, public servants are finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face, and tackling the issues that matter most to Canadians – from promoting diversity and inclusion, to growing economies that work for everyone.
“To all public servants, I say thank you. You play a vital role to keep our democracy healthy, strengthen communities, and grow the middle class. I look forward to continuing to work with you to build a Canada where everyone has access to quality services and a real and fair chance to succeed.”
Canada and partners announce historic investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations
June 9, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a top priority for Canada and its G7 Presidency. To make gender equality a reality, all women and girls around the world must have equal access to quality education and learning opportunities. When women and girls have an equal chance to learn, grow, and succeed, they help build an economy that works for everyone.
Canada, along with the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank, today announced an investment of close to $3.8 billion CAD, marking a fundamental shift toward improving access and reducing barriers to quality education around the world. Today’s announcement represents the single largest investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. It has the potential to make a difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable women and girls.
These investments will support global action to:
- Equip women and girls with the skills needed for the jobs of the future
- Improve training for teachers to provide better curriculum for women and girls
- Improve the quality of available data on women’s and girls’ education
- Promote greater coordination between humanitarian and development partners
- Support innovative education methods, especially for vulnerable and hard to reach groups, including refugees and displaced people
- Support developing countries in efforts to provide equal opportunities for girls to complete at least 12 years of quality education, from primary to secondary school
Canada will work with these partners along with others to support women’s and girls’ education around the world. They will also make sure the voices of women and girls are included when decisions are made on education and employment.
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“We need to work together to ensure all women and girls have access to quality education and modern skills training. From primary school to secondary school and beyond, women and girls in crisis and conflict situations must have the same opportunities to succeed. Investing in their education is not just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. Given the chance, we know women and girls will drive positive change, and help build better lives for themselves, their families, their communities, and, in turn, the world.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Of the total funding announced today, international partners committed to make the following investments:
- Canada is investing $400 million CAD over three years, in addition to the $180 million we provided in January 2018 to the Global Partnership for Education for 2018-2020.
- The European Union is investing 72 million euros over three years.
- Germany is investing 75 million euros.
- Japan is investing $200 million USD in women’s and girl’s quality education, including in emergencies and conflict-affected or fragile states.
- The United Kingdom is investing £187 million, which builds on Prime Minister May’s announcement at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April when she pledged £212 million to get almost one million girls in developing countries across the Commonwealth learning.
- The World Bank is investing $2 billion USD over five years.
- In February 2018, France committed to provide 200 million euros to the Global Partnership for Education to support girls’ education and help strengthen education systems in developing countries.
- At the end of 2016, globally there were 65.5 million forcibly displaced people, over half of whom were under 18 years of age, with little to no access to quality education and learning opportunities.
- Girls are more likely to be taken out of school due to displacement-related poverty, more likely to be forced into early marriage, and are disproportionately affected by gender and sexual-based violence.
- Canada holds the G7 Presidency for 2018, and is advancing domestic and international priorities framed under the following five key themes:
- Investing in growth that works for everyone
- Preparing for jobs of the future
- Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment
- Working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy
- Building a more peaceful and secure world
Associated Links
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump
June 8, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, to Canada for the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Québec.
The leaders discussed the diplomatic efforts to address the security threat posed by North Korea. This included the coordination of international efforts, as discussed at the Vancouver Conference, and the President’s upcoming summit with North Korea.
They also discussed the close security and economic partnership between Canada and the United States. They exchanged views on energy exports from Canada. Furthermore, they agreed on the importance of bringing negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement to a successful and timely conclusion.
The Prime Minister pressed the President to reconsider the U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum, and encouraged him to work with Canada to address unfair trade. The Prime Minister reiterated it is unacceptable to include Canada in 232 national security tariffs.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Theresa May
June 8, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to Canada for the G7 Summit in Charlevoix.
The prime ministers discussed G7 priorities, including economic growth and job creation, as well as global peace and security, including with regard to North Korea and Ukraine.
They also exchanged views on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through increasing financing for girls’ and women’s education, particularly in fragile states and conflict settings.
Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of collective G7 action on oceans, including to reduce plastic waste.
The prime ministers also discussed the benefits of open, rules-based trade, acknowledging the challenges of protectionism and barriers to trade.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Angela Merkel
June 8, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany to Canada and to the G7 Summit in Charlevoix.
