Prime Minister welcomes increased partnership with the Netherlands
October 25, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to explore how we can work together to address pressing global challenges and build on our countries’ close friendship.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte underscored the strong, long-standing relationship between our two countries – including Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands at the end of the Second World War – and our common commitment to democracy, equality, and the rules-based international order.
At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the two prime ministers honoured members of our armed forces, past and present, and those who have fallen in the service of our shared values. They also saluted the Canadian and Dutch forces who are serving side-by-side in Iraq and Mali, as well as in Latvia and Lithuania as part of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups.
Later, Prime Minister Rutte addressed the Canadian Parliament, becoming the first Dutch prime minister to do so. Following the address, Prime Minister Rutte announced the Netherlands’ endorsement of the Canada-led Ocean Plastics Charter, building on our countries’ close collaboration to fight climate change and protect the environment. A historic initiative to eradicate plastic pollution, the Charter was adopted during the G7 Summit in June under Canada’s leadership.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte also met with Canadian and Dutch business leaders to discuss opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and increased trade and investment. They explored how to further leverage the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which is already creating good, well-paying, middle class jobs for people in Canada and the Netherlands alike. Since CETA’s entry into force, Canadian exports to the Netherlands have increased by 33 per cent, while imports have increased by almost 24 per cent.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte also held a town hall with students at a high school in Ottawa. They underlined the need to support young leaders and encourage their involvement in public policy in order to build a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous world.
Today, Prime Minister Rutte is also attending a Canada-Netherlands dialogue and expert roundtable on climate adaptation. The roundtable is a chance to welcome the announcement that Canada will provide $7.5 million dollars in financial support for the Global Commission on Adaptation, an initiative spearheaded by the Netherlands, and that Canada will work with the Netherlands-hosted Global Center on Adaptation to help address critical climate adaptation gaps.
Quote
“The Netherlands is one of Canada’s closest allies and friends. We share a strong commitment to gender equality, free trade, and international peace and security, and we are working closely together to fight climate change and build economies that benefit everyone. Today was an important opportunity to meet with Prime Minister Rutte to discuss how we can use the values that have united our countries for decades – democracy, the rule of law, and equality – to build a better future for people on both sides of the Atlantic.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Netherlands and Canada are active members of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and the various international judicial institutions headquartered in The Hague.
- Canada and the Netherlands are both leaders in the fight against climate change, and Canada is working with the Netherlands, and other member states of the European Union, to ensure the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.
- The Ocean Plastics Charter was a key outcome of the G7 Summit in June, initially adopted by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the EU. The Charter outlines concrete actions to eradicate plastic pollution, and recognizes the need for urgent action to address the devastating impacts of marine litter on the health and sustainability of our oceans, seas, coastal communities, and ecosystems. In addition to the Netherlands, Jamaica, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, and Norway, as well as 18 companies, have endorsed the Charter since the Summit.
- The Netherlands is also actively engaged in the Powering Past Coal Alliance, which was co-launched by Canada and the United Kingdom at the UN Climate Change Conference in November 2017. The Alliance is a voluntary coalition of 75 governments, businesses and organizations that help lead global efforts to end the use of unabated coal power.
- CETA is helping to create jobs, strengthen economic relations and boost Canada's trade with the world’s second-largest market. CETA is an inclusive free trade agreement, which covers virtually all sectors and aspects of Canada-EU trade in order to eliminate or reduce barriers.
- Today, Canada also launched the new Canadian Centre for Climate Services, which will provide information to Canadians on how the climate is changing where they live and work so that they understand and can plan for climate impacts.
Associated Links
- Canada-Netherlands Relations
- The Netherlands endorses Canada-led Ocean Plastics Charter
- Canadian Centre for Climate Services
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina
October 25, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with President Macri of Argentina.
The Prime Minister and President discussed the upcoming G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, including their continued collaboration as G7 and G20 presidents, respectively, in 2018. They also underlined their commitment to rules-based international trade, and growth that benefits the middle class and people working hard to join it.
Prime Minister Trudeau took the opportunity to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to constructive participation and a successful outcome at the G20 Summit.
The Netherlands endorses Canada-led Ocean Plastics Charter
October 25, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the Netherlands’ endorsement of the Canada-led Ocean Plastics Charter. The
endorsement – another example of the leadership shown by both countries in the fight against ocean pollution – was announced during a visit by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to Ottawa.
endorsement – another example of the leadership shown by both countries in the fight against ocean pollution – was announced during a visit by the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, to Ottawa.
