Statement by the Prime Minister on National Seniors Day
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Seniors Day:
“Trailblazers, role models, and unsung heroes, Canada’s seniors have shaped our country in countless ways, and paved a better path for millions of Canadians.
“They answered the call to serve and defended the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. They supported their families through the decades, working at one job or more so their kids could have the best start possible in life. They laid blueprints for buildings that continue to define our cities’ skylines, and drafted landmark social programs that make our country a stronger, more compassionate place.
“So many seniors have spent a lifetime in service to others. Every day, they raise, mentor, and teach future generations, lift communities through volunteer work, and share much-needed wisdom and perspective.
“In less than 20 years, Canada’s seniors will represent almost a quarter of our population. The new Minister of Seniors, Filomena Tassi, is leading the Government of Canada’s efforts to better understand the needs of Canadian seniors and make sure they get the support they need.
“We are working hard every day to give seniors, their families, and future retirees greater security and a better quality of life. We have enhanced the Canada Pension Plan, lowered the age of eligibility for Old Age Security benefits from 67 to 65, and boosted the Guaranteed Income Supplement by nearly $1,000 a year for vulnerable seniors.
“We have improved EI caregiver benefits to make it easier for Canadians to care for a family member in need. We have also committed $6 billion in funding to provinces for better home care, including palliative care, and taken steps to create safer, more accessible, and affordable housing, so more Canadians, including seniors, have a comfortable place to call home.
“Today, I encourage all Canadians to say thank you and recognize seniors in their life – parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, and neighbours – for everything they have done, and continue to do, for our country.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the provincial election in Quebec
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the provincial election in Quebec:
“The people of Quebec have chosen to elect a majority government led by the Coalition Avenir Québec.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my sincere congratulations to the newly elected members of the National Assembly of Quebec, and François Legault who will have the honour and privilege to serve as Premier.
“I look forward to working with Premier Legault to make Quebec, a province we are all proud of, an even better place to live. We will continue to stand up for Quebec’s workers and industries, create good, middle class jobs, build a strong economy based on innovation, protect the environment, and combat climate change. Together, we will work to make the province even more dynamic and prosperous, to the benefit of all Quebecers.
“I also thank Philippe Couillard for his years of service as Premier, as well as François Gendron, who is retiring after serving a record number of years in the National Assembly.”
Prime Minister of Canada welcomes new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed an agreement-in-principle between Canada, the United States, and Mexico on a modernized trade agreement – the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) – that will create good, well‑paying, middle class jobs, strengthen economic ties, and expand Canada’s trade in North America.
Following more than a year of negotiations, the three countries have reached understandings in key areas, including rules of origin for automotive manufacturing, agriculture, labour, intellectual property rights, culture, and dispute settlement. Further, Canada has ensured that any US Section 232 tariffs will not impact Canadian auto and auto parts exports. Canada has successfully preserved key elements of the original NAFTA, while building on the agreement to expand opportunity and improve protections for workers across North America. The resulting agreement offers crucial predictability and stability for Canadian businesses, investors, traders, workers, and innovators.
Throughout the negotiations, Canada’s approach has been constructive. Negotiating objectives remained clear: defend Canadians’ interests, uphold Canadian values, and fight for Canadian jobs and living standards within an agreement that is mutually beneficial for all three countries.
When implemented, the USMCA will help Canadians compete globally and prosper in a healthy, integrated North American economy. The Government of Canada will continue to engage with North American partners to finalize the details of an agreement that benefits all Canadians.
Quote
“The agreement-in-principle we reached today is good for Canada, good for Canadian businesses, and most importantly, good for Canadian workers and their families. When this improved agreement is implemented, North American trade will be preserved and modernized for the 21st century – just as we set out to do.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- North America is home to more than 486 million people.
- When the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect on January 1, 1994, it created the largest free trade region in the world at that time, generating economic growth and helping to raise the standard of living for the people of all three member countries.
