Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel
May 3, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Trudeau spoke with Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Lima Group, underscored the desire to see free and fair elections and the constitution upheld in Venezuela. The Prime Minister also reiterated his concern for the ongoing suffering of the Venezuelan people. The two leaders discussed ways they could work together to support a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The two leaders also discussed the decision of the United States to enact Title III of the Helms-Burton (LIBERTAD) Act. The Prime Minister reiterated that Canada considers the extraterritorial application by the United States of unilateral Cuba-related measures contrary to international law. Canada will defend the interests of Canadians conducting legitimate trade and investment with Cuba.
The two leaders affirmed the longstanding, bilateral relationship between Canada and Cuba based on mutual respect, and the desire to continue to work together on issues of mutual concern.
Prime Minister announces changes to parliamentary secretaries
May 3, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes to the parliamentary secretaries:
- Rob Oliphant becomes the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Greg Fergus becomes the Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government.
Mr. Fergus fills the vacancy created when Joyce Murray was named President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government. His experience in the private and public sectors will support the continued implementation of the government’s ambitious agenda, while helping grow the economy and strengthen the middle class.
Mr. Oliphant fills the vacancy created by outgoing Parliamentary Secretary Andrew Leslie. Mr. Oliphant’s experience on various parliamentary committees and associations – as well as his past work serving communities – will help him as he works to promote Canada’s interests and values, and represents our country on the world stage.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to thank Mr. Leslie for his service to Canadians as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Associated Links
Prime Minister launches Canada’s Youth Policy
May 3, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Young Canadians are the most educated, connected, and diverse generation this country has ever seen. They are actively serving their communities and advocating for a more fair, diverse, and inclusive Canada. Their participation in civic life, including government decision-making, is crucial to Canada’s continued success.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, Justin Trudeau, launched Canada’s first-ever youth policy during the Canada Youth Summit, which brought together young Canadians to discuss what matters most to them.
Canada’s Youth Policy – created for youth, by youth – will help the voices of young people better guide government priorities and actions. Input from more than 5,000 young people shaped this new, whole-of-government policy. This policy will go a long way to lift up diverse youth voices and make sure more young people have the chance to take part in federal decision-making.
To support young Canadians who want to be more active in their communities, the Government of Canada proposes to expand the Canada Service Corps youth service program. The program would provide up to 15,000 service placements for young Canadians annually by 2024, helping them gain valuable skills and leadership experience.
The Government of Canada is working to help young people reach their full potential and feel empowered to create positive change for themselves, their communities, their country, and the world.
Quotes
“Youth issues are Canada’s issues, and Canada’s issues are youth issues. Young people care deeply about their country and its future, and we need them at the table if we want to build a stronger and more inclusive society. I thank every young person who shared their perspectives on what actions we can, and should take, to solve the complex challenges we face. Their drive, creativity, and determination will make a difference, to the benefit of all Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Minister of Youth
“Through Canada Service Corps, young people are building a better Canada by getting involved and making a real difference in their communities. Hundreds of young people from coast to coast to coast have already made meaningful contributions while gaining leadership and work experience – and they are just getting started.”
—The Hon. Patricia Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Quick Facts
- The two-day Canada Youth Summit brought together young people, between the ages of 16 and 24, from across the country to discuss issues that matter to them.
- During the Summit, participants explored themes inspired by Canada’s Youth Policy, including health and wellness, jobs and skills development, truth and reconciliation, the environment and climate change, and the importance of civic participation and service in our communities. Their input will continue to help inform the development of the Canada Service Corps, the Youth Digital Gateway, and the State of the Youth Report.
- Carbon credits were purchased to offset the carbon footprint of the Summit and to support the ongoing commitment young Canadians have shown toward fighting climate change.
- Four young Canadians were invited based on their participation in the Youth Video Challenge, which encouraged people to post a video on social media using the hashtag #InspiredToServe, capturing what service means to them and how it benefits their community.
- Budget 2019 proposes new programs and investments that will continue to prepare young Canadians for their future, and help them thrive in every stage of life. These investments include:
- $314.8 million over five years, and $83.8 million per year ongoing, to make the Canada Service Corps a signature national youth service program. The program will be expanded with additional service placements, grants, program supports and incentives co-created with young people, so that everyone who wants to make an impact has the opportunity to do so.
- $49.5 million over five years to modernize the Youth Employment Strategy and improve services and supports for young people facing barriers to employment. The investment will support work placements, build partnerships with stakeholders, and support the ongoing development of the Youth Digital Gateway—an online, interactive, user-friendly platform to help youth access federal supports.
- We have set a goal that, within the next ten years, every young Canadian who wants a work-integrated learning opportunity while they are a student, should get one. In total, Budget 2019 sets a target of creating 84,000 new student work placements across Canada, by investing:
- $631.2 million over five years to support up to 20,000 new work placements per year for post–secondary students.
- $150 million over four years to create partnerships with businesses to add up to 20,000 more work-integrated learning opportunities.
- Up to $17 million over three years to support the Business/Higher Education Roundtable in creating an additional 44,000 work-integrated learning placements and opportunities per year in 2021.
Associated Links
- Canada Service Corps
- Canada Youth Summit
- Canada Youth Policy
- Youth Engagement Sign Up
- Budget 2019 - Investing in Young Canadians
Statement by the Prime Minister on World Press Freedom Day
May 3, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Press Freedom Day:
“Today, we celebrate the important role journalists play around the world. We also take a hard look at the current state of press freedom, and remember those who have died in pursuit of the truth.
“The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day is ‘Media for democracy: Journalism and elections in times of disinformation.’ Journalists today face grave and growing challenges in their work to provide the public with reliable and quality information.
“The digital age has made sharing information easier than ever before. But it has also given way to online spaces that peddle disinformation and reduce complex issues into oversimplified, toxic us-versus-them narratives.
“Journalists increasingly find themselves competing in these online spaces against malicious foreign agents and opinion makers who would rather manipulate people and foment division than inform the public and create a common set of facts.
“Independent, fact-based reporting is vital. Few professions have the power – and responsibility – to enrich conversations, open people to new ideas and perspectives, and widen the lens on the challenges we face.
“By introducing measures to support Canadian journalism and provide better internet access to underserved communities, the Government of Canada is taking steps to make sure Canadians have access to reliable and trustworthy news sources. The government is also working to increase transparency during the election process. Recent changes to the Canada Elections Act will give Canadians additional tools to know who is trying to influence their vote.
“On the international stage, Canada continues to advocate for independent media and strong democracies, and is taking steps to combat threats intended to undermine them. Last November, inspired by the findings and principles of the International Information and Democracy Commission, we joined 11 other countries to take urgent action against threats to freedom of expression and a free press.
“This summer, Canada and the United Kingdom will also co-host a media freedom conference in London to find ways to combat disinformation and support and defend media against censorship, imprisonment, personal attacks, and abuse. It is unacceptable that journalists face these threats, and more, for doing their job and standing up for their fellow citizens.
“On behalf of Canadians, I thank all journalists in this country and around the world who reveal injustices and give us the facts to think more freely and critically about the world around us.”