Canada and the Netherlands are partners in protecting our environment, and today’s announcement builds on that partnership. A key outcome of the G7 Summit in June, the Ocean Plastics Charter was initially adopted by Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. The Charter outlines concrete actions to eradicate plastic pollution, and recognizes the need for urgent action to address the devastating impacts of marine litter on the health and sustainability of our oceans, seas, coastal communities, and ecosystems. In addition to the Netherlands, Jamaica, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, and Norway, as well as 18 companies, have endorsed the Charter since the Summit.
Today, Canada is also confirming a contribution of $7.5 million to support the work of the Global Commission on Adaptation, an initiative spearheaded by the Netherlands. The Commission, convened by 17 countries including Canada, promotes the importance of climate adaptation and encourages bold solutions to climate threats. Canada will also work with the Netherlands-hosted Global Center on Adaptation to help address climate adaptation gaps. These partnerships are another example of our close collaboration, and demonstrate our shared commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth and protecting the environment.
Canada will also launch the new Canadian Centre for Climate Services, which will provide information to Canadians on how the climate is changing where they live and work to help them understand and plan for climate impacts.
Quote
“Canada’s vision is a zero-plastic waste future – and that’s a goal we can only achieve by working closely together. Today, with the Netherlands’ endorsement of the historic Oceans Plastic Charter, we took an important step toward that reality. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Prime Minister Rutte to leave a cleaner, healthier world for generations to come.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Global Commission on Adaptation was launched in The Hague on October 16, 2018. The Commission is overseen by Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations Secretary-General; Bill Gates, co-chair and trustee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; and Kristalina Georgieva, CEO of the World Bank.
- Canada has agreed to join the Commission and, in addition to providing financial support, will work with the Netherlands and others to help shape its agenda.
- The Canadian Centre for Climate Services will consolidate data, tools and information online and provide support to Canadians so they can adapt to the impacts of climate change. The dedicated service will help people, communities, and businesses plan for climate change by providing reliable climate information – such as future projections for changes in temperature, precipitation, sea ice and snow depth – that can be applied to everyday decisions.
- During the G7 Summit, Canada announced that it would invest $100 million through a marine litter mitigation fund to prevent plastic waste from entering the oceans, address plastic waste on shorelines, and better manage existing plastic resources. Canada also announced $162 million to build stronger and more resilient coasts and coastal communities.
- Canada is taking action at home to improve the health of the world’s oceans, including through the national $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan. We are working in partnership with Indigenous peoples and coastal communities to protect and support vital aquatic ecosystems, including endangered whale species, and to restore coastal habitats across the country.
- The Government of Canada has committed $12 million for domestic plastic innovation challenges and has pledged to divert at least 75 per cent of the plastic waste from federal government operations by 2030. Canada also joined the Global Ghost Gear Initiative to tackle abandoned fishing gear.
- In addition, the Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to put a price on pollution. This week, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a new federal pollution pricing system for provinces that have not developed their own. The federal system provides a practical solution that gives all Canadians the incentive to make cleaner choices and businesses the incentive to find clean solutions.
Associated Links
- Canada-Netherlands Relations
- Government of Canada fighting climate change with price on pollution
- Ocean Plastics Charter
- Oceans Protection Plan
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Chancellor Angela Merkel
October 24, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to freedom of the press.
The leaders discussed the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 2, 2018. Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Merkel strongly agreed on the need for transparency and accountability for those who committed this act.
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor discussed international trade issues, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the upcoming G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, and trade with China.
The leaders shared perspectives on international peace and security, including with respect to the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the United States of America and the Russian Federation.
Statement by the Prime Minister on United Nations Day
October 24, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on United Nations Day:
“Since its creation in 1945, the United Nations (UN) has inspired a global community built on higher aspirations and shared values – and made a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world.
“The UN has confronted some of the world’s gravest challenges – fighting AIDS, ending war, averting famine – and brought to light once invisible issues, such as modern-day slavery and the use of child soldiers.
“Thanks to decades of international cooperation, we have inherited a safer, more peaceful, and more prosperous world. But like every generation, we face new and complex challenges, and threats to the very institutions that have helped deliver stability and prosperity for generations.
“Climate change, violent extremism, escalating numbers of displaced people and migrants – none of these issues can be solved in isolation. More than ever, we need to come together as a global community, find shared solutions, and uphold a common set of ideals and principles.
“At the United Nations General Assembly last month, Canada reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the UN and built on our momentum from the G7 Summit in Charlevoix. We will continue to work together with our international partners to deliver economic growth that benefits everyone, advance gender equality, fight climate change, and build a more peaceful and secure world. We look forward to continuing these productive discussions at the upcoming G20 Summit in Argentina.
“We accomplish more together – united as people, communities, and countries – than we do alone. Today, I encourage Canadians to reflect on what the UN has achieved for humanity, and thank all of the people involved in affiliated programs, funds, and agencies who make our world a safer, more prosperous, and just place.”
