Prime Minister welcomes appointment of new Parliamentary Budget Officer
June 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Yves Giroux as the new Parliamentary Budget Officer. This appointment is effective September 3, 2018.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer provides independent, non-partisan analysis on the state of Canada’s finances, the Government’s estimates and trends in the economy; raises the quality of parliamentary debate; and promotes greater budget transparency and accountability. The Parliamentary Budget Officer also responds to requests from political parties or independent members of the House of Commons to estimate the financial cost of any election campaign proposal that the party or member is considering making.
Mr. Giroux was chosen as the nominee for this position through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
Biographical Notes
Associated Link
Statement by the Prime Minister on National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day:
“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the unique heritage and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and the tremendous contributions they make to this country.
“As we celebrate Indigenous cultures and communities, we also acknowledge the oppression and discrimination Indigenous peoples have experienced for centuries. Canada cannot move forward if Indigenous peoples continue to be held back. Our government is working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to advance meaningful reconciliation and build a future where Indigenous peoples succeed and prosper.
“That is why, earlier this year, our government announced that we will develop, in full partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, a Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework. For too long, Indigenous peoples have had to prove their rights exist and fight to have them fully recognized and implemented. This framework will ensure that the recognition and implementation of rights is the basis for all relations between Indigenous peoples and the federal government going forward.
“This year, our government made significant new investments to improve the quality of life, increase access to services, and enhance the well-being of Indigenous communities. Budget 2018 includes new additional funding to accelerate the elimination of all long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve by March 2021, support the Métis Nation’s housing strategy and the elimination of tuberculosis in Inuit communities, and advance the safety and well-being of Indigenous children and families.
“This spring, I delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs. Last year, we also offered a long overdue apology to students of the five residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador for the painful and tragic legacy of these schools that will be felt for generations to come.
“We are making real progress together with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to advance reconciliation. Working together in a spirit of respect, recognition of rights, collaboration, and partnership, we will continue to advance Indigenous self-determination – including the inherent right of self-government – and move towards a Canada where Indigenous peoples thrive and have full control over their lives and their future. Together, we can shape a more just, more equal, and more inclusive Canada – for Indigenous peoples and for all of us.”
Prime Minister welcomes appointment of new Parliamentary Librarian
June 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Heather Lank as the new Parliamentary Librarian. This appointment is effective June 21, 2018.
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 Library also offers a variety of public programs and activities. The Parliamentary Librarian is appointed by the Governor in Council under the Parliament of Canada Act.
Dr. Lank was chosen as the nominee for the position of Parliamentary Librarian through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
Biographical Notes
Associated Link
Prime Minister announces the appointment of a Senator
June 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Julie Miville-Dechêne as an independent Senator to fill a vacancy in Quebec.
Ms. Miville-Dechêne was a journalist, a senior public servant, and is a strong voice for gender equality and women’s rights. She was also the first woman appointed as the ombudsman for Radio-Canada.
Ms. Miville-Dechêne was 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 pleased to welcome Julie Miville-Dechêne as Parliament’s newest independent Senator. Her experience as a journalist and a senior public servant will greatly benefit Parliament and all of Canada, and I look forward to working with her.”—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- There have been 38 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
Statement by the Prime Minister on World Refugee Day
June 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Refugee Day:
“On World Refugee Day, we join the global community to recognize people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. We honour the resilience and strength of refugees and displaced people, acknowledge the profound hardships they face, and stand with them.
“Each year, thousands are forced to flee conflict, insecurity, and persecution – and today, over 68 million people around the world are forcibly displaced. But these statistics do not capture the faces and stories behind the numbers.
“People who have been driven from their homes face immense loss, barriers, and trauma – both old and new. They carry with them memories, dreams, and hope for a better future. We share a moral responsibility to help them find shelter and start their lives anew – and as Canadians, we know first-hand the contributions they make. Over the generations, refugees have helped build the strong, open, and prosperous Canada we know today.
“Canada will not stand idle while hundreds of thousands of people – including Rohingya refugees – suffer forced displacement and human rights violations. In response to the work of the Honourable Bob Rae, Special Envoy to Myanmar, we will lead on initiatives to promote human rights and improve living conditions of Rohingya refugees and those displaced by the conflict in Myanmar. We will also support efforts to bring perpetrators of gross human rights violations to account. Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada has dedicated $300 million over the next three years to step up its response to this ongoing humanitarian crisis, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the needs of women and girls are met.
“Women, girls, and other marginalized groups suffer different and disproportionate effects of conflict and displacement – and their empowerment is key to building lasting peace and prosperity. That is why, at the G7 Summit in Charlevoix earlier this month, Canada and partners announced a historic investment of nearly $3.8 billion in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations – the largest of its kind ever made. This is about making a real difference in the lives of millions of women and girls, including those growing up in refugee camps. They deserve the chance to learn and get the education they need to reclaim their future and their dreams.
“Today, I ask Canadians and people around the world to stand with refugees, displaced people, and all those who are forced to leave home behind. How we treat the most vulnerable among us defines who we are – as individuals, as countries, and as a global community. Let’s choose justice over fear and compassion over division – because to see ourselves in each other, all we have to do is look.”
Prime Minister and Pacific North and Central Coast First Nations welcome agreement for ocean protection
June 21, 2018
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
Canada has some of the most spectacular oceans and coastlines in the world, and is home to rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Indigenous coastal communities have stewarded the Pacific North and Central Coast waters for generations. They bring valuable experience and expertise to protect and manage this unique ocean region.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, with First Nations leaders, welcomed today a new agreement between the Government of Canada and 14 Central and North Coast First Nations to work together to protect the Pacific North Coast.
