Statement by the Prime Minister on Earth Day
April 22, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Earth Day:
“On Earth Day, we come together with people around the world to celebrate the planet we share. We also take stock of the significant challenges facing our environment – climate change first among them.
“People around the globe are already facing the devastating effects of climate change. And from the IPCC report last fall to the recent Canada’s Changing Climate report, the outlook is clear: only with ambitious, concerted action can we safeguard the environment we all depend on, for our generation and the next. Today, we come together as a world to fight for our future.
“Climate change is already affecting us here at home. Canada’s North is heating up at three times the global average. Glaciers are shrinking. Sea levels are rising. Our oceans are warming and acidifying as they trap carbon dioxide. Floods, fires, heat waves, tornadoes – extreme weather phenomena are becoming more intense and more frequent, threatening communities across the country.
“Canadians are stepping up to protect their communities, and taking the lead on climate action. Since 2015, the federal government has been in their corner. We put a price on pollution to reduce emissions, protect our clean air and water, and create opportunities for Canadian businesses. With Budget 2019, we’re making zero-emission vehicles more affordable, investing in more energy efficient buildings, and supporting communities’ environmental priorities. By working together – with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and all communities – we can tackle climate change head on, and safeguard our quality of life now and for the future.
“But this global problem needs global solutions. Canada is working with partners around the world to meet our Paris Agreementcommitments, and fight climate change and its disastrous effects – including by helping developing countries fund adaptation and resiliency measures. Our world’s oceans and coastal communities bear particular impacts of climate change, and Canada is a leader in protecting them – from our historic Oceans Protection Plan to the Ocean Plastics Charter launched under our G7 presidency. We are also partnering with the Government of Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to explore the potential protection of areas in the Tuvaijuittuq – the last area of Canada’s High Arctic region expected to retain summer sea ice until at least 2050.
“Climate change is bigger than any one of us. We only have one Earth, and that’s what’s on the line. Our environment is our future. We’re going to fight for it, for all of us.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the Ukrainian presidential election
April 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the Ukrainian presidential election:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Ukrainian President-elect Volodymyr Zelenskiy on his election victory.
“The future of Ukraine must be decided by the people of Ukraine. Canada commends the millions of Ukrainians who exercised their democratic rights and went to the polls. In casting their ballots, Ukrainians have inspired people across the region and around the world.
"Canada is proud to have deployed hundreds of election observers to Ukraine, and I thank Lloyd Axworthy for his work leading the observer delegation. Canada is also providing funding for projects that support fair, transparent, and legitimate democratic elections in the country. We are unwavering in our support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and our enduring commitment to the rules-based international order.
“Canada stands for democracy around the world, and will continue to be a steadfast partner of the people of Ukraine. We will co-host the third Ukraine Reform Conference this July and bring together key international partners to reinforce Ukraine’s reform achievements and help the country set a clear path for its democratic future.
“Canada and Ukraine are united by a strong relationship, rooted in close people-to-people ties. I look forward to working with President-elect Zelenskiy to deepen our relationship and build a more secure, more prosperous future for people in both our countries.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada
April 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada:
“Today, I join Canadians and people around the world to celebrate the 93rd birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada.
“Her Majesty has stood with Canadians through great change and transformation, and countless milestones. She is a guardian of many of our country’s traditions, whose enduring service has bonded generation after generation together.
“Many Canadians feel a deep appreciation for the Queen, and her devotion to Canada and to the Commonwealth. Her grace, leadership, and sense of duty are an example to us all.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Her Majesty a very happy birthday and continued health and happiness.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Easter
April 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Easter:
“Today, our family will join millions of Christians in Canada and around the world to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“Easter is about joy, hope, and coming together – whether we’re helping kids hunt for Easter eggs, going to church with our neighbours, or sitting down to a special meal with loved ones. As we reflect on Jesus’s message of compassion, we ask ourselves what more we can do to spread kindness and make our world a better one.
“Today, though, we woke up to devastating news of attacks on Christians at prayer in Sri Lanka. Our places of worship are sacred. Freedom of religion is a right. In the wake of these attacks, we will come together, resolved to take care of each other and make sure everyone can practice their faith in safety and freedom.
“At home in Canada, Easter is also a chance to celebrate the major contributions Christians make to our communities each day. This spring, and throughout the year, let’s appreciate everything that brings us together, and put into practice what it means to love our neighbours as ourselves.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those celebrating a joyful and blessed Easter.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka
April 21, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka:
“I was shocked and saddened to hear of the devastating terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, which have claimed the lives of more than two hundred people and injured many hundreds more. On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and my hope for a full recovery to those injured.
