CANADA's latest news

Statement by the Prime Minister on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas

November 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas:

“Today, we join Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.

“This holiday – known as the Festival of Lights – symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.

“Families and friends will gather to pray, exchange gifts, share meals, and light diyas in a spirit of hope. Diwali is also a chance to honour the many communities that celebrate this occasion.

“Canadians of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths, as well as the larger South Asian diaspora, shape our country for the better every day.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas.”

Prime Minister delivers apology regarding the fate of the passengers of the MS St. Louis

November 7, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today delivered a formal apology in the House of Commons regarding the fate of the MS St. Louis and its passengers. The Prime Minister apologized to the passengers, their families, and Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.

In May 1939, the MS St. Louis departed Germany with close to a thousand passengers, including over 900 German Jews, who were desperate for safety and refuge from persecution at the hands of the Nazis.

After Jewish refugees on board were denied entry to Cuba, the United States, and Canada, they were forced to return to Europe, where the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands agreed to take them in. When the Nazis conquered Belgium, France, and the Netherlands in 1940, 254 MS St. Louis passengers were murdered in the Holocaust.

The Prime Minister apologized to Jewish refugees Canada turned away, and for the anti-Semitic, ‘none is too many’ immigration policy that led to the MS St. Louis incident. He also apologized to the Jews who were falsely imprisoned during the Second World War, to the members of Canada’s Jewish community whose pleas were ignored, and to all others who paid the price of Canada’s inaction.

Quotes

“Today, I rose in the House of Commons to issue a long overdue apology to the Jewish refugees Canada turned away.By issuing this apology, it is my sincere hope that we can shine a light on this painful chapter of our history and ensure that its lessons are never forgotten. Anti-Semitism, xenophobia, and hatred have no place in this country, or anywhere in this world. Recent attacks on the Jewish community attest to the work we still have to do. We must always stand up against xenophobic and anti-Semitic attitudes and hate in all its forms.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Every year, thousands of people from around the world choose to settle in Canada and are warmly welcomed by our dynamic, inclusive and open country. The memory of the MS St. Louis reminds us of how far we have travelled since 1939 and rekindles our commitment to fight anti-Semitism everywhere. The atrocities that have been and continue to be committed against the Jewish people cannot be forgotten, and we must continue to stand together against hatred and discrimination.”
—The Hon. Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism

Quick Facts

• Discrimination and violence against Jewish people in Canada and around the world continues at an alarming rate. According to the most recent figures, 17 per cent of all hate crimes in Canada target Jewish people, which is far higher per capita than any other group.
• The Holocaust was a genocide during the Second World War in which Nazi Germany, aided by its collaborators, systematically murdered over six million Jewish people. Millions of others were also killed and suffered atrocities at the hands of the Nazi regime. It is one of the darkest chapters in human history.
• While Canada did not directly experience the Holocaust, its restrictive immigration policies at the time largely closed the door to Jews seeking refuge from persecution in Europe.
• As a nation, Canada has been profoundly shaped by approximately 40,000 Holocaust survivors, who resettled across the country after the war. Today, Canadians remember the Holocaust, commemorate its victims, and renew our commitment to fight against racism, discrimination, and anti-Semitism.
• Canada has been a full member of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance since 2009. The Alliance aims to support Holocaust education, remembrance, and research in member countries and around the world.

Associated link

• Prime Minister announces St. Louis apology

Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Bernard Landry

November 6, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Bernard Landry:

“Today, I join Quebecers to honour the memory of Bernard Landry, a former Premier of Quebec.

“Mr. Landry was a dedicated leader who played a central role in a defining chapter of Quebec’s history. He devoted much of his life to making a difference in the lives of Quebecers.

“Mr. Landry held many provincial Cabinet positions before becoming Premier in 2001. After leaving politics, he remained an active member of his community and continued to contribute to public life. In recognition of his work as a politician, lawyer, author, and professor, he was appointed a Grand Officer of the Ordre national du Québec and Commander of the Légion d’honneur by the Government of France.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our condolences to Mr. Landry’s family, friends, and colleagues.”

Prime Minister to travel to Singapore and Papua New Guinea

November 6, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Singapore and Papua New Guinea from November 13 to 18, 2018.

Canada is at its most prosperous when Canadian businesses can operate with the whole world as their marketplace. Over the last three years, the Government of Canada has 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.

Later this month, Prime Minister Trudeau will meet with partners in the Asia-Pacific region to continue to expand and diversify Canada’s trade, attract global investment, and create new economic opportunities and good, middle class jobs at home.