The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection represents an important commitment by the Government of Canada and First Nations to collaborate and partner on marine initiatives that will help advance reconciliation and protect a large geographic area spanning about two-thirds of British Columbia’s coast.
The Government of Canada and First Nations have agreed to coordinate ongoing efforts in the management and conservation of oceans, including marine spatial planning and developing a network of marine protected areas. They have also reiterated their commitment to work together to improve waterway management, increase emergency preparedness, and boost the response capacity of local First Nations. Many of these initiatives are already underway as part of Canada’s $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, the largest investment ever made to protect Canada’s coasts and waterways.
Quotes
“The First Nations of the Pacific North and Central Coast have been protecting Canada’s waters for millennia. The Reconciliation Framework Agreement will help us deliver on the promise of ocean collaborative management. Working together, we will protect and preserve the Pacific North Coast, and we will advance reconciliation along the way.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“This agreement is an encouraging and positive step forward in our journey toward nation-to-nation collaboration and reconciliation. Now we have the opportunity to work with Canada to ensure efficient and sustainable marine management and protection initiatives, which promise to preserve healthy and resilient marine ecosystems for all future generations, while supporting coastal communities and economic opportunities today.”
—Chief Marilyn Slett, Heiltsuk First Nation and President of the Coastal First Nations-Great Bear Initiative
“The Reconciliation Framework Agreement for Bioregional Oceans Management and Protection represents a transformative new relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples. We are thrilled to have achieved consensus on a new governance model for managing and protecting our oceans. This is a significant achievement and demonstrates the innovative work being done in partnership with Indigenous peoples to protect Canada’s coasts.”
—The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport
“Keeping our oceans safe and clean, and healthy for future generations is a commitment shared by the Government of Canada and First Nations partners. The governance model established to improve the collaborative management of our oceans is an important step toward delivering on the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan. Working together, we will continue to build on our successes in the areas of marine spatial planning, conservation, and marine safety.”
—The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“We are working to fundamentally transform our relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition, respect, cooperation, and partnership. Indigenous voices must be included in the conversations on what Canada’s future will look like, including the management and protection of our oceans. This agreement demonstrates a strong example of working together to advance reconciliation. Making this shift is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of Canada.”
—The Hon. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
“Indigenous traditional knowledge plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term protection and preservation of healthy oceans and our environment as a whole. This agreement represents an important step as we work towards a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with Indigenous peoples and a new model for effective collaboration based on the recognition of rights, respect and cooperation.”
—The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada
Quick Facts
- The Agreement will help protect Canada’s Northern Shelf bioregion, which includes four sub regions: Haida Gwaii, the North Coast, the Central Coast, and North Vancouver Island.
- Marine Spatial Planning is an internationally recognized approach to ocean planning and management that brings together partners from federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments and organizations to make informed decisions and manage oceans in a more open and practical way.
- A marine protected area network plan for the Northern Shelf bioregion is being developed, jointly with partners, to help protect the marine biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.
- This Agreement builds on the partnerships already established through the Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area Plan endorsed by Canada, First Nations and the Province of British Columbia in February 2017.
- Work under the Agreement has already begun on the Proactive Vessel Management initiative with a pilot project to address issues related to vessel traffic in local waterways. This national initiative will help identify measures, such as speed and routing controls, to improve safety and reduce environmental impacts.
Related Product
Associated Links
- Marine spatial planning
- Marine Protected Area Networks: Pacific Northern Shelf
- Proactive Vessel Management
- Protecting our coasts: Oceans Protection Plan
- Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area
- Let’s Talk – Oceans Protection Plan
Prime Minister nominates new Parliamentary Budget Officer
June 19, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of Yves Giroux as the new Parliamentary Budget Officer.
Mr. Giroux has served at the executive level for more than 15 years and has experience in fiscal, financial, and social policy areas. Since 2015, he has been the Assistant Commissioner of the Strategy and Integration Branch and the Chief Data Officer at the Canada Revenue Agency.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer provides independent, non-partisan analysis on the state of Canada’s finances, the Government’s estimates, and trends in the economy; raises the quality of parliamentary debate; and promotes greater budget transparency and accountability. The Parliamentary Budget Officer also responds to requests from political parties or independent members of the House of Commons to estimate the financial cost of any election campaign proposal that the party or member is considering making.
Mr. Giroux was chosen as the nominee for this position through the Government’s open, transparent, and merit-based appointment process.
Quote
“I am delighted to announce the nomination of Yves Giroux as Canada’s new Parliamentary Budget Officer. Mr. Giroux’s senior leadership experience and knowledge of the federal budget process have made him a key expert in the field. I am confident he will do a thorough job providing the independent, easy to understand information Parliamentarians need to make decisions about our country’s future.”
– The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada fulfilled its commitment to make a truly independent and more democratic Parliamentary Budget Office through changes to the Parliament of Canada Act that came into force in September 2017.
- Now recognized as an independent Officer of Parliament, the Parliamentary Budget Officer reports to Parliament through the Speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons.
- These changes also expanded the Parliamentary Budget Officer’s mandate to include the costing of political party platforms, so Canadians can review the fiscal plans of political parties from an independent, non-partisan source.
- Under the Parliament of Canada Act, the Parliamentary Budget Officer is appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of seven years, after consultation and approval by resolution of the Senate and House of Commons.
