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PM Meeting with Raimonds Vējonis, President of Latvia

July 10, 2018
Riga, Latvia

Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, met with Raimonds Vējonis, President of Latvia.  The leaders discussed issues of mutual interest including their commitment to regional defence and security, the upcoming NATO Summit and Canada’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia.

Other issues of security were also discussed between the Prime Minister and the President including cyber security, hybrid warfare and foreign interference.

Prime Minister Trudeau underlined Canada’s positive bilateral relationship with Latvia and congratulated the President on Latvia’s Centenary, marking 100 years since becoming an independent state.

PM Meeting with Māris Kučinskis, Prime Minister of Latvia

July 10, 2018
Riga, Latvia

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Māris Kučinskis, Prime Minister of Latvia.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Kučinskis discussed the positive bilateral relationship between Canada and Latvia, including through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and Latvia’s support for the Canadian Armed Forces currently deployed to Latvia as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence. They also discussed the rise of antidemocratic forces and regional issues‎. 

Prime Minister Trudeau also congratulated Prime Minister Kučinskis on Latvia’s Centenary this year, marking 100 years since Latvia became an independent state.

Prime Minister concludes successful visit to Latvia

July 10, 2018
Riga, Latvia

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded a successful visit to Latvia. The Prime Minister’s visit was an opportunity to meet with members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed on Operation REASSURANCE, reaffirm Canada’s commitment to the NATO Alliance and trans-Atlantic security, and deepen the strong ties between Canada and Latvia.

While in Latvia, Prime Minister Trudeau visited the Canadian-led multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup Latvia and met with CAF members and the seven other Allied nations that make up the battlegroup. He saw firsthand the dedication and professionalism of CAF members and thanked them for their service. The Prime Minister toured the Ādaži Military Base, accompanied by Latvian Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis, as well as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, and Canada’s Minister of Defence, Harjit Singh Sajjan and General Jonathan Vance.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Trudeau met with Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis and President Raimonds Vējonis. They highlighted NATO’s important contribution to security and stability in Eastern and Central Europe, and discussed how Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is opening doors for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Prime Minister announced that Canada will renew its contribution to NATO’s eFP through Operation REASSURANCE for another four years, from April 2019 to March 2023. Canada will continue to lead NATO’s eFP battlegroup Latvia as the Framework Nation, and will also increase the number of CAF members deployed to Latvia from 455 to 540.

Canada’s contribution to NATO under Operation REASSURANCE will continue to include air surveillance, air policing, training, and maritime operations, in addition to the land forces deployed to Latvia.

Prime Minister Trudeau also participated in a flower laying ceremony in Riga at the Freedom Monument, a memorial honoring the soldiers that lost their lives during the Latvian War of Independence.

The Prime Minister will now travel to Belgium to attend the NATO Summit.

Quotes

“It was an honour to meet with Canadian Armed Forces members deployed to Latvia on Operation REASSURANCE. I saw firsthand the contributions they are making in Latvia. All Canadians can be proud of how they are representing our country and working with our Allies to maintain security and stability in the region.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“It was a pleasure to meet with Prime Minister Kučinskis and President Vējonis to reinforce our strong bilateral relationship, and reaffirm our commitment to NATO’s defence and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe. We will continue to work together to create new economic opportunities for Canadians and Latvians, and Canada will remain a strong and reliable ally, now and into the future.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• This is the first bilateral visit to Latvia by a Canadian prime minister.
• Canada enjoys a strong relationship 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.
• This relationship is strengthened by our strong people-to-people bonds, including an active Latvian community in Canada of approximately 28,000 people.
• Operation REASSURANCE is the CAF’s support to NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Since 2014, Canada has actively worked alongside NATO Allies to maintain security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe.
• Operation REASSURANCE represents Canada’s largest sustained presence in Europe in more than a decade.
• The CAF members also train and exercise side-by-side with their Latvian counterparts.
• Canada is proud to serve in Latvia alongside NATO Allies in the battlegroup, including Albania, the Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Associated Links

• Prime Minister Trudeau to travel to Latvia
• Prime Minister Trudeau to attend NATO Summit
• Operation REASSURANCE
• Canada in NATO

Reminder - Itinerary for July 10 to 12, 2018

July 9, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Note: All times local

Itinerary for Tuesday, July 10:

Riga, Latvia

9:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a flower-laying ceremony.

Freedom Monument
Central District, Riga, LV-1050

Note for media:

• Open coverage

9:25 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis.

