Governor General of Canada to visit Mexico for presidential inauguration
November 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will travel to Mexico from November 30 to December 1, 2018.
Mexico is one of Canada’s most valued partners in the hemisphere. Our two countries share common goals, deep people-to-people bonds, and a robust trade and investment relationship.
During the visit, the Governor General will represent Canada at the inauguration ceremony of the new President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, at the San Lazaro Legislation Palace on December 1.
Quote
“Canada and Mexico are close friends and longtime partners. The Governor General will represent Canada at the inauguration of President-elect López Obrador, as our countries continue to strengthen and deepen our relationship. I look forward to working with the new President to build a better future for Canadians and Mexicans alike.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- This will be Governor General Julie Payette’s first visit to Mexico. The last Governor General to visit Mexico was the Right Honourable David Johnston, who attended the inaugural speech of President Enrique Peña Nieto in 2012.
- Canada and Mexico share a vibrant, multi-faceted relationship defined by strong people-to-people ties, rich cultural connections, and growing trade and investment.
- The Mexican presidential election took place on July 1, 2018.
- Mexico is Canada’s third-largest partner for trade in goods.
- On October 1, 2018, Canada reached an agreement-in-principle with the United States and Mexico on a modernized trade agreement – the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Associated links
- Canada – Mexico relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the Mexican presidential election
- Prime Minister of Canada welcomes new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
Prime Minister to host First Ministers’ Meeting and meeting with national Indigenous leaders
November 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the upcoming First Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) will take place in Montréal on December 7, 2018. The Prime Minister will be joined by Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade Dominic LeBlanc.
At the FMM, First Ministers will discuss the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and how to diversify international trade while improving trade within our own borders. The Prime Minister and Minister LeBlanc will lead a discussion with First Ministers to explore eliminating barriers to trade between provinces and territories, and work toward a stronger, more interconnected Canadian economy that creates good jobs and growth for the middle class.
First Ministers will also meet with leaders of the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council to discuss how all governments can contribute to continued economic growth and prosperity for Indigenous peoples.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to working with provincial and territorial governments to increase opportunities for Canadians and make our communities stronger and more prosperous. I look forward to sitting down with Premiers to strengthen our partnerships, find ways to eliminate barriers to trade between provinces and territories, and create good, middle class jobs across the country.
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Our relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada continue to grow, built on a foundation of respect, cooperation, partnership, and trust. I look forward to meeting with Indigenous leaders and continue working together to ensure Indigenous peoples can fully participate in the economy and strengthen their communities.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Action by federal, provincial, and territorial partners is critical to increasing trade within Canada, which will build a stronger, more integrated economy and benefit all Canadians. We look forward to working with our counterparts to build an economy that works for the middle class and people working hard to join it.”
—The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade
Quick Facts
- In 2017, federal, provincial, and territorial governments negotiated a historic Canadian Free Trade Agreement to improve the flow of goods, services, and investments across provincial and territorial borders, giving consumers more choice and lower prices. It also committed all governments to work together to reduce the rules and regulations that hinder trade within Canada and stifle the growth of Canadian businesses.
- Trade between provinces and territories accounts for just under one-fifth of Canada's annual gross domestic product, or $370 billion. It also accounts for almost 40 per cent of all provincial and territorial exports.
- Estimates suggest that removing interprovincial trade barriers could result in an economic benefit roughly comparable to the projected benefit of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
- Canada’s trade diversification strategy aims to open more markets and to do so on terms that benefit more people including Indigenous people.
- This year, 37 Indigenous business leaders from Canada participated in the first Indigenous trade mission led by the Government of Canada. As part of the trade mission, they attended the World Indigenous Business Forum, in New Zealand.
Associated Links
Statement by the Prime Minister on National Child Day
November 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Child Day:
“Today, on National Child Day, we celebrate young Canadians, and the joy and inspiration they bring to our lives. We also recognize the importance of giving our children the best possible start in life. For our children to become leaders and speak to the issues that matter to them, we must defend their rights and protect them from harm. All of us benefit when every child has an equal and fair chance at success.
“Over the past three years, we have given more children the opportunity to succeed by putting more money in the pockets of Canadian families. The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) now helps more than six million children and their families, and has made things like healthy food, summer programs, and winter clothes more affordable. In July, two years earlier than originally planned, we indexed the CCB to keep pace with the cost of living – giving parents even more each month to help with the high cost of raising their kids.
“We are committed to improving access to the full range of federal services and social benefits like the CCB for Indigenous peoples, particularly those living in remote and northern communities, so that Indigenous children are able to learn and thrive. We will continue to improve the delivery of services to Indigenous children and families, and work with partners including First Nations, Inuit, and the Métis Nation to develop community-driven solutions that empower children and keep them safe.
“Canadians know that education is the key to success. However, around the world, about a quarter of young people – most of them female – are not working or in school, and do not have access to the training and the opportunities they need to build their own future. This year, at the G7 Summit in June, Canada helped bring the international community together to invest $3.8 billion to support quality education for women and girls in conflict and crisis situations. In September, at the United Nations General Assembly, we welcomed another $527 million to help developing countries give every child access to the education and training they need to succeed.
“This year, we also welcome the release of the Canadian Children’s Charter. A year in the making, the Children’s Charter is a plan of action – created for children, by children – to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of children. I look forward to reading the final version of the Children’s Charter, and have no doubt it will benefit young people across Canada for generations to come.
“Sophie and I invite Canadians to join us to celebrate National Child Day, by taking time to make a difference in the life of a child. Together, we can make sure that every child has a safe and happy childhood, and real opportunities to achieve their dreams.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Latvia’s Independence Day
November 18, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Latvia’s Independence Day:
“Today, we join Latvian communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Latvia’s independence.
