Prime Minister Trudeau to travel to Latvia
July 3, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Latvia on July 9 and 10, 2018, before attending the NATO Summit in Belgium on July 11 and 12.
The visit will be an opportunity for the Prime Minister to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to the NATO Alliance and Euro-Atlantic security. It will also be a chance to deepen the strong ties between Canada and Latvia, as Latvia marks its centenary.
Prime Minister Trudeau will meet Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis and President Raimonds Vējonis in Riga. Together with Prime Minister Kučinskis, Prime Minister Trudeau will then visit the Canadian-led multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup Latvia to support the Canadian Armed Forces leading the battlegroup and witness firsthand the important work they are doing with partner countries.
The NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup Latvia plays a key role in Canada’s efforts, together with Allies and partner countries, to maintain stability and security in Central and Eastern Europe. Canada’s leadership of the battlegroup is a significant contribution to security in the Baltic region, and represents Canada’s largest sustained military presence in Europe in over a decade.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by Minister Chrystia Freeland, Minister Harjit Sajjan, and General Jonathan Vance, Chief of the Defence Staff.
Quote
“I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Kučinskis and President Vējonis to reaffirm the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Latvia, as well as Canada's solid commitment to NATO and the security of the Baltic region. The NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup Latvia is an example of that, and I look forward to seeing in person the work Canadian Armed Forces members are doing with partner countries. Canada and Latvia also share close commercial ties thanks to the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Together, we will explore ways to build on our relationship and create new economic opportunities for workers and businesses in both our countries.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This is the first bilateral visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Latvia.
- Canada is home to a very active 28,000-strong Latvian-Canadian community.
- Canada enjoys excellent relations with Latvia. Canada was the first G7 country to recognize the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991, and one of the first countries to ratify Latvia's accession to NATO in 2004.
- 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.
- Canada leads the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup Latvia, serves as the Framework Nation, and contributes approximately 450 troops to the deployment as part of Operation REASSURANCE.
- Canada is proud to serve alongside Latvia with our NATO Allies in the battlegroup: Albania, Czechia, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
- 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 battle group in Latvia.
Associated Links
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President-elect López Obrador of Mexico
July 2, 2018
Ottawa Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with Andrés Manuel López Obrador to congratulate him on his election as the next President of Mexico.
The Prime Minister underscored the close friendship and dynamic partnership between Canada and Mexico, based on shared values, common goals, and strong people-to-people ties. The Prime Minister and the President-elect look forward to cooperating on an agenda to create good jobs for people in both countries.
They discussed the mutually beneficial economic and trading relationship between the two countries, and their shared priority of updating the North American Free Trade Agreement for the betterment of their peoples.
The Prime Minister and President-elect emphasized their desire to work closely together on issues that matter to both countries such as creating economic growth that works for all, advancing the rights of Indigenous peoples, and shaping a better future for Canadians and Mexicans alike.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the Mexican presidential election
July 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the Mexican presidential election:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Andrés Manuel López Obrador on his election as the next President of Mexico.
“Canada and Mexico are close friends and longtime partners. We share common goals, strong people to people ties, and a mutually beneficial trading relationship that is the envy of the world – reflected in our joint effort to update the North American Free Trade Agreement for the 21st century.
“Canada is proud of its close links with Mexico, and we will continue to collaborate on issues that matter to citizens from one end of North America to the other.
“I look forward to working closely with President-elect López Obrador, his administration and the Mexican Congress to build on the vibrant partnership between our two countries, create economic growth that works for everyone, and advance human rights and equality. Together, we can deepen our strong relationship, and shape a better future for Mexicans and Canadians alike.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Canada Day
July 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canada Day:
“Happy Canada Day!
“No matter where we are, today, as Canadians, we celebrate Canada and the people who have built the country we love.
“We’re 37 million – strong in our differences, proud of our diversity, and united by our dreams. From one generation to the next, Canadians have brought our country’s promise to life, with hard work, bold vision, and determination. They’ve grown the strong middle class at the heart of our success – and today, Canada’s workers are the backbone of our country.
“Canada’s workers build the roads and bridges that get us to work on time and back home again. They put food on the table for families from coast to coast to coast. Some are young people starting their career, or newcomers bringing fresh talent to the workforce.
“From Ontario steel to Quebec aluminum, from agriculture and the energy sector in the Prairies and the North, to forestry in British Columbia and fisheries in the Atlantic, Canadians get the job done – and build our communities along the way.
“We know we can count on Canadians. We stand with each other, and we will always stand up for each other. Canada’s success has always come from its people – lifting each other up, one community at a time.
“Today, we celebrate how much we’ve accomplished together – and set our sights on the future. Together, we will continue to put our values into practice, and make Canada’s promise a reality. We will continue to advance reconciliation, and make sure the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples are recognized and implemented, based on respect, cooperation, and partnership. Together, we will keep building a country where every Canadian – no matter where they’re from, what religion they practice, or whom they love – has a real and fair chance to succeed.
“Canada, this is our challenge – and I know we’re up to it. Today, let’s do what we do best as Canadians: look to the future, and roll up our sleeves. Together, we will keep building a country that makes us all proud.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone a very happy Canada Day.”
