Statement by the Prime Minister on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day:
“Today, we mourn the loss of more than six million Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust, and the countless other victims of Nazi atrocities. We also honour those who survived the Shoah, recognizing both the scars they carry, and their stories of hope, courage, and perseverance against unspeakable evil.
“The Holocaust is a stark reminder of the dangers of hatred and discrimination, and the irreversible consequences of inaction and indifference. On this day, we repeat the vow, ‘Never Again’ – not as a phrase, but as a promise to remain vigilant against the threat of genocide. We must preserve the memories of those who lived through the horrors of the Shoah, so that our generation – and those to come – will never forget their stories.
“We must also acknowledge Canada’s own history of anti-Semitism, and its devastating results. In November, the Government issued a long-overdue apology for Canada’s inaction and apathy toward Jews during the Nazi era. Our country’s disgraceful ‘none is too many’ immigration policy doomed many Jews to Nazi death camps, including hundreds of Jewish refugees aboard the MS St. Louis. No words will ever erase this tragedy – but it is our sincere hope that this apology will help ensure the lessons we have learned are never forgotten.
“We are not immune to the effects of ignorance and hate. The threats of violence, xenophobia, and anti-Semitism still exist today. The murder of eleven Jews at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh – one of the deadliest attacks against Jews in North American history – is fresh in our minds. The Government will continue to stand with the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, and call out the anti-Semitism, hatred, and racism that incites such despicable acts.
“On this solemn day, we pay tribute to the resilience of the Jewish people, through our words – and our actions. We honour our pledge to stand guard and speak out against anti-Semitism in our communities, to embrace our differences, and find strength in our diversity.”
Itinerary for Sunday, January 27, 2019
January 27, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Note: All times local
Ottawa, Ontario
Personal
Statement by the Prime Minister on the resignation of Canada’s Ambassador to China
January 26, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the resignation of Canada’s Ambassador to China, the Honourable John McCallum:
“Last night I asked for and accepted John McCallum’s resignation as Canada’s Ambassador to China.
“For almost two decades, John McCallum has served Canadians honourably and with distinction. He held many positions in Cabinet over the years, including Minister of National Defence, Minister of Veterans Affairs and, most recently, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. His work as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in bringing in over 39,500 Syrian refugees remains an inspiration to Canadians and an example to the world. I thank him and his family for his service over the past many years.
“Effective immediately and in keeping with standard practice, Jim Nickel, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada in Beijing, will represent Canada in China as Chargé d’affaires.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the President of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez
January 26, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and their mutual support and recognition of Juan Guaidó, President of the National Assembly, as the interim President of Venezuela. They agreed that Canadian and Colombian officials would continue to work together and build international support to promote democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Venezuela, including through the Lima Group.
The leaders also discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China and the importance of safeguarding international norms, including judicial independence, diplomatic immunity and respect for the rule of law.