“Canada and Latvia enjoy a special relationship, rooted in our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as our enduring people-to-people ties made strong by the more than 28,000 Canadians of Latvian heritage.
“Canada was the first G7 country to recognize the restoration of Latvia's independence in 1991, and one of the first countries to ratify Latvia's accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 2004. Canada leads the multinational NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia, and contributes approximately 540 troops to this effort, as part of Operation REASSURANCE.
“Canada and Latvia also share close commercial ties. In February 2017, Latvia became the first member state of the European Union to ratify the Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Strategic Partnership Agreement. We will continue to work together to strengthen our commercial relationship and grow our economies for the benefit of people in both our countries.
“During my visit to Latvia this past July, I had the chance to meet with Prime Minister Māris Kučinskis and President Raimonds Vējonis to further strengthen the close friendship our two countries share. I also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting NATO assurance and deterrence measures in Eastern and Central Europe. I look forward to building on our strong partnership to create new opportunities for Canadians and Latvians alike.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to recognize the many ways the Latvian-Canadian community continues to contribute to our country’s success. I offer my best wishes to everyone celebrating Latvia's centenary.”
Prime Minster Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia
November 18, 2018
Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Port Moresby.
The two leaders discussed the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership. Canada and Australia are among the first six countries to ratify the agreement, which will provide a vital platform to deepen trade and investment ties, bringing economic benefits and good jobs to both countries.
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration between our countries given our deep historic ties, shared values, and the similarities between our systems of government.
Prime Minister concludes productive APEC Leaders’ Meeting
November 18, 2018
Papua New Guinea
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to expand trade and investment with the Asia-Pacific region, attract global investment, and create new economic opportunities and good, middle class jobs at home.
He highlighted how Canada was among the first countries to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which will unlock unprecedented opportunities for Canadians and deepen trade and investment ties with APEC partners.
The Prime Minister took part in the APEC Business Advisory Council dialogue to discuss ways businesses and APEC members can work together to create good, middle class jobs and build economies that work for all people. The discussion focused on the importance of open trade and multilateral trade agreements that benefit everyone and the use of digital technologies to better connect people and businesses around the world.
The Prime Minister also participated in the APEC Leaders’ Dialogue with Pacific Island countries leaders to explore how we can increase collaboration so more people share in the benefits of economic growth. The leaders talked about building awareness on digital issues and working together to set the foundation for a digital economy that works for everyone.
The Prime Minister hosted a roundtable with Pacific Islands Forum leaders where he reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to fight climate change and help them adapt to the changing climate. He also announced $20 million in new funding for increased technical assistance and capacity development in Small Island Developing States, including in the areas of public financial management, financial sector supervisory capacity, and fostering inclusive growth. He also announced $10 million to the Pacific Initiative for Biodiversity, Climate Change and Resilience that will assist the Pacific region to adapt to climate change, protect biodiversity, and improve ocean and fisheries health.
Canada will join the InsuResilience Global Partnership for Climate and Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance Solutions, launched at the 2017 UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, to strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in developing countries.
During his visit, the Prime Minister met with five Canadian youth delegates from the APEC “Voices of the Future” program, and held bilateral meetings with leaders from Australia, Japan and Malaysia.
Quote
“I thank Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for hosting this year’s APEC Leaders’ Meeting. There is enormous untapped potential for growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. With the CPTPP coming into force, I look forward to continue working with our Asia-Pacific partners to expand and diversify Canada’s trade and create new opportunities and good, middle class jobs for Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Canada is a founding member of APEC. This forum provides Canada with an opportunity to further strengthen trade and economic ties with some of the Asia-Pacific region’s most dynamic economies.
- In 2017, APEC partners accounted for nearly 84 per cent of Canada's total merchandise trade.
- In 2017, foreign direct investment from APEC economies in Canada was $481 billion.
- Four of Canada’s top five trading partners are APEC members (United States, China, Mexico, and Japan).
- The APEC Business Advisory Council provides advice on business sector issues. It is composed of up to three business representatives from each of the 21 member economies appointed by APEC leaders.
- This is Canada’s first leader to leader engagement with the Pacific Islands Forum. The Pacific Islands Forum is comprised of 18 members from Pacific Island countries including Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
- The contributions announced at the Pacific Islands Forum leader roundtable complement the $162 million announced at the G7 Summit in Charlevoix to build stronger and more resilient coasts and coastal communities. This funding includes:
- $100 million to support the expansion of Climate Risk Insurance coverage in climate-vulnerable countries, including Caribbean and Pacific Island countries;
- $60 million to promote clean and renewable energy and infrastructure and provide training and employment opportunities for women in non-traditional, sustainable technology sectors;
- and $2 million to support efforts by developing countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- At the G7 Ministers of Environment, Oceans and Energy meeting, Canada announced up to $11.6 million to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the world. Up to $1.6 million of this funding will help western and central pacific countries.
- In 2012, Canada established a technical assistance sub-account at the International Monetary Fund that supports technical assistance to developing country governments to build their capacity to address public debt, balance of payment problems and financial sector crises.
Associated Links
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan
November 18, 2018
Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Port Moresby.
The two leaders discussed the ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership. Canada and Japan are among the first six countries to ratify the agreement, deepening trade and investment ties, and bringing economic benefits and good jobs to both countries.
The Prime Ministers discussed ways to strengthen the rules-based trading system. They also exchanged views on the coordination of issues of common interest ahead of the G20, including advancing Canada’s G7 priorities with respect to resource efficiency and plastics. Both leaders also expressed support for growing bilateral peace and security cooperation on regional issues, including joint naval exercises and multinational efforts to enforce United Nations sanctions against North Korea.
Both leaders welcomed the momentum in bilateral cooperation and expressed a desire to celebrate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2019.