The Cabinet of Ministers

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will hold a joint media availability with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Māris Kučinskis.

Press Conference Room
The Cabinet of Ministers

Note for media:

• Open coverage

11:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of Latvia, Raimonds Vējonis.

President’s Office
Riga Castle

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

Ādaži, Latvia

1:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will tour and visit with troops at the Ādaži Military Base.

Parade Square
Ādaži Military Base

Note for media:

• Open coverage for accredited media

9:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will depart for Brussels, Belgium.

Closed to media

Brussels, Belgium

10:35 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in Brussels, Belgium.

Melsbroek Military Airbase

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

---

Itinerary for Wednesday, July 11:

Brussels, Belgium

10:00 a.m. The Prime Minister, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freelandand Minister of National Defence Harjit Sajjan, will participate in the Brussels Summit Dialogue.

Summit Dialogue Tent
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Open coverage

10:40 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the new NATO Headquarters.

Boulevard Léopold III
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Photo opportunity

1:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will be greeted by the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Jens Stoltenberg.

Public Square, East Entrance
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

1:35 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Leaders Agora Walkthrough.

Agora, Level 0
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

1:50 p.m. The Prime Minister will take part in the Official NATO Leaders Family Photograph.

VVIP Grand Stand, Flags Square
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity  

1:55 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Opening Ceremony of the North Atlantic Council.

VVIP Grand Stand, Flags Square
New NATO Headquarters 

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity  

2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the North Atlantic Council Working Session.

Room 1, Level 0
Conference Centre
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the session

6:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Leaders Reception.

Outside Pavilion
Place du Cinquantenaire

Note for media:

• NATO official photographers only

7:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will take part in the Leaders’ Family Photographs.

Place du Cinquantenaire

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

7:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the North Atlantic Council Working Dinner chaired by the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Jens Stoltenberg.

China Room, Level 1
Art & History Museum

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity of the entrance of the leaders

Itinerary for Thursday, July 12:

Brussels, Belgium

8:45 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Georgia and Ukraine.

Room 1, Level 0
Conference Centre
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council with Operation Resolute Support Partner Nations and Potential Partner Nations.‎

Room 3, Level 0
Conference Centre
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.

Briefing Room 12, level 0
New NATO Headquarters

Note for media:

• Open coverage

6:00 p.m. The Prime Minister will depart for Ottawa, Ontario.

Melsbroek Military Airbase

Closed to media

Statement by the Prime Minister on Nunavut Day

July 9, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nunavut Day:

“Twenty-five years ago today, the Parliament of Canada passed two important pieces of legislation, which led to the creation of Nunavut as a recognized territory within Canada. Today, we join communities across Nunavut to mark this important milestone, and celebrate the unique heritage and identity of the people who call Nunavut home.

“Nunavut, which in Inuktitut means ‘our land,’ is rich in tradition, culture, and sense of community, thanks to generations of Inuit who have cared for and lived on the land for millennia. From Sanikiluaq to Grise Fiord, Nunavut is home to vast landscapes, vibrant languages, and many peoples. Forward-looking, resilient, and diverse, Canada’s youngest territory embodies our promise as a country.

“Canada is an Arctic country, and the North is at the heart of our identity as Canadians. In close collaboration with Indigenous, territorial, and provincial partners, we are working to co-develop an Arctic Policy Framework that will help us to better address the needs and priorities of the North, and create opportunities for people across the Arctic.

“As we look to Canada’s future prosperity, we know that Nunavut will continue to play a key role. The traditional knowledge held by the people in the territory – a young and growing population – will help lead the way to a more inclusive, sustainable future for all of us.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Nunavummiut and all Canadians a happy Nunavut Day!”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg

July 7, 2018
Calgary, Alberta

During a phone call today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed the upcoming NATO Summit on July 11-12, 2018, and the importance of the Alliance’s unity and solidarity on defence and security issues.

The two leaders also discussed the Prime Minister’s visit to Latvia and Canada’s significant contributions to the Alliance. 

Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed the importance of the Alliance and the transatlantic bond that unites Europe and North America.

New investments to improve Calgary’s transportation infrastructure

July 6, 2018
Calgary, Alberta

Good infrastructure connects our communities, helps create good jobs, and gets us to work on time and back home again – so Canadians have more time to do what they love. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to making significant investments in infrastructure – investments that improve commute times, strengthen our communities, and create good, well-paying middle class jobs today while delivering economic growth for years to come.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a major investment of $50 million to improve Calgary’s Airport Trail, a trade corridor that provides access to and from the Calgary International Airport and connects communities and businesses in northeast Calgary.