In Singapore, Prime Minister Trudeau will attend events on the margins of the 33^rd Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and meet with other world leaders, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Halimah Yacob of Singapore. The Prime Minister will also meet with business leaders and participate in a seminar as part of the Singapore FinTech Festival to support Canadian small and medium sized businesses in Asia.

The Prime Minister will then travel to Papua New Guinea for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting. During the meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau will promote Canada as a partner of choice for trade and investment in the region, and work to deepen economic cooperation with APEC economies.

Quotes

“Singapore has been one of Canada’s most important partners in Southeast Asia for over fifty years. We share common priorities, from promoting open trade to create new opportunities for businesses and the middle class, to fighting climate change, to strengthening the rules-based international order. I look forward to meeting with Singapore’s leaders to deepen our collaboration in a range of areas, for the benefit of Canadians and Singaporeans alike.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Our government has taken great strides to open new markets for Canadians and attract global investment to Canada. I look forward to working with fellow APEC leaders to build on our success, and create even more opportunities for Canadians and all people in the Asia-Pacific region.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• The Minister of International Trade Diversification, Jim Carr, will accompany the Prime Minister for the duration of the trip.
• Canada and Singapore are signatories to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
• On October 29, 2018, Canada ratified the CPTPP.
• In 2017, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Singapore totaled $2.36 billion.
• Canada has been a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN for over 40 years, and supports the organization’s efforts to enhance peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
• As a group, ASEAN ranks as Canada’s sixth-largest trading partner.
• Canada is a founding member of APEC. Since its establishment in 1989, APEC has become the pre-eminent economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region.
• 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).

Associated Links

• Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Canada and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Governor General of Canada to visit Belgium to honour Canadians’ service and sacrifice in First World War

November 6, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will visit Mons, Belgium, on November 10, 2018.

During her visit, the Governor General will attend commemoration events for the 100th anniversary of the First World War Armistice. As Commander-in-Chief of Canada, she will attend a remembrance ceremony at the St. Symphorien Military Cemetery. She will also attend the unveiling of a monument in memory of George Price – a Canadian soldier from Nova Scotia killed two minutes before the Armistice and believed to be the last Commonwealth soldier to die in action during the Great War.

At these ceremonies, the Governor General will pay tribute to all the Canadian soldiers who paid the ultimate price for freedom. She will then travel back to Canada to attend the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa.

Quote

“In Belgium, the Governor General will remember and honour the thousands of Canadians who stood on guard for us and gave their lives far from Canada’s shores. They served with valour and sacrificed beyond measure. We owe them an immense debt of gratitude for their service. We will not forget.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• This year marks the 100th anniversary of Canada’s Hundred Days and the First World War Armistice.
• Canada made great contributions and sacrifices during the First World War, fought from 1914 to 1918. Our many achievements on the battlefield were capped by a three-month stretch of victories at the end of the war – from August 8 to November 11, 1918 – that came to be known as “Canada’s Hundred Days.”
• Canadians marched through the streets of Mons on the morning of November 11, 1918, celebrating the end of the war.
• The Governor General’s last visit to Europe was in January 2018, when she visited Canadian troops in Ukraine and Latvia.

Associated links

• Canada’s Hundred Days and the Armistice 100th anniversary
• Canada – Belgium relations

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia

November 6, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Yesterday, the Prime Minister spoke with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Trudeau offered his congratulations on the ambitious program of reform Prime Minister Abiy has pursued, including his leadership on gender equality with the appointment of a gender-balanced Cabinet and of Ethiopia’s first female President and first president of the Supreme Court.

The Prime Ministers discussed regional peace-and-security issues, including the historic accord achieved between Ethiopia and Eritrea.

The Prime Minister offered his thanks for Prime Minister Abiy's role in resolving a longstanding consular case. The two leaders agreed to meet soon in person.

Prime Minister to travel to France

November 5, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to France from November 10 to 12, 2018, to attend commemoration events for the 100th anniversary of the First World War Armistice and the first-ever Paris Peace Forum.

On November 10, the Prime Minister, along with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Seamus O’Regan, will meet with Canadian veterans and thank them for their service and sacrifice. They will also visit the Canadian National Vimy Ridge Memorial, a tribute to the Canadians who fought and gave their lives in the First World War.

On Remembrance Day, Prime Minister Trudeau will participate in commemoration ceremonies in Paris on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, which marked the end of the First World War.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister will attend the Paris Peace Forum, a new annual event that brings together political, economic, and civil society leaders from across the globe to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The leaders will highlight the importance of strengthening multilateralism, global governance, and the rules-based international order.

The following day, Prime Minister Trudeau will be a key speaker at the GovTech Summit, which will bring together government leaders and innovators to explore how we can use new technologies to improve public services and build stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive democracies.

During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau will meet with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to further strengthen the deep friendship between our two countries, and explore ways to promote even closer collaboration.