Government of Canada fighting climate change with price on pollution
October 23, 2018
Etobicoke, Ontario
Canadians are seeing the costs of climate change first hand, from wildfires in the west to floods in the east, smoke that makes the air unsafe to breathe and heatwaves that endanger the young and the elderly. We need to act now to fight back against climate change, for our children and grandchildren.
The Government of Canada has a plan that protects the environment while growing the economy, and that plan is working – our emissions are down and the economy has grown by 500,000 full-time jobs. But we know we need to do more.
The Government of Canada worked with provinces and territories for two years, giving them the flexibility to design their own climate plans that included putting a price on carbon pollution. A price on pollution gives people the incentive to make cleaner choices and gives businesses incentives to find clean solutions. Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Yukon have stepped up and shown leadership, either by developing their own systems or choosing to adopt the federal pollution pricing system. Other provinces have not recognized the cost of pollution.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that there will be a federal system in place in Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan in 2019. This is the next step in the government’s plan to protect the environment and grow the economy. Any direct proceeds collected will go directly back to people in these provinces. Households will receive a Climate Action Incentive, which will give most families more than they pay under the new system. Funds will also be given to the provinces’ cities, schools, hospitals, businesses, and Indigenous communities to, for example, help them become more energy efficient and reduce emissions, helping Canadians save even more money, and improve our local economies.
Canadians know pollution isn’t free. And they know that carbon pollution doesn’t have boundaries. Old or young, rich or poor, urban or rural, living in the south or the north, we are all in this together. Applying practical solutions today will give all Canadians more economic opportunities and a safer and more prosperous future.
Quotes
“The effects of climate change are everywhere, and they are a constant reminder of the need to act now. While climate change is the biggest challenge of this generation, it also provides the opportunity to do better while growing the economy. We are investing in Canadian companies that are on the forefront of clean technologies, and are working with provinces, territories, and municipalities to provide Canadians with more clean energy options. Protecting the environment is a responsibility we all share. That is why we are taking action to promote clean energy and growth in Canada. Together, and only together, we can make a real difference for our planet’s future.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canadians know that polluting isn’t free. We are all paying the cost of storms, floods, wildfires, and extreme heat. Our government is ensuring a price across Canada on what we don’t want, pollution, so we can get what we do want – lower emissions, cleaner air, opportunities for businesses with clean solutions, and more money in the pockets of Canadians. We have a plan for healthy environment and a stronger economy. Because, at the end of the day, it’s what we owe our kids.”
—The Hon. Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The case is clear: Canada needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, and the best way to do that is to put a price on carbon pollution. Pollution pricing encourages Canadians and businesses to innovate, invest in clean technologies, and take advantage of long-term growth opportunities. Our plan will cut pollution and grow the economy, for the benefit of all Canadians.”
—The Hon. Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance
“Canadians are seeing the effects of climate change, and know that we need to take real action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and drive innovation. I am proud of the provinces and territories who have acknowledged the need to address climate change and are implementing their own plans or choosing to adopt the federal system. Where provinces have not taken leadership, our government is taking action to combat climate change and grow the economy.”
—The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
Quick facts
- The three provinces that already have carbon pollution pricing systems – British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec – were also among the top performers in GDP growth across Canada in 2017.
- According to the World Bank, 70 jurisdictions – representing about half of the global economy – are putting a price on carbon pollution.
- Investing in the clean economy presents an enormous economic opportunity. According to the Global Commission on the Economy and the Climate, the clean economy is expected to grow to $26 trillion and create 65 million jobs worldwide by 2030.
- Climate change has already had financial impacts on Canada, and these costs will only continue to grow. In 2016, it was estimated that larger and more intense weather events will cost the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program around $902 million each year. The health costs of extreme weather are estimated to be over $1.6 billion a year.
- The cost of property damages from climate change averaged $405 million per year between 1983 and 2008, but have risen dramatically to $1.8 billion a year since 2009. That number is expected to grow as high as $43 billion by 2050.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $9 billion in public transit for more than 1200 projects across Canada.
- The federal carbon pollution pricing system has two components: the fuel charge and the output-based pricing system (OBPS) for emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries. In the provinces in which the backstop applies, the OBPS will take effect on January 1, 2019, and the fuel charge will take effect in April 2019. In Nunavut and Yukon, both components of the backstop will come into effect no later than July 1, 2019, at the same time as Northwest Territories’ price on carbon pollution.
- To address high costs of living and energy, a full exemption from carbon pollution pricing will be granted to diesel-fired electricity generation in remote communities, and for aviation fuel in the territories.
- We will continue to work with Atlantic provinces to advance an interconnected and efficient clean electricity grid to support growth in the region.
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