The leaders discussed G7 cooperation on pressing global issues, including gender equality and preparing economies for jobs of the future. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor exchanged views on international peace and security issues, including those presented by Russia and North Korea. The Prime Minister and the Chancellor highlighted the importance of open, rules-based international trade to create economic growth that benefits everyone.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of collective G7 action on oceans, including to reduce plastic waste, as well as the importance of contributing to education for girls and women, especially in fragile states and crisis settings.
Prime Minister meets with European Council President, Donald Tusk and European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker
June 8, 2018
La Malbaie, Québec
Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, met with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission President, and welcomed them to the G7 Summit in Charlevoix.
The leaders discussed Canada’s G7 themes, including economic growth that benefits everyone, gender equality and women’s empowerment, peace and security, and healthy oceans.
The leaders exchanged views on trade and emphasized the need to promote and strengthen the rules-based international trading system. The Prime Minister and the presidents also discussed the importance of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement as a tool for mutual prosperity.
The Prime Minister expressed his ongoing appreciation for a strong transatlantic partnership.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe
June 8, 2018
La Malbaie, Quebec
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, to Canada and to the G7 Summit in Charlevoix.
The leaders discussed opportunities for collaboration on priorities for the G7 Leaders’ Summit, including economic growth, job creation, and the protection of oceans and the environment. They noted successes in mainstreaming gender equality into G7 initiatives, and discussed ways to further this work.
Both prime ministers emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among G7 leaders on global peace and security issues, such as denuclearization and North Korea.
The prime ministers agreed to seek closer ties on innovation and investment, and welcomed plans by Fujitsu Ltd. to open a new artificial intelligence and quantum computing headquarters in Vancouver. They reaffirmed their commitment to a multilateral rules-based order, and their continued championship of open and progressive trade that benefits everyone. They discussed progress toward the shared objective of bringing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership into force expeditiously.
Prime Minister welcomes appointment of new Chief Electoral Officer
June 8, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Stéphane Perrault as the new Chief Electoral Officer of Canada.
The appointment, which was approved today by the House of Commons, is effective immediately.
Elections Canada is an independent, non-partisan agency that reports directly to Parliament and is responsible for operating fair and efficient federal elections. As the head of Elections Canada, the Chief Electoral Officer is an independent Agent of Parliament appointed by resolution of the House of Commons to hold office for a term of 10 years.
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.
Biographical Notes
Associated Link
Prime Minister nominates new Parliamentary Librarian
June 8, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of Heather Lank as the new Parliamentary Librarian.
Dr. Lank has served in increasingly senior roles within the Senate of Canada administration for over 25 years. She is currently the Principal Clerk of the Senate Chamber Operations and Procedure Office, a position she has held since 2015.
Established in 1876, the Library of Parliament is a fully functioning library whose collection and services support the activities and decisions of Parliament and parliamentarians. The Parliamentary Librarian oversees the management of the Library and reports to the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons.
Dr. Lank was chosen as the nominee for the position of Parliamentary Librarian through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
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“Heather Lank’s extensive career in the Senate of Canada administration makes her an outstanding candidate for the position of Parliamentary Librarian. Her knowledge and understanding of Canada’s parliamentary system and services are second-to-none. I know she will do an excellent job managing this important institution that Parliament and all parliamentarians rely on.”
– The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Parliamentary Librarian is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Parliament of Canada Act.
- The Library of Parliament contributes to Canadian parliamentary democracy by creating, managing, and delivering authoritative, reliable, and relevant information for both Houses of Parliament. The Library also collects, curates, preserves, and ensures access to historical information about Parliament.
Biographical Notes
Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the provincial election in Ontario
June 7, 2018
Ottawa
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the provincial election in Ontario:
“Ontarians have chosen to elect a majority government led by the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my sincere congratulations to Doug Ford who will have the honour and privilege to serve as Premier.
“I look forward to working with the new provincial government to create good, middle class jobs, make Ontario a world-leading centre for innovative and sustainable technologies, and build infrastructure that meets the needs of Ontarians.
“Together, we will continue to work to grow Ontario’s economy and address issues of importance to Ontarians and all Canadians.