The investment will reduce travel times for Alberta families, and mean better and faster access to markets in North America and around the world for local businesses. It will also create good quality, middle class jobs during construction.

The project will include:

• a new segment of Airport Trail between 36 Street NE and 60 Street NE, with an intersection at Métis Trail
• construction of the first stage of interchanges along Airport Trail at 19 Street NE and Barlow Trail
• construction of a new southbound-to-westbound ramp at the interchange of Stoney Trail and Airport Trail

The project will create an additional route to the airport, making it easier for people and goods to travel to and from their destinations. The project will also extend Calgary's fibre optic network, and lay the foundation for a future rapid transit connection within the corridor.

Quotes

“Countless Canadian businesses depend on their ability to move goods quickly and efficiently, within our borders and beyond. Today’s investment is about making sure Albertans have the infrastructure they need to grow their businesses, stay competitive, and make the world their marketplace. We will continue to improve transportation along Canada’s major trade corridors, and create good, well-paying middle class jobs for Canadians across the country.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Transportation and distribution of goods are vital for our local, regional, and national economies. The investment announced here today makes our transportation system stronger by addressing urgent capacity constraints along the Airport Trail and supports long-term prosperity for our community.”
—The Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“Our government is investing in Canada’s economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects that will efficiently move commercial goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient.”
—The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• This funding is provided through the National Trade Corridors Fund, which supports projects that:
  • help the transportation system withstand the effects of climate change and adapt to new technologies and innovation
  • address transportation bottlenecks and congestion along Canada’s trade corridors
  • support economic activity and the physical movement of goods and people in Canada
  • improve the movement of Canadian goods to markets around the world through our ports, airports, roads, railways, intermodal facilities, bridges, and border crossings
• As announced in November 2016 and detailed in Budget 2017, the Government of Canada is investing $10.1 billion over the next 11 years in trade and transportation projects.
• Transportation is an important element of Canada’s trade with other countries. In 2017, total international merchandise trade amounted to $1.1 trillion. The United States continued to be Canada’s top trade partner, with $703 billion in trade ($415 billion exported, $288 billion imported), accounting for 63.5 per cent of total Canadian trade in 2017.
• Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, Indigenous groups, not-for-profit and for-profit private-sector organizations, federal Crown Corporations, Canadian Port Authorities, and National Airport System Airport Authorities are all eligible for funding under the National Trade Corridors Fund.
• In May 2018, the Government of Canada announced a major investment of up to $1.53 billion for Calgary’s Green Line Light Rail Transit project. This project will provide hundreds of thousands of transit riders in the city’s north and south-east communities with a direct route to the downtown core.
• The same month, the Government also announced more than $39 million for improvements to a railway crossing in Edmonton that will reduce congestion and travel times in the city.

Associated Links

• Investing in Canada Plan
• National Trade Corridors Fund
• Trade and Transportation Corridor Initiative
• Transportation 2030

Statement by the Prime Minister on the fifth anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy

July 6, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the Lac‑Mégantic tragedy:

“Five years ago, a terrible tragedy took place in Lac-Mégantic. During the night, a runaway train carrying a shipment of crude oil derailed and caught fire in the heart of the community. The explosion that followed destroyed close to half of the downtown area and took the lives of 47 people, in the deadliest rail disaster in our country’s modern history.

“Today, we remember the victims, and our thoughts go out to all those whose lives were forever changed. The tragedy left scars that cannot be erased – but in the weeks, months, and years that followed, Lac‑Mégantic became a symbol of hope, determination, and solidarity. Today, the people of Lac‑Mégantic continue to show resilience and courage as they rebuild their community.

“This spring, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec agreed to jointly fund a 12.8 kilometre rail bypass line to respond to this unique tragedy. The project will support recovery and reconstruction efforts, and help heal the wounds of a community that has been through so much. We hope that by permanently removing the rail line from Lac-Mégantic’s downtown, we can create more peace of mind and support the healing process, as well as strengthen the community’s economy.

“Rail safety and the safe transportation of dangerous goods in Canada remain top priorities for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to take steps to prevent another tragedy like this from ever happening again.

“To the people of Lac‑Mégantic, please know that you are in our thoughts. For five years, you have stood shoulder to shoulder and carried the immense weight of your loss. Today, we offer you our full support as you continue to rebuild your town, your community, and your future.”