- The United States and Mexico are, respectively, Canada’s first- and third-largest merchandise trading partners in the world. Canada is respectively the second- and fifth-largest merchandise trading partner of the United States and Mexico, and the largest export market for the United States.
- In 2017, trilateral trade reached nearly USD $1.1 trillion – more than a three-fold increase since 1993.
- To reach this renewed trilateral trade understanding, the Prime Minister, Ministers, Parliamentarians, federal officials, Premiers, and industry representatives directly engaged political and business leaders in the United States to advocate on behalf of Canadians.
- Since January 2016, “Team Canada” visited the United States more than 300 times, and made more than 500 individual contacts with American officials, including the President, the Vice-President, 16 United States Cabinet members, more than 310 members of Congress, and 60 governors and lieutenant governors.
- To help guide negotiations, the Government of Canada consulted with Canadians from across the country and from all sectors and backgrounds about trade. Consultations included meetings with the provinces and territories, industry, unions, civil society, think tanks, academics, Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and the general public.
- Prime Minister speaks with premiers on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today informed provincial and territorial premiers that Canada, the United States, and Mexico have reached an agreement-in-principle on a modernized trade agreement for North America – the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The USMCA will strengthen the middle class, benefit Canadian workers and businesses, and expand Canada’s trade in North America.
The Prime Minister thanked the premiers for their advice, support, and advocacy throughout the negotiation process. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, the Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, David MacNaughton, and Canada's Chief Negotiator, Steve Verheul, also participated on the call. - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico.
The leaders welcomed the agreement reached on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
They stressed that the agreement will strengthen the close partnership between Canada and Mexico, enhance North American competitiveness, and create good, well-paying jobs and opportunities for citizens in all three countries.
The Prime Minister and President committed to stay in close contact and move the agreement forward. - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with United States President Donald J. Trump
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
The two leaders welcomed the agreement reached last night between Canada and the United States, alongside Mexico, on a new and modern trade agreement, called the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
The Prime Minister and President stressed that the agreement would bring the countries closer together, create jobs and grow the middle class, enhance North American competitiveness, and provide stability, predictability, and prosperity to the region.
The leaders agreed to keep in close touch and move the agreement forward. - Statement by the Prime Minister for Women’s History Month
October 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for Women’s History Month:
“From community to community and one generation to the next, women have made Canada what it is today – often without the recognition they deserve. During Women’s History Month, we work to set things right – and honour the women who have shaped our past and continue to shape our future.
“This year’s theme, Make an Impact, highlights the contributions women have made – as advocates, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, academics, and more – to every aspect of our society. Today, women continue to push the dial. Around the world, women are throwing a spotlight on the obstacles they face – and paving the way for better protection of everyone’s rights.
“Thanks to generations of activists and advocates, we have made real progress as a country and a world. But as their movements remind us, injustices and inequalities remain a reality for women in Canada and beyond. That’s unacceptable. Whether reducing the gender wage gap, supporting women entrepreneurs, or preventing and addressing gender-based violence, the Government of Canada will continue to take steps to make sure everyone, no matter their gender identity, has the freedom and opportunities they need to thrive.
“Women’s leadership is key to tackling the challenges we face as a world – from fighting climate change, to building peace, to growing economies that work for everyone. Canada recognized that when it made gender equality and women’s empowerment a top priority for our G7 Presidency. The historic investment that came out of the Summit, together with commitments made at the UN General Assembly, now stands at over $4 billion for education for women and girls in conflict and crisis situations. These funds will give critical support to the world’s most vulnerable women and girls, and empower the next generation of global changemakers.
“Seeing our history more clearly – telling untold stories and recognizing unacknowledged contributions – can help us transform our present and reimagine our future. All of us have a role to play in challenging sexism, discrimination, and gender inequality. That starts with valuing women and girls, standing with them, and making sure their voices are heard.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage Canadians to celebrate the women who have shaped Canada into the thriving, diverse, and prosperous country we call home today.”
