Statement by the Prime Minister on Chinese New Year
February 5, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival:
“Over the coming days, Chinese communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome the Year of the Pig. Calm and compassionate, the Pig symbolizes good fortune, honesty, and success.
“As friends and family come together to celebrate new beginnings, it’s also a chance to honour the remarkable contributions Chinese Canadians continue to make to our country. From coast to coast to coast, Chinese Canadians build a stronger, more inclusive Canada every day.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating a Year of the Pig filled with joy, health, and good fortune.
“Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hey Fat Choy! Gong Xi! Gong Xi!”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Vietnamese New Year
February 5, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the Vietnamese New Year:
“Over the next few days, Vietnamese communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán, the Lunar New Year.
“Tết is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate new beginnings, and look forward to the coming of spring. To welcome the Year of the Pig, families and friends will come together to enjoy special holiday foods and share best wishes for good fortune in the year to come.
“The Vietnamese New Year is also a chance to recognize the significant contributions Vietnamese Canadians make to our country each day. Generations of Vietnamese Canadians have helped build a better, more inclusive Canada, and that’s as true today as ever.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating happiness, good fortune, and prosperity in the Year of the Pig.
“Chúc mừng năm mới.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Korean New Year
February 5, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the Korean New Year, also known as Seollal:
“Today, Korean communities in Canada and around the world welcome the Year of the Pig as they celebrate Seollal, Korea’s Lunar New Year.
“One of the most important traditional Korean holidays, Seollal is a time to celebrate new beginnings, give thanks for the successes of the past year, and set intentions for the year to come. During the three-day holiday, families and loved ones gather to share special meals, honour their elders and ancestors, and enjoy traditional games.
“This holiday is also an opportunity to recognize the important contributions that Korean Canadians continue to make to our country. Each day, Korean Canadians help build a better Canada, from coast to coast to coast.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish peace, joy, and prosperity to all those celebrating Seollal.
“새해 복 많이 받으세요”
Statement by the Prime Minister on International Development Week
February 3, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Development Week, which runs from February 3 to 9, 2019:
“Today, we mark the beginning of International Development Week, and celebrate the hard work of international development workers, volunteers, and partners. From building schools and hospitals, to training others to provide much-needed services in their local communities, these dedicated people make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable.
“This year’s theme – Together for Gender Equality – embodies Canada’s efforts to make gender equality a reality, and improve the lives of women and girls around the world. Women and girls are disproportionally affected by poverty, limited health care services, and a lack of resources and opportunities. But when their voices are heard, they have the power to transform their communities into thriving and healthy places to call home. For that reason, by 2021-22, Canada will devote no less than 95 per cent of its international assistance to initiatives that improve the lives of women and girls.
“Gender equality is a global responsibility, and one we need to work together to achieve. During the 2018 G7 Summit, Canada and partners announced $3.8 billion – the single largest investment of its kind – to support quality education for women and girls living in crisis and conflict areas. At the United Nations General Assembly a few months later, Canada welcomed an additional $527 million from partners to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
“Building on this momentum, Canada will host the Women Deliver 2019 conference – the world’s largest gathering on the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls – in Vancouver in June.
“During International Development Week, we also call attention to ongoing humanitarian crises around the world. Canada has a long history of carrying out critical humanitarian work. Most recently, we provided significant aid to Yemen, and took decisive actionto respond to the grave humanitarian crisis in Myanmar. In addition, Canada will host the 10th ministerial meeting of the Lima Group, bringing elected officials from over a dozen countries together in Ottawa to discuss the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. We will continue to work closely with the international community and the United Nations to protect human rights and meet the needs of those displaced and most vulnerable.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to join me in thanking the many people who work hard every day to end poverty, promote peace and security, and ensure people everywhere share in a more just and equal future.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Black History Month
February 1, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Black History Month:
“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to celebrate Black culture and history, and to reflect on the significant contributions Black Canadians have made to building Canada.
“As leaders, advocates, entrepreneurs, artists, members of our armed forces, and everything in between, Black Canadians have helped shape our history and our identity as a country. Whether on the global stage or here at home, they have defended the values that make us who we are – values like freedom, justice, democracy, and equality. Their work has helped transform Canada into a more inclusive, compassionate, and prosperous country for all of us.
“This year’s theme – Black Canadian Youth: Boundless, Rooted, & Proud – celebrates young Black Canadians: their power, their voices, their achievements, and their future. But it also reminds us of the inequality and barriers many continue to face, from anti-black racism and discrimination to a lack of opportunity and resources. That’s unacceptable. Our diversity is our strength, and we need to do more to achieve real equality for young Canadians and everyone in our country.
“That is why we are working hard to make sure all Canadians have equal opportunities to thrive – no matter the colour of their skin or where they come from, the language they speak or the religion they practice. Last year, we launched a new funding initiative to address the unique challenges faced by Black communities in Canada, including $9 million over three years for community-led projects to support the needs of Black Canadian youth. In Budget 2018, we committed additional funding to develop new culturally informed approaches to improve mental health in Black Canadian communities. We will continue to take concrete action to combat anti-black racism and make sure Black communities across our country have the support they need to prosper.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to take part in community events for Black History Month and learn more about the important role that Black Canadians have played – and continue to play – to strengthen the country we all call home.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Juan Guaidó, Interim President of Venezuela
February 3, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Interim President of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó. The two leaders discussed the importance of the international community sending a clear message regarding the illegitimacy of the Maduro regime and the need to respect the Venezuelan Constitution. Both underscored the importance that free and fair Presidential elections be held.
The Prime Minister commended Juan Guaidó for his courage and leadership in helping to return democracy to Venezuela and offered Canada’s continued support. The Prime Minister noted that the Lima Group meeting in Ottawa tomorrow will consider how the international community can further support the people of Venezuela, including through immediate humanitarian assistance.
Juan Guaidó conveyed his commitment to a peaceful transition to democracy, in line with the Venezuelan Constitution, and thanked the Prime Minister for Canada’s role in helping lead the international response to the crisis in Venezuela.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Michael Ferguson
February 2, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Michael Ferguson:
“Is it with great sadness that I learned of the death of Michael Ferguson, Auditor General of Canada.
“Mr. Ferguson devoted his life to public service, both in his home province of New Brunswick and across the country. We will remember him for his tireless dedication to promote a transparent, open government that is accountable to Canadians.
“His important work over the past seven years as Auditor General has helped strengthen our democracy and maintain the integrity that Canadians expect from our public institutions.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to Mr. Ferguson’s family, friends, and colleagues.”
