January 31, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.
The Prime Minister and the President expressed their concern for the people of Venezuela during the deepening crisis in that country. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for Interim President Juan Guaidó and the need to respect the Venezuelan Constitution. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of the international community sending a strong, unified, and clear message.
The two leaders also exchanged perspectives on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy
January 31, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte of Italy.
The two Prime Ministers expressed their deep concern regarding the worsening situation in Venezuela. They discussed the need for a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis and stressed the importance of the international community remaining firm and united in support of the Venezuelan Constitution. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s commitment to stand by the people of Venezuela in their desire to restore constitutional democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
The Prime Ministers also discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China and the arbitrary imposition of the death penalty on a third Canadian. The two leaders agreed on the fundamental importance of the rule of law and judicial independence.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Irish Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar
January 30, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Leo Varadkar, the Irish Taoiseach.
The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach discussed the deepening crisis in Venezuela and expressed their profound concern for the people of Venezuela, who are suffering greatly under the illegitimate Maduro regime. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized Canada’s support for Interim President Juan Guaidó and the need to respect Venezuela’s Constitution.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Taoiseach Varadkar also discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China, as well as the arbitrary imposition of the death penalty on a third Canadian, and the importance of upholding and respecting the rule of law.
The two leaders discussed the implications for Ireland of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union. They agreed on the fundamental importance of protecting the Good Friday Agreement for the peace process in Northern Ireland, and recalled Canada’s role in achieving the Agreement.
Prime Minister announces changes to parliamentary secretaries
January 29, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced changes to the parliamentary secretaries.
The parliamentary secretaries included in today’s announcement are either newly appointed, or taking on new responsibilities. The appointments are effective immediately.
The changes to the parliamentary secretaries are as follows:
- Rémi Massé becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
- Marc Serré becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development.
- Arif Virani remains Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and assumes additional responsibilities as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions.
These parliamentary secretaries will bring a wealth of experience, skills, and perspectives to their new roles. They will support their respective cabinet ministers to strengthen the openness and fairness of Canada’s public institutions, improve quality of life in rural communities, and help businesses innovate and create economic growth and good, middle class jobs for Canadians.
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Prime Minister releases ministerial mandate letter for Minister Jordan
January 29, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today released a new ministerial mandate letter to reflect recent changes to the Ministry and to guide the Government’s ongoing commitment to spur economic growth and create good, middle class jobs across the country.
Over the past three years, the Government has taken significant strides to fulfill its mandate and deliver meaningful results for Canadians. This month, we took another important step to ensure those results reach Canadians living in rural and remote areas by naming the new Minister of Rural Economic Development, Bernadette Jordan.
The mandate letter for Minister Jordan outlines the critical role that rural Canada plays to grow our economy and create good, middle class jobs. Working with Cabinet colleagues, Minister Jordan will develop a whole-of-government rural economic development strategy to diversify and strengthen rural economies, and create more opportunities for rural Canadians.
Minister Jordan will lead efforts to bring high-speed internet access to more people and businesses in rural Canada. She will also take action to help rural Canadians better access social programs that meet their needs, such as finding affordable housing and childcare.
Today’s announcement reaffirms the Government’s commitment to be the most open and accessible government possible, and deliver real, meaningful progress for Canadians.
Quote
“We know that Canadians living and working in rural areas face unique challenges, and that’s why we created this new role – to make sure they have the support and resources that respond to their needs. Whether it’s securing funding for important infrastructure projects, having a reliable internet connection so their businesses can grow, or finding local childcare services, rural Canadians should have access to what they need to provide for their families and succeed in the digital economy. When our rural communities thrive, Canada thrives.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Publicly available mandate letters make it easier for Canadians to hold the government to account for its commitments. As part of a plan for a more open and transparent government, they are an important tool that allows Canadians to see the Prime Minister’s expectations for each minister and gives them a clear idea of how the government will deliver its agenda.
- Mandate letters outline the policy objectives that each minister will work to accomplish, as well as the pressing challenges that each minister will address in their role. They are not an exhaustive list of all files a minister will work on.
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Statement by the Prime Minister on the second anniversary of the fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec
January 29, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the second anniversary of the fatal shooting at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec.
“Two years ago tonight, six people were killed and nineteen others were seriously injured in a terrorist attack at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Ste-Foy.
“On this anniversary, I join Canadians across the country to grieve those we lost and honour their memory. We hold the victims in our hearts, along with their families and loved ones, and all those whose lives were marked by this tragedy.
“We also recognize the heroes and first responders who saved lives that night and answered this act of hatred with courage. In the days and weeks that followed, Québec City – and communities across the country – did the same. Canadians came together to stand with our country’s Muslim communities, uniting in solidarity and hope.
“Today, we continue to speak with one voice: Islamophobia, hate, and discrimination have no place here or anywhere. We will never allow fear to divide us, and we will always defend the values that make us strong – openness, inclusion, equality, and the freedom to practice religion in safety and peace.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I ask all Canadians to pause today and remember the victims. They will stay in our hearts and memories forever.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron
January 27, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Emmanuel Macron, President of France.
The Prime Minister and President exchanged views on the ongoing crisis in Venezuela and the international response to it. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for Interim President Juan Guaidó and for adherence to Venezuela’s Constitution.
The two leaders expressed their deep concern for the people of Venezuela and the actions of the illegitimate Maduro regime.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron also discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China, as well as the arbitrary imposition of the death penalty on a third Canadian, and the importance of the rule of law. Prime Minister Trudeau thanked President Macron for France’s clear statement in support of Canada.