Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa
November 30, 2018
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa. The Leaders discussed the upcoming Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, that President Ramaphosa will host on December 2 in celebration of the centenary of Nelson Mandela. The Prime Minister noted his admiration for the life and legacy of Mr. Mandela, who was an honorary citizen of Canada, and affirmed the appreciation of all Canadians for his efforts to build a more peaceful and just world.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Ramaphosa discussed key issues related to the G20 agenda, including trade and the shared priority of ensuring economic growth that works for everyone. The Leaders noted the importance of strengthening and safeguarding the World Trade Organization (WTO) to ensure that it has the capacity to address contemporary issues and to meet future challenges.
The two Leaders exchanged views on peace-support and related issues, including on women, peace and security and on children and armed conflict. They also discussed human rights, including the importance of ensuring the rights of the LGBTQ2 community. They explored opportunities for future collaboration, in these areas and in building the bilateral commercial relationship. The Prime Minister and President agreed to stay in close contact.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference
November 28, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to congratulate Kenya on a successful Sustainable Blue Economy Conference:
“This week, Canada, led by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Jonathan Wilkinson, is proud to have co-hosted the first-ever Sustainable Blue Economy Conference with Kenya and Japan. The conference – held in Nairobi, Kenya – brought together more than 10,000 delegates from over 150 countries around the world.
“This conference was an example of multilateralism at its best, and showcased Canada’s leadership, working in partnership in uniting countries to face our shared challenges. Government representatives, business leaders, academics, and scientists came together to look for ways to create sustainable economic growth, promote healthy and clean waters, and build safe and resilient coastal communities. They showed that when we work together, we deliver real solutions and better results for people and the planet.
“A blue economy is about harnessing the potential of our oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers – resources that Canada is privileged to have in abundance – to make life better for all, particularly women, young people, Indigenous peoples, and people living in developing countries. It means tapping into the latest innovations, scientific advances, and best practices while building prosperity and conserving our waters for future generations.
“Building a sustainable ocean economy is a global challenge and one we have to face together. With our partners, Canada is determined to do our part.
“At the conference, Canada announced support for the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, which will create a project office to help build scientific capacity and enhance cooperation in marine affairs through ocean research. We also announced funding for the World Economic Forum’s Friends of Ocean Action Group and for the United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean, for the sustainable use and conservation of ocean, sea, and marine resources, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We also highlighted our commitment to work with the global community to support resilient coasts and coastal communities.
“These measures further build on Canada’s leadership in protecting the oceans we share. In cooperation with Indigenous and coastal communities, we are working to protect our environment and safeguard our oceans for generations to come through our $1.5 billion national Oceans Protection Plan. Canada also made oceans protection and clean energy a top priority during our G7 Presidency, launched the Ocean Plastics Charter to eradicate plastic pollution, and announced funding to preserve the health and resilience of our coasts and coastal communities.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank Kenya and Japan for their leadership and dedication to environmental stewardship. Climate change knows no borders. Only by working together can we build a blue economy that is prosperous and sustainable, and leaves no one behind.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with United States President Donald J. Trump
November 27, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
The two leaders expressed their disappointment with the decision by General Motors to close several plants in Canada and the United States. They underscored their concerns for the workers, families, and communities affected.
The Prime Minister and President agreed that the new trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico would enhance North American competitiveness.
The Prime Minister also reinforced the importance of both countries lifting the tariffs on steel and aluminum.
The Prime Minister expressed condolences for the three U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
The leaders looked forward to attending the upcoming G20 Summit in Argentina.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Ontario Premier Doug Ford
November 26, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today spoke with Ontario Premier Doug Ford about the news that General Motors will be closing its Oshawa plant. The Prime Minister expressed his deep disappointment with the decision made by General Motors.
The Prime Minister and the Premier shared concerns on how the closure will impact employees, suppliers, families, and communities in Oshawa and throughout the region. They agreed to work together to explore what measures could be taken by the federal and provincial government to provide support to workers and their families. They also discussed how to engage unions to help workers affected by the decision.
The Prime Minister and the Premier pledged to continue working together to help all those impacted by the closure.
In addition, the Prime Minister noted the Premier’s announcement of measures that will be taken by the provincial government in recognition of the important and ongoing contributions of Franco-Ontarians. The Prime Minister reiterated the federal government’s steadfast commitment to continue supporting Franco-Ontarians and official bilingualism in Canada.
Prime Minister to attend G20 Leaders’ Summit in Argentina
November 26, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit from November 29 to December 1.
The G20 Summit – like the G7 Summit was in Charlevoix – is a key opportunity to make progress toward a world where everyone can benefit from the increasingly global and digital economy.
As the 2018 G7 President, Canada has brought countries together to create good, middle class jobs, invest in economic growth that benefits everyone, advance gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, fight climate change, protect our oceans, and promote clean energy. At the G20 Summit, the Prime Minister will continue to champion these pressing issues, and ensure G20 countries build on progress made at the G7 Summit.
The Prime Minister will underscore how creating new opportunities for the middle class, and people working hard to join it, is the best way to help people deal with the uncertainty of a changing world, and stem the spread of polarization and division.
He will also stress the need for countries to unite around a common set of rules and principles, and work together to resolve common challenges and build a more hopeful, prosperous future for people everywhere.
During the Summit, world leaders will discuss ways to achieve fair and sustainable development, and deliver economic growth that leaves no one behind. They will also focus on how best to prepare people for the future of work, ensure a sustainable food future, and advance infrastructure projects that strengthen communities around the world.
Quotes
“No matter where we live, our fortunes are in some way tied together. So are the challenges we face. I look forward to joining fellow G20 leaders in Buenos Aires to build on the progress made at G7 to fight climate change, advance gender equality, and strengthen the middle class and offer real help to people working hard to join it.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada and Argentina know that we must make globalization work for more people, and our presidencies will help do just that by addressing income inequality, strengthening financial governance, creating a fairer global tax system, and fighting corruption. This is about working together to create a more stable and prosperous world for generations to come.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This is the fourth time Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, will accompany the Prime Minister to the Summit.
- The Summit brings together leaders of major advanced and emerging economies to address pressing global challenges.
Associated Links
Governor General of Canada to visit Kazakhstan
November 26, 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 Kazakhstan from December 3 to 5, 2018.
During the visit, the Governor General will meet with the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and senior officials to deepen the relationship between our two countries. The Governor General will also attend the launch of Expedition 58 on the Soyuz spacecraft at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where Canadian David Saint-Jacques and two crewmates will depart for the International Space Station.
After attending the launch, the Governor General will visit Kazakhstan’s National Space Center in Astana and meet representatives of Kazakhstan’s National Space Agency to highlight our partnership in space exploration. She will also meet with prominent Kazakhstani women leaders to discuss the importance of gender equality and the need to eliminate barriers that hold women and girls back.
Quote
“The Governor General – the former Chief Astronaut for the Canadian Space Agency – will have the opportunity to visit Kazakhstan, which is home to the world’s oldest and largest space launch facility. She’ll give her best wishes to David Saint-Jacques, on behalf of all Canadians, as he leaves for his first ever space mission.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- This will be the first visit of a Governor General to Kazakhstan.
- Kazakhstan is an important regional player, currently sitting as a non-permanent member in the United Nations Security Council. Kazakhstan is a partner for Canada in many multilateral forums and international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.
- Expedition 58 will be Canadian Space Agency astronaut David Saint-Jacques’ first mission in space. During his assignment, he will conduct a series of scientific experiments and robotics tasks, and test new technologies.
