Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President Nicos Anastasiades from the Republic of Cyprus
November 12, 2018
Larnaca, Cyprus
Landing in Cyprus en route to Singapore for the ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau took the opportunity to meet with President Anastasiades of Cyprus.
The prime minister and the president remarked on the significance of the 100th anniversary of Armistice ceremonies in Paris, which they both attended. They also recalled the deep history of Canadian peacekeeping in Cyprus.
The two leaders further exchanged views on the mutual economic benefits of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
The leaders reaffirmed their mutual interest to continue strengthening bilateral relations.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Global Entrepreneurship Week
November 12, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking Global Entrepreneurship Week, which runs from November 12 to 18:
“Entrepreneurs drive Canada’s economy forward. Through their ingenuity and hard work, they create millions of jobs, help strengthen the middle class, and generate economic growth that improves our lives and keeps our communities strong, competitive, and prosperous.
“During Global Entrepreneurship Week, we celebrate entrepreneurs in Canada and around the world and thank them for the important contributions they make to our communities and economy. This week is also an opportunity for people to connect with potential collaborators, mentors, and investors to help them take their ideas and businesses to the next level.
“This year’s celebration focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs and young graduates to start and build new businesses, and creating a more inclusive and collaborative community of entrepreneurs.
“The Government of Canada has taken several steps to help Canadian entrepreneurs successfully start, manage, and grow their businesses. Over the last three years, we have opened the door to new markets – securing free trade agreements with the European Union and the growing markets of Asia – and kept the door open to our largest market through a modernized North American trade agreement. Thanks to these agreements, Canadian businesses now have preferential access to 1.5 billion customers around the world.
“Earlier this year, we lowered the small business tax rate to 10 per cent, and we will lower it again next year to 9 per cent. We also reached a deal with major credit card companies to lower the fees they charge to Canadian businesses. Reduced fees will encourage business owners to invest, expand, and create jobs, while keeping prices lower for Canadians.
“We also launched Innovation Canada, a one-stop shop guiding entrepreneurs to government programs and services that help businesses innovate, create jobs, and grow our economy. We also launched a new Intellectual Property Strategy, which will help Canadian entrepreneurs better protect their creative ideas and inventions, give Canadian businesses more tools to deal with intellectual property issues, and position Canada as a leader in the global knowledge economy.
“More and more young Canadians are embracing start-up culture. This year, we hosted Youth Can Do It!, a national event that brought together 25 young Canadian entrepreneurs with business experts so they could gain the connections, information, and resources they need for their next venture. We are also supporting Futurpreneur Canada to help young people across the country launch and grow successful businesses.
“Women entrepreneurs are essential to growing Canada’s economy. In 2017, we created the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to support and grow women-owned businesses. In Budget 2018, we announced Canada's first Women Entrepreneurship Strategy to help women expand their businesses with better access to financing, talent, networks, and expertise. As part of this strategy, the Government will address gaps in support for women entrepreneurs, and directly invest in women-owned and -led businesses.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to join me to celebrate the entrepreneurs that make Canada one of the most innovative and prosperous places in the world. I also thank Futurpreneur Canada and all those organizing this special week, and wish them every success with this year’s activities.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris
November 12, 2018
Paris, France
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris in Paris City Hall, where she was co-hosting the GovTech Summit.
The event focused on how governments can best use technology to provide public services to better serve their citizens. The Prime Minister and the mayor discussed lessons learned by the Government of Canada and the city of Paris in this area.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Hidalgo discussed innovative measures cities can take to reduce vehicular pollution and traffic circulation. They explored how different levels of government need to work together in combating climate change.
Prime Minister concludes his visit to France
November 12, 2018
Paris, France
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today concluded his visit to France, where he attended commemorative activities for the 100th anniversary of the First World War Armistice. During the visit, he also took part in the first ever Paris Peace Forum and the GovTech Summit.
To honour the 100th anniversary of the armistice that marked the end of the First World War, the Prime Minister participated in commemorative ceremonies in Paris and at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Together with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Seamus O’Regan, Prime Minister Trudeau also met with Canadian veterans, taking the opportunity to thank them for their service and sacrifices.
The Prime Minister then attended the Paris Peace Forum, where political, economic and civil society leaders came together to discuss how to address pressing global challenges. During the Forum, Canada joined several other countries to support the International Declaration on Information and Democracy. In his remarks, the Prime Minister underscored that no real democracy can exist without freedom of the press. He highlighted the importance of working together internationally to defend the free press, protect journalists, and ensure freedom of expression.
On the last day of his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau was a featured speaker at the GovTech Summit. He stressed the importance of using new technologies to strengthen our economies and improve the lives of people around the world.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to further strengthen the deep ties of friendship between Canada and France.
Prime Minister Trudeau will now travel to Singapore to attend events on the margins of the 33rd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Quotes
“It was an honour for me to pay tribute to the Canadians who fought and gave their lives in the First World War. The 100th anniversary of the Armistice reminds us that Canadians in uniform continue to be the strength and pride of our country. Thanks to their service, dedication, and sacrifice, we live in a safer, more peaceful world.”