“I also thank Kathleen Wynne for her years of service as Premier.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on World Oceans Day
June 8, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Oceans Day:
“Oceans have a profound impact on our way of life. They are vast sources of food and energy, home to unique habitats and abundant marine life, and the site of historical moments that continue to shape the world.
“With the longest coastline on earth, Canada’s past – and future – is inseparable from its oceans, coasts, and seas. These natural treasures form the economic bedrock of countless communities. They are gateways to jobs, destinations for recreation and tourism, and hubs of global trade and transportation networks.
“This year, World Oceans Day coincides with the first day of the G7 Summit, where Canada will bring together world leaders and heads of international organizations to fight climate change and preserve the health and resilience of our oceans, coasts, and seas.
“Young people from across G7 countries have already brought forward inspiring ideas, and the #myoceans2050 and #G7oceans conversation will continue when the G7 Environment and Energy ministers meet to discuss how to work together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy in the Fall.
“Since launching the historic Oceans Protection Plan in 2016, the Government of Canada has made meaningful progress to improve the health of our oceans and restore coastal habitats across the country. We are also working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities to help protect and support our vital aquatic ecosystems, including endangered whales species. We will continue to take concrete steps to meet our international commitment to protect 10 per cent of our marine and coastal areas by 2020.
“World Oceans Day is the perfect day to take action to protect the waters that sustain us. You can make a difference right now by joining an online discussion on how Canada can achieve zero plastic waste and reduce marine litter.
“All of us have a stake in keeping our oceans, coasts, and seas clean, healthy, and resilient. Today, and every day, let’s do our part to protect these great bodies of water and idyllic coasts for generations to come.”
Prime Minister Trudeau speaks with Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
June 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom.
The two leaders shared perspectives on priorities for the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, including on trade and economic growth that works for everyone.
The Prime Ministers reiterated the importance of the G7 as a forum for leaders to coordinate actions on global challenges, including climate change and peace and security.
The two leaders emphasized the need for collective action to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through supporting the education of girls in conflict and crisis zones.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Giuseppe Conte
June 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed that he looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Conte to Canada and to the G7 Summit in Charlevoix.
The leaders discussed common priorities for the Summit, including economic growth that benefits everyone, jobs of the future, gender equality and women’s empowerment, girls’ education, climate change and support for rules-based trade.
The prime ministers recognized the strong people-to-people and commercial ties between Italy and Canada, and committed to work together to ensure a successful G7 Summit that advances our shared interests.
Prime Minister releases report on common challenges faced by G7 countries
June 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
All G7 countries face a common challenge that goes to the heart of how citizens measure progress in their daily lives – namely, whether the benefits of economic growth are fairly shared.
As G7 President, Canada is seized with this economic problem, and has set the goal of achieving growth that works for everyone at the centre of this year’s G7 agenda.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today released a short report – Achieving Growth that Works for Everyone – to highlight this common challenge and identify ways we can work together to address it. Canada believes the best path forward is to focus on the following priorities:
- Helping workers adapt to the changing world of work;
- Delivering strong growth by investing in people;
- Building strong communities and economies;
- Ensuring that everyone pays their fair share by tackling international tax avoidance and evasion; and,
- Better measuring growth that works for everyone.
No one country has all the answers, and no one country can solve these challenges alone. By sharing ideas and working together, we can make meaningful progress.
These challenges will play a central role in G7 leaders’ discussions – discussions which must continue beyond Charlevoix as we work together to create economic growth that benefits everyone, and leave our citizens with a better, more hopeful future.
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“In Charlevoix, we will focus on fighting inequality and creating growth that works for everyone. If we meet these challenges head-on, I am confident we can strengthen the middle class and offer real help to people working hard to join it.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Prime Minister Announces Even Closer Collaboration with France
June 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, today concluded the bilateral portion of his first visit to Canada as president. The two leaders will now travel to the Charlevoix region of Quebec to take part in the G7 Summit.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron further strengthened our two countries’ close and historic relationship and worked together on issues that matter to Canadians and French people alike. The two leaders committed to set up the Fonds Transatlantique (Transatlantic Fund), which will invest just over $120 million (€75 million) in French and Canadian companies that want to develop their business on the other continent. The fund will promote economic growth and create good, middle class jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron also announced the signing of the Canada-France Statement on Artificial Intelligence, which calls for the creation of an international study group on artificial intelligence made up of experts from government, industry, and civil society. The group will be mandated to become the global reference on issues related to artificial intelligence, a field that is increasingly affecting all human activities and that will continue to have a significant influence on economic growth and the labour market.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron also established the Canada-France Action Plan on International Assistance and Sustainable Development, guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy and France’s international strategy on gender equality. This action plan will launch a periodic and in-depth bilateral dialogue on international assistance issues. The plan will help our two countries to promote issues of mutual importance within international organizations, as well as to identify and bring to life initiatives that advance shared priorities.
