Prime Minister announces the appointment of three senators
October 3, 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:
Dr. LaBoucane-Benson is a proud Métis who has dedicated her life to helping Indigenous families. Her most recent work has focused on increasing Indigenous peoples’ awareness of their legal rights and responsibilities, and improving opportunities for vulnerable youth in Alberta.
Ms. Simons is an award-winning journalist and author who has told Edmonton’s stories in print, on the radio, on television, and on stage for over 30 years. She has covered a wide variety of topics in her writing, including international trade and mental health, and also co-authored a best-selling history book on Alberta.
Dr. Boehm has enjoyed an extensive and distinguished career in the foreign service, which culminated with him serving most recently as Deputy Minister for the G7 Summit and Personal Representative of the Prime Minister.
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
“These three new independent senators bring a wealth of experience with them to the Red Chamber. Whether working as a community educator and researcher, a journalist, or an ambassador, all three have gained a deep appreciation and understanding of this country. I have full confidence that they will be excellent representatives for their regions and for all Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- There have been 43 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
Statement by the Prime Minister on Donna Strickland winning the Nobel Prize in Physics
October 2, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement after learning that Canadian physicist Dr. Donna Strickland won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics:
“I join Canadians and the international science community to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of Canadian physicist Dr. Donna Strickland, a winner of this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics.
“Dr. Strickland, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo, is only the third woman in history to win this prestigious award, and the first woman to be awarded the prize in 55 years.
“With her colleague Dr. Gérard Mourou of France, Dr. Strickland was awarded one half of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for the development of a new technique to create short, intense laser pulses. Their innovative work can be found in applications including corrective eye surgery, and is expected to have a significant impact on cancer therapy and other physics research in the future. The other half of this year’s prize was awarded to Dr. Arthur Ashkin, who also won for his work revolutionizing laser physics.
“In the words of Dr. Strickland, ‘we need to celebrate women physicists’ – and help motivate more women to pursue careers in science and technology. When women are empowered and have the tools they need to thrive in STEM fields, everyone benefits. While winning a Nobel Prize is a tremendous feat in its own right, it is even more special as we mark Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the many women who, like Dr. Strickland, have paved the way for future generations of women and girls.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate Dr. Strickland for this remarkable achievement, and thank her for inspiring other women and young girls to dream without limits and pursue the careers of their choice.”
Government of Canada welcomes largest private sector investment project in Canadian history
October 2, 2018
Vancouver, British Columbia
LNG Canada announces 40 billion dollar investment that will lead to 10,000 middle class jobs
Canada is a country that understands that environmental leadership and economic growth go hand-in-hand. With modern infrastructure and cleaner technology to get our resources to new markets, we can diversify our trade, grow our economy, and create good, well-paying jobs for middle-class Canadians.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed LNG Canada’s decision to build a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Kitimat, British Columbia. The $40-billion project represents the largest private sector investment project in the history of the country, which will:
- Create 10,000 jobs at the height of construction;
- Lead to billions of dollars in direct government revenues; and
- Include hundreds of millions of dollars in construction contracts for Indigenous businesses.
In addition, the Prime Minister announced $275 million in federal support, as well as a commitment that trade barriers will not get in the way of this generational project.
The largest infrastructure project of its kind in Canada, it will include natural gas liquefaction facility, a pipeline, and a marine terminal to export surplus Canadian natural gas to some of the world’s fastest growing economies in Asia.
Once built, it will have the lowest carbon intensity of any large-scale LNG facility in the world.
Quote
“Today’s announcement by LNG Canada represents the single largest private sector investment project in Canadian history. It is a vote of confidence in a country that recognizes the need to develop our energy in a way that takes the environment into account, and that works in meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- Globally, Canada is the fourth largest producer and fifth largest exporter of natural gas. The value of Canadian net exports (exports minus imports) was $6.7 billion in 2017.
- The LNG Canada facility will be built in Kitimat, B.C. Construction is expected to begin in 2018, with the terminal in service by 2024.
- At full capacity, the terminal will convert and export as much as 26 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year, primarily to Asia. This represents roughly 20 per cent of overall gas production in Canada.
- Prime Minister Trudeau met with Royal Dutch Shell senior executives in China and at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More recently, he met in New York with Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden where they discussed how to advance energy projects that are both good for Canada’s economy and the environment.
