CANADA latest news

Statement by the Prime Minister on Puthandu

April 14, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Puthandu:

“Today, Tamils in Canada and around the world will celebrate Puthandu and welcome the beginning of a new year.

“On this special day, families and friends spend time together enjoying delicacies, exchanging gifts, and praying at temples, mosques, and churches.

“Puthandu is a time to reflect on the past year, and prepare for the year ahead. It’s also a chance to honour traditions, and give thanks for the blessings in our lives.

“As Tamil Canadians celebrate, let us all take time to learn about the rich heritage of their communities and recognize their important contributions to our country. Our diversity is a source of strength, and helps make Canada one of the best places in the world to call home.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a prosperous and joyous New Year.

“Iniya Tamil Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on Vaisakhi

April 14, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vaisakhi:

“Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate Vaisakhi.

“Vaisakhi is the most important day of the year for the Sikh community. It celebrates the creation of the Khalsa Panth – the community of baptized Sikhs – by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. This year is also a special year for Sikhs, as it marks the 550th anniversary of the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

“To mark the occasion, family and friends will gather in Gurdwaras to pray and read sacred texts, and take part in parades, or Nagar Kirtans.

“Sikhism is rooted in teachings of equality, unity, selfless service, and social justice. For over a century, Sikh Canadians have shown us the best of those values, and put them into practice to build a better Canada.

“Vaisakhi is an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions that Sikhs have made to our country, and to celebrate more than 120 years of Sikh history in our communities. Canada is proud to be home to one of the largest Sikh populations in the world.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a joyful Vaisakhi.

“Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel

April 12, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Netanyahu on his fifth electoral success, and wished the country well as Israel moves ahead with the process of forming a coalition government. Prime Minister Trudeau said he looked forward to working closely with the new Israeli government, and underlined the two countries’ long history as close friends and steadfast allies.

During the conversation, the two leaders spoke of the underlying democratic values shared by both countries. The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s continued and strong support for Middle East peace efforts leading to a two-state solution while standing firmly with Israel in its right to live in peace and security with its neighbours. Canada and Israel cooperate closely on matters of regional security. The leaders discussed the operation to rescue the White Helmets and their families from Syria in July 2018, which would not have been possible without close cooperation between Canada and Israel.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the benefits of trade between Canada and Israel, and how the updated Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement will create jobs and economic growth in both countries. The new trade agreement will also increase the already strong and vibrant people-to-people ties between Canadians and Israelis in this 70th year of Canada-Israel diplomatic relations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Emmanuel Macron, President of France

April 12, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with President Emmanuel Macron of France.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron shared perspectives on working together to address violence and extremism. They discussed the tragic attacks in Christchurch and reiterated their solidarity to the people of New Zealand. Both leaders committed to finding new ways to collaborate in combatting hatred in all its forms.

The two leaders also discussed relations with China, including the arbitrary detention of Canadian citizens in China and Canada’s ongoing efforts to secure their release. The Prime Minister and the President emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the independence of the judicial system. 

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the benefits of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has been in provisional application since September 2017, and which has been ratified by 12 European Union Member States so far. They discussed the importance of other European Union Member States advancing their ratification of the agreement. CETA creates new middle class jobs and opportunities for business on both sides of the Atlantic.

Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron spoke about current political developments in Europe, including with respect to Brexit, populism, and upcoming European Parliament elections.

The two leaders also discussed investing in artificial intelligence to create jobs and economic growth in France and Canada, and the need to uphold ethical standards in AI.

Prime Minister welcomes the Twenty-Sixth Annual Report on the Public Service of Canada

April 10, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the Twenty-Sixth Annual Report on the Public Service of Canada from the Clerk of the Privy Council and Head of the Federal Public Service.

The report shares stories of the many public servants whose hard work and dedication make our Public Service among the best in the world. These stories show how public servants make a real difference in the lives of Canadians – from advancing more open, transparent, and evidence-based decision-making, to finding better ways to deliver the services we all rely on.

The report also deals candidly with challenges facing the Public Service, including findings of harassment and discrimination, and slow progress in stabilizing the Phoenix pay system. The Government of Canada is working to make sure every employee gets the pay they are owed, and recognizes the tireless efforts of public servants to resolve pay issues as quickly as possible.

The report sets the stage for ongoing dialogue and discussion that will lead to continued renewal and improvement in the years to come. It outlines a new framework – Beyond2020 – that lays out a vision for a Public Service that is more agile, more inclusive, and better equipped to deliver real results for Canadians.

Quote

“Canada’s Public Service is recognized as among the best in the world. I encourage Canadians to learn more about the talent, professionalism, and dedication of our hard-working public servants. I look forward to working with the Public Service to better tackle today’s challenges so we can meet the changing needs of Canadians now and in the future.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada first introduced the Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada in 1992 – a requirement under section 127 of the Public Service Employment Act.
• Canada’s civil service has been ranked as the most effective in the world by researchers from Oxford University and the Institute for Government.
• The Public Service of Canada is the country’s largest employer, with more than 270,000 employees in more than 300 distinct organizations.
• Beyond2020 is a framework for public service renewal that focuses on adopting the mindsets and behaviours that will contribute to making the Public Service more agile, more inclusive, and better equipped.

Associated Links

• Twenty-Sixth Annual Report on the Public Service of Canada
• Beyond2020