The Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service
September 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:
Graham Flack, currently Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, becomes Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development, effective October 9, 2018.
Philip Jennings, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, becomes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultations), Privy Council Office, effective October 15, 2018.
Hélène Laurendeau, currently Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, becomes Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, effective October 9, 2018.
Chantal Maheu, currently Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultations), Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Minister of Labour and Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development, effective October 9, 2018.
Isabelle Mondou, currently Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Priorities and Planning), Privy Council Office, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, effective October 22, 2018.
David Morrison, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Personal Representative of the Prime Minister (Sherpa) for the G7 Summit, effective October 1, 2018.
Daniel Watson, currently Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, becomes Deputy Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, effective October 9, 2018.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to congratulate Peter Boehm, Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit and Personal Representative of the Prime Minister (Sherpa), on his upcoming retirement, and Lori Sterling, Deputy Minister of Labour and Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development, on her retirement from the Public Service. They both led exceptional careers marked by dedication and excellence in serving Canadians.
Biographical notes
- Graham Flack
- Philip Jennings
- Hélène Laurendeau
- Chantal Maheu
- Isabelle Mondou
- David Morrison
- Daniel Watson
Statement by the Prime Minister on International Day of Peace
September 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:
“Peace is the foundation of a just and equal society. Today, on the International Day of Peace, we reflect on the progress made, and acknowledge the work yet to be done to achieve a more inclusive, peaceful, prosperous, and secure world for everyone.
“This year’s theme, ‘The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70,’ stresses the importance of recognizing human rights as the building blocks of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. We have come a long way since the Declaration was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, but much more needs to be done so everyone is truly free and equal.
“The Government of Canada remains firm in its commitment to protect and promote human rights. We stand with brave voices around the world who call for progress and push for these fundamental rights. At home, we are working hard to build a country where all Canadians feel free and safe to be themselves, and have the opportunity to go as far as their aspirations will take them.
“Last year, Canada announced new commitments to support United Nations peace operations around the world. These commitments will help provide the UN with reliable access to military and police resources in conflict areas, empower women in all aspects of peace and security, and protect children used as weapons of war.
“Canada has also put building a more peaceful and secure world at the centre of its G7 Presidency. When leaders met during the G7 Summit, we focused on finding solutions that leave no one behind, and set the international agenda on peace and security. We committed to work more effectively together to respond to threats that attempt to undermine our democracies, sharing information and analysis, and improving online safety and security. As we tackle the challenges we face today, these commitments and others from the Summit will help make our countries safer.
“As we mark the International Day of Peace, and celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I encourage Canadians to reflect on how we can all stand up for human rights, and build a better country and more peaceful world.”
Prime Minister to lead Canadian delegation to United Nations General Assembly in New York
September 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to New York City, from September 24 to 26, 2018, to lead Canada’s delegation to the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
During the General Assembly, the Prime Minister will reiterate Canada’s support of the UN. He will emphasize how countries need to come together more than ever to agree on goals and principles and face down shared challenges, in order to deliver economic growth that benefits everyone, fight climate change, and build a more peaceful and secure world. He will also underscore the importance of advancing gender equality, and creating more opportunities for women and girls to succeed, as Canada celebrates its first Gender Equality Week.
On the first day of the visit, the Prime Minister will take part in a panel discussion focused on how developed countries can facilitate long-term investment to support the Sustainable Development Goals.
That same day, Prime Minister Trudeau will deliver remarks at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit held in honour of the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. During his remarks, he will emphasize Canada’s enduring commitment to peace and stability, and the promotion of human rights, diversity, and inclusion.
In partnership with African leaders, the Prime Minister will bring together key private and public sector players to discuss how to create better economic opportunities and jobs for young people across Africa.
The Prime Minister, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland and International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr, will participate in an event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations for a discussion on Canada’s global outlook, economic growth, gender equality, and the importance of restoring confidence in our institutions.
Building on the momentum from the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau will join other leaders and key stakeholders in a discussion on girls’ education. He will also convene a leaders’ roundtable to discuss how to best take the historic commitment from Charlevoix that mobilized $3.8 billion in resources, and advance education for women and girls in fragile, conflict, and crisis situations.
