Statement by the Prime Minister on Persons Day
October 18, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for Persons Day:
“On Persons Day, we mark the anniversary of the historic ruling that recognized Canadian women as ‘persons’ under the law and granted them the right to serve as senators.
“Today, we pay tribute to Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards – the Famous Five – whose fight for equality set Canada on a course toward real democracy. These trailblazers joined forces to challenge the status quo and fight for the recognition of women’s rights. Their victory on October 18, 1929, was a major step forward for equality and opened the door for women to participate in our democracy and our parliamentary institutions.
“We have made great progress since the Famous Five won their landmark case, but work still remains to ensure that all people, no matter their gender identity, can participate freely and fully in our society.
“The Government of Canada is taking a leadership role to advance gender equality, both at home and abroad. We formed Canada’s first gender-balanced federal cabinet, launched the Feminist International Assistance Policy, made gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls a top priority during our G7 Presidency, and
strengthened our use of gender-based analysis plus in our policy and decision-making. We know that gender equality benefits everyone, and we are taking concrete action to promote women’s rights as human rights.
“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I invite Canadians to learn more about the Famous Five and the many activists who came before and after them. By speaking up and demanding their rights be respected, they helped shape a more equal Canada for all of us. Every day, we have the chance to carry their legacy forward, and build a democracy where everyone’s voice is heard.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Global Dignity Day
October 17, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Global Dignity Day in Canada:
“Today, young people, teachers, and volunteers across Canada and around the world will gather to celebrate Global Dignity Day.
“Global Dignity Day reminds us that each and every human being – no matter who they are or where they come from – has the right to lead a dignified life. Every one of us has the potential to make a difference, and help create stronger, more peaceful communities. That’s what this year’s theme “Team Human” is all about.
“The Global Dignity movement empowers young people and encourages them to respect others and value themselves, and uphold the universal values of compassion, kindness, understanding, and respect.
“Young people are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Their energy and ambition – and vision for a fairer, more just, and sustainable world – inspires hope and drives progress.
“As one of Global Dignity’s National Role Models, I encourage Canadians of all ages to celebrate the people around them, and work to promote dignity and human rights – not just today, but every day.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I applaud all those involved in the Global Dignity movement for their passion and hard work, and wish them every success with this year’s activities.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
October 17, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty:
“Today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we join people around the world to reflect on the progress we have made to end poverty, and acknowledge the work that we have left to do to improve the well-being of all, here in Canada and around the world.
“This year’s theme is ‘Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity.’ As we mark the 70th anniversary of the proclamation of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this theme urges us to work together to overcome poverty and ensure no one is left behind.
“The Government of Canada has taken a number of steps to extend the ladder of opportunity to more people, and help families who are working hard to make ends meet. In 2016, we introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – a simpler, tax-free, new child benefit better targeted to those who need it most. Since then, the CCB has helped lift more than half a million people – including 300,000 children – out of poverty.
“We recently launched Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy, which builds on investments to tackle poverty and help more Canadians join the middle class. This strategy commits to reduce poverty in Canada by 20 per cent by 2020, and 50 per cent by 2030. These specific targets reflect our commitment to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals at home and abroad, and will make Canada a world leader in poverty reduction.
“We are also working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous peoples, and community groups who are actively combatting poverty in Canada, to make sure our programs and policies are effective, complementary, and benefit those who need them most.
“Beyond our borders, Canada has taken a leadership role to create a fairer world for the most vulnerable, especially women and girls. We adopted a Feminist International Assistance Policy, which seeks to eradicate poverty and makes empowering women and girls the focus of all our international assistance. During the 2018 G7 Summit, Canada and partners announced nearly $3.8 billion CAD in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. This historic investment is the largest of its kind ever made, and will make a major difference in the lives of millions of people in the most vulnerable situations. At this year’s United Nations General Assembly, Canada welcomed an additional $527 million CAD from partners to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
“A successful country is one in which everyone can work hard and build a better future for themselves and their kids. Over the last three years, we have made historic and meaningful investments across the country – and our plan is working. The unemployment rate is at a 40-year low. Wages are growing faster than they have in a decade. We will continue to make real progress for the middle class and people working hard to join it, and build an economy that gives every hardworking Canadian a fair shot at success.”
Governor General of Canada to visit Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nigeria
October 16, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will visit Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, from October 23 to 30, 2018.
The state visit is an opportunity for the Governor General to meet with national leaders, and deepen Canada’s relationships with these three countries.
The Governor General will begin the visit in Burkina Faso, where she will give an address at the National Assembly. She will also visit a school, where she will underscore the importance of inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, and highlight how Canada and Burkina Faso are working together to build strong education systems. She will also meet with students of a scientific secondary school, as well as researchers, Canadian development workers, and Burkinabè artisans.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the Governor General will visit a Canadian-funded initiative, which helps cocoa farmers adapt to a changing climate and grow their incomes. She will also deliver remarks at a higher education institution specialized in engineering.
The visit will conclude in Nigeria, where the Governor General will take part in several science, technology, and cultural events. She will meet with young people to highlight the central role that science, technology, and innovation play in addressing the challenges we face as a world.
Quote
“Canada enjoys close relationships with Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. The Governor General’s visit is an excellent opportunity to deepen our partnerships, promote access to quality education for all, and inspire young people to become science and technology leaders.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- This will be the Governor General’s first visit to countries in Africa. The last Governor General to visit the continent was the Right Honourable David Johnston in 2013.
- During the United Nations General Assembly in September 2018, Prime Minister Trudeau, with UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and Rwanda President Paul Kagame led a roundtable discussion on ways to help create more good quality jobs and opportunities for young people across Africa. The Governor General will continue to carry forward momentum on the important issues discussed at this roundtable.
- Canada is a top foreign private investor in Burkina Faso. In 2017, Canadian mining assets in the country were evaluated at $2.2 billion. In 2017, bilateral merchandise trade with Burkina Faso reached $59 million and is increasing. Canada and Burkina Faso partner in development assistance ($57.1 million in 2016-2017), with a particular focus on education and gender equality.
- In 2017, Canadian exports to Côte d’Ivoire totaled $38.5 million, while imports from Côte d’Ivoire reached $319.9 million, notably cocoa and petroleum products. There is a growing number of Canadian companies seeking business opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire as well as with the African Development Bank, headquartered in Abidjan.
- Nigeria is Canada’s largest bilateral merchandise two-way trading partner in Sub-Saharan Africa, with two-way trade totaling $1.47 billion in 2017. Canada’s exports to Nigeria totaled $434.6 million – making Nigeria our third-largest export market in Africa. Nigeria is also the largest African investor in Canada. Nigeria is a long-standing partner of Canada in development assistance ($110 million in 2016-2017), with programming focused on the health and rights of women and girls, the promotion of growth that benefits everyone and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
