Prime Minister Trudeau meets with President Akufo-Addo of Ghana
October 12, 2018
Yerevan, Armenia
Prime Minister Trudeau met today with President Akufo-Addo of Ghana on the margins of the Francophonie Summit.
The two leaders discussed regional security issues and their cooperation on peacekeeping, noting Ghana’s support for the Elsie Initiative as a member of the contact group.
The Prime Minister and President welcomed the deep and longstanding ties between Canada and Ghana, and discussed ways of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President Macky Sall of Senegal
October 12, 2018
Yerevan, Armenia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met today with Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, on the margins of the XVII Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan, Armenia.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the major themes of the Summit and the strategic priorities of the Francophonie. They reaffirmed the importance of anchoring its work over the coming years within the organization’s focus on democratic values, human rights and the promotion of the French language.
The two leaders also discussed their respective engagement on peace and security in the region, with the Prime Minister highlighting Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the major themes of the Summit and the strategic priorities of the Francophonie. They reaffirmed the importance of anchoring its work over the coming years within the organization’s focus on democratic values, human rights and the promotion of the French language.
The two leaders also discussed their respective engagement on peace and security in the region, with the Prime Minister highlighting Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President Patrice Talon of Benin
October 12, 2018
Yerevan, Armenia
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin, on the margins of the XVII Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan, Armenia.
The two leaders discussed the regional security situation and both countries’ support for and contributions to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
The Prime Minister and the President also discussed the longstanding bilateral relationship between Canada and Benin and looked forward to strengthening cooperation
The two leaders discussed the regional security situation and both countries’ support for and contributions to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
The Prime Minister and the President also discussed the longstanding bilateral relationship between Canada and Benin and looked forward to strengthening cooperation
in areas of mutual interest, including within La Francophonie and on peace and security issues.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President Alain Berset of Switzerland
October 11, 2018
Yerevan, Armenia
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Alain Berset, President of the Swiss Confederation, on the margins of the Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan, Armenia.
The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to La Francophonie and considered how to further strengthen economic collaboration on innovation, science and technology, and cultural industries.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Berset also exchanged views on geo-political and other international issues, including advancing rules-based trade and taking more effective action on climate change.
Prime Minister announces the appointment of two senators
October 11, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed the following independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate:
Ms. Forest-Niesing is a proud Franco-Ontarian, dedicated lawyer, and devoted community member who, throughout her career, has passionately defended and promoted access to justice in both official languages.
Mr. Francisis a leader and respected member of the Mi’kmaq community. He has experience with all levels of government, and has helped advance social and economic development for his community through important infrastructure development work.
These individuals were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the 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 Parliament’s newest independent senators. I look forward to work with Ms. Forest-Niesing and Mr. Francis, and I have no doubt that their vast knowledge and experience will greatly benefit Parliament and all of Canada.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- There have been 45 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.
- 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
- Prime Minister Trudeau meets with Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda
October 11, 2018
Yerevan, Armenia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Paul Kagame met today on the margins of the Francophonie summit. The two leaders discussed their shared commitment to La Francophonie, opportunities for Canada to collaborate with the African Union (AU), and advancing Canada-Rwanda bilateral relations.
Building on their conversations at the G7 Summit in Charlevoix and at the 2018 United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister and the President discussed youth empowerment, growth that works for everyone and other issues of mutual interest.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of the Girl
October 11, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl:
“On the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate girls around the world: their voices, their power, their future. We also take a hard look at the challenges they face, and keep working to make sure girls everywhere can thrive.
“In Canada and around the globe, girls are changing their communities and shaping their societies for the better. They show us that when girls have the support and opportunities to achieve their highest potential, they transform our world. Yet even in 2018, girls across the board face higher rates of violence, poverty, discrimination, and other systemic barriers that hold them back. It’s long past time for that to change. The activists on the frontlines of that fight are girls – demanding their rights be respected and that their voices be heard.
“This year’s United Nations theme for the day – With Her: A Skilled GirlForce – reminds us that everyone benefits when girls have the chance to excel. We need to increase learning opportunities for girls so they can succeed in the workforce of today and tackle the jobs, and challenges, of tomorrow.
“Every young person should have access to quality education and modern skills training. Canada is helping bring the international community together to make this a priority. At the G7 Summit earlier this year, Canada and partners announced a historic investment of nearly $3.8 billion – the largest of its kind – to support quality education for women and girls in conflict and crisis situations. At the United Nations General Assembly last month, Canada built on this momentum, and welcomed an additional $527 million to help developing countries give every child access to the education and training they need to succeed.
“In Canada, women in the workforce have been one of the most powerful sources of growth in recent decades – but we need to do more to increase girls’ access to career guidance, mentorship, and networks they need to transition from school to work. The Government of Canada is expanding training and education programs for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields, and helping girls enter careers in skilled trades through the new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women. These measures will help reduce gender gaps and build a more prosperous future for all Canadians.
“International Day of the Girl falls in the middle of Women’s History Month – a reminder that girls grow up to change the world. It’s up to all of us to teach girls that they can be anything they want to be – and to recognize the girls making an impact right now in our communities. Together, we can make sure girls have the freedom and support they need to keep transforming our world and chasing down their dreams.”
Statement by the Prime Minister for World Mental Health Day
October 10, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Mental Health Day:
“Mental health matters. World Mental Health Day is a chance to continue the conversation about the important role mental health plays in our lives. We can all make a difference, fight stigma, and help to make sure everyone has access to the care they need.
“Mental health challenges impact us all – whether in our own lives or those of our loved ones, in our workplaces or in our communities. There is no shame in struggling with a mental health issue – and by talking openly and honestly, we can help people around us reach out and seek the help they need.
“This year’s theme, ‘Young people and mental health in a changing world,’ shines a light on the experiences of young people in Canada and beyond. Global issues, social media and the internet, and a rapidly evolving world, have given rise to new challenges to young people’s mental health. Those who face discrimination – Indigenous young people, LGBTQ2 young people, and others – often deal with particular difficulties and greater obstacles to getting the care they need. We need to make sure young people have the right tools and resources to value themselves, find support, and be there for each other.
“The Government of Canada is working hard to make sure everyone can get quality support in a timely way. We are providing $11 billion over 10 years to provincial and territorial governments to support home and community care, as well as mental health and addictions services. We are also taking action through a compassionate and collaborative approach to addressing substance use, including the opioid crisis. That means helping communities respond to urgent public health needs, and working together to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
“Today, Canada is also taking part in the first ever Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit – a chance to share successes and lessons learned with others, as we work to address mental health challenges affecting people everywhere.
“As my mother, a proud advocate for mental health, once said, ‘It’s about taking steady baby steps toward being well.’ Today, and every day, I encourage Canadians to find small ways of being there for themselves and for the people around them. By coming together, we can break down stigma, help others feel supported, and build a healthier, more compassionate society for everyone.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Navratri
October 9, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in recognition of Navratri:
“This evening, Hindu communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of one of their most important festivals, Navratri.
“The celebrations, which symbolize the triumph of good over evil, take place over nine nights and ten days. Throughout the festivities, families and friends come together to pray, dance, and observe traditions in hundreds of different forms passed down from generation to generation.
“The festival is now celebrated globally by Hindus and non-Hindus alike. It is a joyful time that reminds us of the invaluable contributions the Hindu community makes every day to our national fabric.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Navratri.”