Throughout the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau will work to mobilize ongoing international support of the central themes of Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency, particularly investing in economic growth that benefits everyone, and working together on climate change, oceans, and clean energy.
Quote
“Canada is strongly committed to the United Nations and the role it and its member states play to promote a more peaceful, equal, and stable world. We believe that we are stronger when we work together and focus on real, concrete solutions that benefit everyone. Canada will continue to promote and defend the international rules-based order as the best way 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
- The Canadian delegation to the United Nations General Assembly will include:
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland
- Minister of International Development Marie-Claude Bibeau
- Minister of International Trade Diversification Jim Carr
- Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie Mélanie Joly
- Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna
- Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ahmed Hussen
- Minister of Health Ginette Petitpas Taylor
- Canada has been active at the United Nations since its creation in 1945, and played a key role in drafting the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations.
- Today, Canada continues to support the UN by actively participating in the organization's activities and providing financial support.
- Canada is the fifth-largest donor to the UN system.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Armenia’s Independence Day
September 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Armenia’s Independence Day:
“Today, we join Armenian communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate the anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
“Armenia and Canada enjoy a special relationship – one that we are committed to strengthening. More than 60,000 Canadians trace their heritage to Armenia, and their contributions help make Canada the prosperous, vibrant, and open country it is today.
“Over the last few years, Armenian Canadians have come together to welcome thousands of Syrian refugees to Canada. They have gone above and beyond to make newcomers feel safe and welcome, reunite families, and give people a chance at a new life. Their generosity and compassion inspire us all.
“Armenia and Canada share similar visions of peace, justice, and democracy, and collaborate in international organizations such as La Francophonie.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my best wishes to everyone celebrating Armenia’s Independence Day.”
Prime Minister to travel to Armenia to attend the XVII Francophonie Summit
September 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Yerevan, Armenia, from October 11 to 13, to attend the XVII Francophonie Summit and take part in a bilateral visit.
The theme of this year’s Summit is “Living together in solidarity, shared humanistic values, and respect for diversity: a source of peace and prosperity in La Francophonie.” During the Summit, the Prime Minister will highlight the importance of working together to address shared challenges, grow economies that work for everyone, and promote diversity and inclusion.
Prime Minister Trudeau will also underline how important the International Organization of La Francophonie is to Canada, and emphasize the vital role that Francophone communities have played throughout Canada’s history.
Following the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau will also take part in a bilateral visit to the country. The visit will be a chance to discuss the important relationship between Canada and Armenia and explore ways to work together more closely to further strengthen our commercial and economic ties.
Quotes
“The Summit in Yerevan will be a chance to deepen the strong friendship the international Francophone community shares. La Francophonie plays a major role to promote important values like peace, diversity, and inclusion, and I am pleased that La Francophonie and Armenian organizers have chosen to highlight these common values. By building on our diversity, we can innovate, collaborate, and create a better world for everyone.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada enjoys an excellent relationship with Armenia, and I look forward to further deepening that friendship. Together, we will discuss ways to create more economic opportunities for businesses and people in both our countries.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This is Prime Minister Trudeau’s first official visit to Armenia.
- Diplomatic relations between Canada and Armenia were formally established in 1992. Since then, Canada and Armenia have regularly worked together in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and La Francophonie.
- Armenia joined the International Organization of La Francophonie in 2004 as an observer and obtained full member status in 2012.
- In 2017, Canada’s exports to Armenia totalled $9.3 million and imports from Armenia reached $26 million.
- Canada is host to an Armenian community of more than 60,000 people.
- As a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Canada is committed to protecting and promoting the French language and our cultural and linguistic diversity.
- For several months, Canada has been working with other members of La Francophonie to prepare documents for the Summit in Yerevan.
- The Summit is hosted every two years. It is an important opportunity for leaders of La Francophonie member states to meet and work together to advance shared priorities.
Associated Links
- XVII Francophonie Summit (French only)
- Canada – Armenia Relations
