Statement by the Prime Minister on Raoul Wallenberg Day
January 17, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day:
“Today, we pay tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, a hero and humanitarian whose work saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.
“A Swedish diplomat in Budapest, Mr. Wallenberg put his own life on the line to protect people from deportation and death. He issued ‘protective passports,’ known as Schutz-Passes, to thousands of Hungarian Jews. These Swedish documents shielded their bearers from deportation to the death camps of the Nazi regime. Mr. Wallenberg went to great lengths to distribute these. One witness recounts that he once climbed onto the roof of a train departing for the death camps and handed out passports indiscriminately, allowing their holders off the train.
“Mr. Wallenberg also established safe havens to shelter Jewish people across the city, under the protection of the Swedish flag. This network of safehouses, soup kitchens, hospitals, and child care centres protected thousands more from deportation. Within months, Mr. Wallenberg saved more Jews from the Holocaust than any other individual, group, or government. His efforts also inspired other diplomats from neutral countries to do what was in their power to protect Budapest’s Jews.
“Near the end of the war, Mr. Wallenberg was taken into Soviet custody and tragically disappeared. Little is known of his fate, but his legacy endures. The stories of those he saved bear witness to his heroism, as do the many monuments and institutions that carry his name. In 1985, Canada made Mr. Wallenberg its first honorary citizen – a tribute to his courage and compassion in the service of others.
“Today, we must live up to his example, and stand up to a resurgence of hatred, racism, and anti-Semitism in our world. Events like those in Pittsburgh this past fall are an excruciating reminder that our work is not done. Together, we can do more, in our own communities and daily lives, to fight hate, teach openness, and cultivate love.
“Today, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about Mr. Wallenberg’s life and legacy. Raoul Wallenberg showed us what it means to be a hero: with bravery, ingenuity, and compassion, he put others before himself. All of us can carry his example forward, and find the courage to change the world.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany
January 18, 2019
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Merkel exchanged views on key international challenges in 2019, as well as Canada-Germany cooperation on mutual priorities, including through the G7 and G20.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Merkel discussed developments in Europe, particularly related to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union.
The Prime Minister and Chancellor discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens in China and the application of the death penalty to a third Canadian in China. Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Chancellor Merkel for Germany’s public support and emphasized the importance of the international community standing together to advocate for the respect of diplomatic immunity, international norms, and judicial independence. They also agreed on the necessity to safeguard the rules-based international order, including to ensure the confidence of the international business community.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez
January 18, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez.
The Prime Minister and President exchanged views on a number of international issues, including the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. They agreed that Canadian and Paraguayan officials would continue to work together to promote democracy, rule of law and human rights in Venezuela, including through the Lima Group.
The two leaders also welcomed the progress in the Canada-Mercosur trade negotiations and looked forward to advancing discussions further at the next negotiating round in Ottawa.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres
January 18, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General reaffirmed their commitment to supporting multilateralism and the rules-based international order.
Prime Minister Trudeau and the Secretary-General discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China, the application of the death penalty to a third Canadian in China, and the importance of safeguarding international norms, including diplomatic immunity, judicial independence and respect for the rule of law.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the Secretary-General’s leadership in responding to the crisis in Yemen and thanked him for his ongoing commitment to finding a lasting and peaceful solution.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
January 17, 2019
Sherbrooke, Quebec
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, spoke with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his appreciation for participating in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit last year as Guest of the Chair and the opportunity to collaborate on a range of important bilateral issues. He congratulated Prime Minister Lee on the outcome of the summit.
The Prime Ministers discussed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Both Canada and Singapore are among the first to ratify the agreement, deepening trade and investment ties, and bringing economic benefits and good jobs to both countries.
The two leaders discussed the detention of two Canadians in China, the application of the death penalty to a third Canadian in China, and the importance of safeguarding international norms, including diplomatic immunity, judicial independence and respect for the rule of law.
Both leaders welcomed the momentum in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, including in the commercial relationship.
