Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern
January 14, 2019
Ottawa, Canada
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
The prime ministers discussed the detention and legal treatment of Canadian citizens in China and the need for all countries to respect judicial procedure and rule of law. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on shared priorities, including their commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the significance of the Women Deliver Global Conference, which Canada is hosting in June 2019, as a key opportunity to bring world leaders together to advance women’s equality.
The leaders agreed to remain in close contact on these and other matters with a view to continuing to strengthen relations between the two countries.
The Prime Minister attends the Canada-Assembly of First Nations Leaders Meeting
January 14, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada is committed to a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today attended the Canada-Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Leaders Meeting with National Chief Perry Bellegarde and members of the AFN Executive. The meeting built on the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the AFN and the Government of Canada in June 2017, which underlines shared priorities and guides work to advance the goals and interests of First Nations. The Prime Minister, the National Chief, and other leaders from Canada and the AFN discussed progress made on joint priorities outlined in the memorandum, and ongoing work to create a stronger nation-to-nation relationship between Canada and First Nations.
During the meeting, the leaders highlighted significant strides made to close gaps in education and First Nations child and family services, and additional support offered under Jordan’s Principle to make sure all Indigenous children have the resources they need to thrive. They also noted ongoing work to co-develop new legislation to improve Indigenous child and family services, and to preserve, protect, and revitalize Indigenous languages.
In discussions, the leaders emphasized progress made on lifting long-term drinking water advisories on public systems on reserve, reiterating the Government of Canada’s commitment to end all advisories by March 2021. They also underscored their commitment to work together to replace outdated policies, including the Comprehensive Land Claims Policy and Inherent Right of Self-Government Policy as part of the ongoing federal law and policy review.
Today’s meeting is part of the permanent bilateral mechanism process that Prime Minister Trudeau committed to in December 2016. The mechanism helps establish shared priorities and track progress on renewing Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples.
Quote
“Canada cannot move forward if Indigenous peoples continue to be held back. Together with Indigenous partners, the Government of Canada is working hard to move the dial on reconciliation, and today’s meeting with the AFN was an important step. By having open conversations and taking concrete action, we can make real and lasting change for Indigenous peoples and all Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- In June 2017, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the National Chief of the AFN, Perry Bellegarde, signed a memorandum of understanding on shared priorities during the first AFN-Crown meeting under the new permanent bilateral mechanism process.
- Combined, Budget 2016, Budget 2017, and Budget 2018 have allocated $17 billion for a whole range of Indigenous projects and initiatives, including 213 health centre and education projects on reserve.
- On November 30, 2018, Minister Philpott, together with AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed, and Métis National Council President Clément Chartier, announced that the Government of Canada will introduce co-developed federal legislation on Indigenous child and family services in early 2019. This broad-based legislation will be inclusive of all Indigenous peoples while respecting a distinctions-based approach.
- Between July 2016 and November 2018, the Government of Canada has approved more than 177,000 requests through Jordan’s Principle to make sure that First Nations children have the support they need – including educational and mental health support, medical equipment, and speech therapy.
- In 2018, the Government of Canada held over 50 distinct First Nations, Inuit, and Métis engagement sessions across the country for the co-development of legislation on Indigenous languages.
- Since November 2015, the Government of Canada has lifted 78 long-term drinking water advisories.
Associated Links
- Reducing the number of Indigenous children in care
- Indigenous Services Canada - Jordan’s Principle
- Ending long-term drinking water advisories
- Indigenous Services Canada - Education
- Co-development of a National First Nations, Inuit and Métis Languages Act
- The Prime Minister and the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations sign Memorandum of Understanding on shared priorities
- Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
Statement by the Prime Minister on Thai Pongal
January 14, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Thai Pongal:
“This week, the Tamil community in Canada and around the world will celebrate Thai Pongal, the four-day harvest festival.
“Thai Pongal is a time of celebration, joy, and community. Families and friends will gather to give thanks for a plentiful harvest, and to cook and share Pongal, a sweet rice pudding.
“As we mark the end of the harvest season and the start of the New Year, we also celebrate Tamil Heritage Month. During this special time, we recognize the many contributions Tamil Canadians have made to the success and prosperity of our country.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating Thai Pongal a joyful festival.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President Mauricio Macri of Argentina
January 15, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Argentinian President Mauricio Macri.
The Prime Minister congratulated President Macri on hosting a successful G20 Summit.
The Prime Minister and President discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China and the importance of safeguarding international norms, including judicial independence and respect for the rule of law. They also discussed China’s application of the death penalty to a Canadian citizen.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the President’s continued commitment to advancing shared priorities.
Prime Minister announces support for Canada’s first geothermal power facility
January 11, 2019
Regina, Saskatchewan
The Government of Canada is taking strong steps to protect the environment and grow the economy, while creating good, middle class jobs and more opportunities for Canadians.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced support for a new geothermal power facility near Estevan in Southeastern Saskatchewan. The energy project, led by DEEP Earth Energy Production Corporation, is the first of its kind in Canada and taps into a new renewable energy resource.
Geothermal energy harnesses heat from the earth’s crust and transforms it into electricity to power our homes and businesses year round. DEEP’s geothermal facility will build on Saskatchewan’s leadership in the energy sector, using familiar drilling technologies from the oil, gas, and mining industries to tap into this reliable energy source.
The Government of Canada will provide $25.6 million in funding for the five Megawatt (MWe) facility, which will produce enough energy to power approximately 5,000 homes all while taking the equivalent of the yearly emissions of 7,400 cars out of the atmosphere. The project will create 100 jobs during construction, provide the provincial power grid with clean, renewable energy, and create new business opportunities for local communities.
The Government of Canada will continue to make smart investments in research and innovation to develop new clean energy technology, and meet our climate goals and create economic growth that benefits everyone.
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“Today’s announcement is an investment in the future of Saskatchewan, and all our children. DEEP’s project has the potential to transform how the province and the country produces energy, while creating good, middle class jobs for Canadians. This is another example of how we’re taking action to fight climate change today while strengthening our communities for tomorrow.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Funding for this project is being provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Emerging Renewable Power Program. In 2014, Natural Resources Canada contributed $1 million through its ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative for a pre-feasibility study for this project. Natural Resource Canada’s Clean Energy Innovation Program and Innovation Saskatchewan also contributed $350,000 and $175,000, respectively, towards test drilling. The total cost of the project is $51.3 million.
- The local community will channel excess heat from the facility to a 45-acre greenhouse for commercial use. Sustainable, affordable clean heating for major commercial greenhouses present new opportunities for the Saskatchewan agricultural sector.
- The project will pave the way for additional investment in the Williston Basin, which has the capacity to support several hundred MWe of power generating capacity.
- Canada is a world leader in the production and use of energy from renewable resources. In Canada, 66 per cent of electricity production is from renewable sources, such as hydroelectricity.
- On January 9, 2019, Canada officially became a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency, joining 159 countries in an intergovernmental organization devoted to providing clean, sustainable energy for the world's growing population.