“Canada strongly condemns these heinous attacks on hotels and Christians at prayer in churches. Places of worship are sacred, where all should feel safe and secure. No one should be targeted because of their faith.
“For millions of people around the world, Easter is a time to reflect on Jesus’ message of compassion and kindness—a time to come together with friends and family. We cannot let attacks like these weaken the hope we share.
“To the people of Sri Lanka and other communities affected by today’s attacks: Canada stands with you. We will continue to work with you and other international partners to combat terrorism and violent extremism and to promote greater peace and stability around the world.
“To date, we have no reports of any Canadian citizens being affected. Due to the current situation, our High Commission in Colombo will be closed on April 22. However, Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact sos@international.gc.ca or call +1 613 996 8885.”
Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe to visit Canada
April 19, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, will visit Canada from April 27 to 28, 2019.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Abe will meet to deepen the strong and historic bonds between our two countries. Their discussions will focus on the upcoming G20 Summit in Osaka, and finding ways to strengthen the Canada-Japan relationship. They will also discuss the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is already creating new opportunities and jobs for people on both sides of the Pacific.
In addition, the two leaders will explore how our countries can work more closely together to create economic growth that benefits everyone and promote democracy and the rule of law around the world.
The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting followed by a joint media availability.
Quote
“Canada and Japan are close friends and allies who share not only many common values, but many common priorities. Our commitment to progressive trade is already delivering benefits for Canadians and Japanese people alike, with the CPTPP now in force between our two countries. Prime Minister Abe’s visit is a chance to further strengthen our economic ties, and create even more opportunities for people on both sides of the Pacific.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Prime Minister Trudeau most recently met with Prime Minister Abe at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting held in Papua New Guinea from November 17 to November 18, 2018.
- Japan is Canada’s fourth-largest partner in two-way merchandise trade and Canada’s largest source of bilateral foreign direct investment from Asia.
- Trade and economic relations between Canada and Japan have been steadily expanding. Japan is the world’s third-largest national economy with a gross domestic product of $6.4 trillion.
- Canada and Japan are partners in the CPTPP. The CPTPP entered into force for the first six countries to ratify the Agreement, including Canada and Japan, on December 30, 2018.
- Canada and Japan are members of the G7, the G20, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
- Canada and Japan are strong allies in supporting the rules-based multilateral system and are key partners in ongoing World Trade Organization reform efforts, including through the Ottawa Group.
- On May 1, 2019, when Emperor Akihito's eldest son, Naruhito, is expected to ascend to the throne as the 126th Emperor of Japan, the country will enter a new Imperial era named Reiwa, signifying “beautiful harmony”.
- In 2017, the stock of Japanese direct investment in Canada stood at $29.6 billion.
- There are over 120,000 people of Japanese origin residing in Canada and approximately 300,000 Japanese and Canadians travel to each other’s country annually.
Associated Link
The Prime Minister announces a change in the senior ranks of the Public Service
April 18, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following change in the senior ranks of the Public Service:
Marta Morgan, currently Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, becomes Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective May 6, 2019.
Biographical notes
Prime Minister opens process to select the next justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
April 18, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today opened the process to select the next justice of the Supreme Court of Canada who will fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Clément Gascon.
Under the approach launched in 2016, an independent and non-partisan advisory board will identify suitable candidates who are jurists of the highest caliber, functionally bilingual, and representative of the diversity of our country. Former Prime Minister Kim Campbell will again chair the advisory board, and additional members will be announced shortly.
Justice Gascon was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada from the Quebec Court of Appeal. Under the requirements of the Supreme Court Act, the process is open only to qualified applicants trained in civil law and from Quebec.
Quote
“On behalf of all Canadians, I thank Justice Gascon for his service on our country’s highest court, which is recognized around the world as a strong, independent judicial institution. The process we are launching today will follow the tradition of appointing only the most exceptional legal minds to the court, while reflecting Quebec’s historic representation on the court and its civil law tradition.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Qualifying candidates who wish to be considered for the upcoming vacancy must submit an application package (questionnaire, authorization form, and a background check consent form) no later than 23:59 Pacific time on May 17, 2019.
- Those interested in applying are encouraged to first review the statutory requirements set out in section 6 of the Supreme Court Act, as well as the Statement of Qualifications and Assessment Criteria that will guide the advisory board in evaluating a candidate’s suitability.
- Justice Gascon will retire from the Supreme Court effective September 15, 2019.