Through a joint statement on multilateralism, the two leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Canada and France, as well as their commitment to shared values like liberty, democracy, respect for human rights, and the rule of law. They also restated their commitment to fight climate change and to promote democratic values, free and open trade, and gender equality.
Science, technology, and innovation are essential for economic growth and the prosperity of both countries, and international cooperation in research plays a key role. That is why Canada and France have agreed to work together to increase the mobility of students and researchers between the two countries. Canada and France also signed a letter of intent to launch discussions and establish official agreements in the future, to encourage more students, researchers, and industry partners from both countries to take advantage of the programs in place.
To continue deepening our bilateral ties and maintain this momentum at the highest political level, France and Canada committed to create a Franco-Canadian Council of Ministers, working with the President of the French Republic and the Prime Minister of Canada. The Council of Ministers will meet every two years to report on strengthened cooperation and develop joint initiatives.
The Prime Minister also used his discussion with President Macron to reiterate Canada’s support of Michaëlle Jean as the Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), emphasizing her leadership in the OIF’s efforts to advance gender equality, support young people, and promote democratic values.
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“My discussions with President Macron over the past few days are a testament to Canada and France’s strong and historic relationship. From the economy to jobs to the environment, our countries share an ambitious vision for a better future for everyone. Thanks to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, as well as new common initiatives, our collaboration is even stronger. I look forward to working even more closely with President Macron to grow the middle class and build economies that work for everyone.”
— Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Highlights
- Prime Minister Trudeau and French President Macron first met at the NATO Summit in Brussels in May 2017. Their first bilateral meeting took place on the margins of the G7 Summit in Taormina, Italy, the same month.
- Canada and France enjoy excellent bilateral relations based on a common history, culture, and values.
- France is Canada’s ninth largest merchandise trading partner and its fourth largest export market in the European Union. In 2017, bilateral trade between the two countries totalled $9.6 billion, with Canadian exports to France rising to $3.4 billion.
- At the end of 2017, Canadian direct investment in France was valued at $8 billion, while French direct investment in Canada was valued at $8.2 billion.
Prime Minister announces the appointment of two Senators
June 6, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed the following independent Senators to fill vacancies in the Senate:
Dr. Dasko is a sociologist, business leader, and one of Canada’s best known and respected pollsters. A strong advocate for gender equality, Dr. Dasko co-founded and served as the former National Chair of Equal Voice, and helped launch the Campaign for an Equal Senate for Canada.
The Honourable Pierre Dalphond is a certified arbitrator, accredited mediator, and former senior judge of the Quebec Court of Appeal. With his extensive legal background, Mr. Dalphond is a guest lecturer at the Université de Montréal and speaks regularly at domestic and international conferences.
Both individuals were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures Senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
Quote
“I am delighted to welcome these accomplished Canadians to the Senate. I look forward to working with Dr. Dasko and Mr. Dalphond. Their remarkable knowledge and experience will be a great benefit to our country.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- These are the 35th and 36th appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Since 2016, the selection process for Senators has been opened to allow all Canadians to apply. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides the Prime Minister with recommendations. From the recommended pool of candidates, the Prime Minister selects the individuals he then recommends to the Governor General for appointment to the Senate.
- The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
- Once appointed by the Governor General and summoned to the Senate, the new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests –important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Frequently Asked Questions – Senate appointments process
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Minister of Democratic Institutions announces improvements to the Senate appointments process and launches call for applications
- Minister of Democratic Institutions announces launch of the permanent phase of the Independent Senate Appointments Process
- Minister of Democratic Institutions announces establishment of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Government announces immediate Senate reform
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