Quotes

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to our veterans and all the remarkable Canadians serving in our armed forces today. This month, as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, we honour the Canadians who fought and gave their lives in the First World War, and all those in uniform who have served and continue to serve our country with dedication.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Our world today is more interconnected than ever, and the challenges we face know no borders. We must work together to address these challenges, from fighting climate change, to advancing peace and security, to promoting economic growth that benefits everyone. The first Paris Peace Forum will be an important chance to explore real, meaningful solutions to these issues and work to build a better future for everyone.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• Canada and France have a longstanding, close relationship based on history, a common language, and shared values, as well as broad social, economic, and political cooperation. France is Canada's fourth most important trading partner within the European Union. In 2017, the value of trade between the two countries was $9.6 billion.
• The Paris Peace Forum, created on President Macron’s initiative, is an independent non-governmental organization established in 2018. More than 80 countries are expected to participate in the first Forum, which will be held at La Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris.
• The one-day GovTech Summit will feature more than 90 international speakers, covering topics including transport, healthcare, security, international development, e-government, and citizen engagement.

Associated Links

• Canada’s Hundred Days and the Armistice 100th anniversary
• Canada-France relations
• The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - France
• Paris Peace Forum

Prime Minister visits Tŝilhqot’in Nation to personally deliver statement of exoneration

November 3, 2018
Xeni Gwet’in, British Columbia

Acknowledging past mistakes is an important part of renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples. By coming together in a spirit of cooperation and affirming our respect and recognition of Indigenous rights, we can make real, meaningful progress toward reconciliation, to the benefit of all Canadians.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, yesterday met with members of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation on their title land to deliver, in person, a statement of exoneration of six Tŝilhqot’in chiefs. The statement was originally delivered by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons on March 26, 2018.

The posthumous exoneration of all six Tŝilhqot’in chiefs – Chief Lhats’asʔin, Chief Biyil, Chief Tilaghed, Chief Taqed, Chief Chayses, and Chief Ahan – demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to meaningful reconciliation.

During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett, and members of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation confirmed their shared priorities and vision for the future by signing a pathway letter. The letter outlines commitments to reach milestones on the path to self-determination. Canada also commits to work with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation to address housing and infrastructure needs in the Tŝilhqot’in communities.

The visit marked an important step forward to recognize and implement the rights of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

Quotes

“It was important to me to meet members of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and deliver in person the statement of exoneration of six chiefs – heroes of this Nation – who were treated and tried as criminals. Together, with the Tŝilhqot’in leaders, elders, and youth, we can build a new relationship – based on respect, recognition of rights, collaboration, and partnership – and realize a better future for the Tŝilhqot’in peoples, for all of Canada, and for the generations that will follow.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“As Tŝilhqot’in representatives, we are honoured to be hosting the Prime Minister on our declared Aboriginal title lands. This event is about healing. It will be a day marked in the history books for the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and all of Canada. On March 26,^, 2018, we were in the Prime Minister’s government house, yesterday – for the first time in Canadian history – the Prime Minister was in our government house.”
—Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman, Tŝilhqot’in National Government

Quick Facts

• The six Tŝilhqot’in chiefs were leaders and warriors who acted in accordance with their laws and traditions. They fought against the colonial government of the time, which ultimately lead to their hanging in 1864 and 1865.
• Today, the Tŝilhqot’in people, including the descendants of those six war chiefs, continue to live and care for Tŝilhqot’in lands. They have continued to fight to preserve their territory and culture, right up to and since the historic Supreme Court of Canada decision of June 26, 2014, which recognized Aboriginal title for the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.
• A Letter of Understanding between Canada and the Tŝilhqot’in Nation was signed in January 2017, marking another step toward reconciliation and recognition of our nation-to-nation relationship.
• The Government of Canada has committed to working with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation to address housing and infrastructure needs in its communities and is continuing to work with the Tŝilhqot’in Nation on additional priorities. 

Associated Links

• Prime Minister delivers a statement of exoneration for six Tŝilhqot’in Chiefs
• Tŝilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia
• Letter of Understanding Between the Tŝilhqot’in Nation and Canada: January 27, 2017
• Government of Canada to create Recognition and Implementation of Rights Framework

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom

November 5, 2018
Montréal, Quebec

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom.

The leaders discussed the need for transparency and accountability on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 2, 2018. The leaders also emphasized the critical importance of supporting freedom of press.

The two Prime Ministers also discussed upcoming G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, underscoring the importance of the rules-based international trading system. 

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister May also discussed the status of withdrawal negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition of Canada-United Kingdom bilateral relations, particularly in terms of free trade, following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union