—The Right Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada and France share a deep and longstanding friendship, based on our history, a shared language, and common values. At the first Paris Peace Forum, we built on these values to advance peace, security, and democracy around the world, including by defending freedom of the press. I look forward to continuing to work together to build a better future for all.”
—The Right Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, NATO, the G7 and the G20, and as a founding country of the European Union and a major partner in the Francophonie, France is an important ally for Canada on the international stage.
- Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron both attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 24 to 26, 2018.
- Canada’s G7 presidency will end when France assumes the presidency on January 1, 2019.
Associated links
- Prime Minister to travel to France
- Canada’s Hundred Days and the Armistice 100th anniversary
- Canada-France Relations
- Paris Peace Forum
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of France, Emmanuel Macron
November 11, 2018
Paris, France
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron on the margins of the Paris Peace Forum.
The leaders discussed opportunities to work together on global challenges. They reaffirmed the importance of advancing women's empowerment and gender equality, and discussed other issues of mutual interest including the G7, the G20, trade, and security in the Middle East.
The leaders discussed opportunities to work together on global challenges. They reaffirmed the importance of advancing women's empowerment and gender equality, and discussed other issues of mutual interest including the G7, the G20, trade, and security in the Middle East.
They also reiterated their commitment to further deepening the bilateral relationship between their two countries.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Poland’s Independence Day
November 11, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Poland’s Independence Day:
“Today, on Poland’s Independence Day, we join Polish communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 100th anniversary since Poland regained its sovereignty in 1918.
“Canada and Poland share a strong and lasting bond, built on cooperation, mutual respect, and significant people-to-people ties. Our relationship is strengthened by our democratic values and a commitment to promote peace and stability around the world.
“Canada and Poland fought side by side in the Second World War. Today, we are proud NATO Allies, serving together again in the Canada-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia. Canada and Poland collaborate in several international institutions and are active trading partners through the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which is creating new opportunities for people in Canada and Poland alike.
“Canada is home to more than one million Canadians of Polish origin, whose contributions help make Canada the strong, vibrant, and inclusive country it is today.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to all those celebrating Poland’s centenary.”
Prime Minister's remarks at a Vimy Ridge memorial with veterans
November 10, 2018
Vimy, France
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Good morning everyone.
First of all, I want to thank you for being here. It's an honour for me to get to share a few words with you.
101 years ago this year, 7,004 Canadians were injured in the battle that began here at Vimy Ridge.
3,598 Canadians would never return home. Canada’s population numbered only 8 million at the time.
That was 100 years ago, but the realities of war – the tragic loss of those fallen in battle, the magnitude of sacrifice – transcend time.
You know that better than anyone.
Through your service, you carried – and continue to carry – the legacy of those who, 100 years ago, fought in the trenches of the First World War.
Through your bravery and dedication to your country, you honour the memory of the young men who died right here, on the battlefields of Vimy Ridge, and all service members who have paid the ultimate price.
Today, Canadians remember who you are, what you stand for, and the history you defined.
A history for which you bled and fought.
A history built on your sacrifice.
Thank you.
You stand for the values upon which Canada was built – values like democracy, equality, justice, and liberty.
And what I can barely know, you will never forget.
Many of you have watched your friends – your brothers and sisters – die in your arms.
You risked it all to help the most vulnerable and free the oppressed.
You chose to live your life in service of others, driven by a profound sense of duty.
And for that, Canadians can never thank you enough.
In times of war and in times of peace, Canadians have had the privilege to count on you – our brave Canadians in uniform.
Time and again, we have counted on your courage. On your dedication. On your generosity.
We all owe you an enormous debt of gratitude.
On this centenary of the Armistice of the First World War, we think of all those who have fought with courage for the values we hold dear.
Of the soldiers, past and present, who sacrificed their lives for their country.
I think of Canadians who pay tribute each day to the memory of Canadian Armed Forces members by choosing, in turn, to serve Canada.
I think of their children. Of their loved ones. Of their family and their friends who are also called upon to make profound sacrifices.
I think of you and your families.
You make us proud.
On behalf of all Canadians, thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our country.
We are eternally grateful to you.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Remembrance Day
November 11, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Remembrance Day:
“Today, we honour every Canadian who has served and sacrificed so we may live free. We fall silent to acknowledge a debt we can never repay. We remember.
“One hundred years ago today, the Armistice between Germany and the Allies ended the First World War. As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, we also mark Canada’s Hundred Days.
“During the ‘100 Days Offensive,’ Canadians spearheaded attacks that overcame the last lines of German defences and paved the way to final victory. These soldiers were the face and strength of a young country that sacrificed beyond measure and never faltered in its duty.
“Their bravery garnered the respect and admiration of the world, and marked a turning point for Canada. We began to define ourselves as a country – a force on the world stage, confident, and in control of our own destiny.
“Since then, every generation of Canadians has stepped forward to serve. Thousands have fought, and continue to fight, to defend the principles of peace, freedom, and democracy around the world.
“At 11:00 am, I call on all Canadians to observe the two minutes of silence. We remember every Canadian who has sacrificed their future for generations beyond their own. We stand today, free and at peace, because of them.
“Lest we forget.”
