Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the results of the Indian general election
May 23, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on the results of India’s general election:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his re-election.
“Over 39 days of polling, a record number of Indian citizens cast their votes and more women voted than ever before in the world’s largest democracy.
“Canada and India share tremendous people-to-people ties, with over one million people of Indian descent calling Canada home. Our longstanding friendship, together with our shared values, will continue to bring our two countries closer and help create new opportunities for our people.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Prime Minister Modi to improve the lives of Canadians and Indians alike through education and innovation, investing in trade and investment, and fighting climate change.”
Prime Minister delivers a statement of exoneration for Chief Poundmaker
May 23, 2019
Poundmaker Cree Nation, Saskatchewan
Confronting our past and acknowledging our mistakes are at the heart of our journey of reconciliation. We have to share and understand Canada’s history before we can take meaningful steps to build a new relationship with Indigenous peoples for the benefit of all Canadians.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today delivered a statement to posthumously exonerate Chief Poundmaker (Pihtokahanapiwiyin), who was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned in 1885. Prime Minister Trudeau also apologized to members of the Poundmaker Cree Nation for these past wrongs.
During the North-West Resistance of 1885, Chief Poundmaker sought rations for his starving community. He was wrongly accused of looting and then pursued by government troops. Chief Poundmaker did not take part in the ensuing battle, but saved many lives by convincing the community’s warriors not to attack the retreating government troops. The apology and posthumous exoneration of Chief Poundmaker were presented today at a special ceremony held at Poundmaker Cree Nation, on the site of that same battle.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with Poundmaker Cree Nation to address historical wrongs and build a renewed relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and partnership.
Quotes
“We recognize that during his lifetime Chief Poundmaker was not treated justly nor showed the respect he deserved as a leader of his people. If we are to move forward together on the path of reconciliation, the Government of Canada must acknowledge the wrongs of the past. It is my sincere hope that—by coming together today and taking this important step together as equal partners—we can continue the important work of reconciling the past and renewing our relationship.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“We honour our legendary leader Poundmaker today, and all affiliated leaders and warriors, for taking a brave stance defending themselves on May 2, 1885, and for holding back and not counter-attacking the retreating Colonel Otter and his men. He saved a lot of lives, and was living up to his promise not to take up arms against the Queen as promised under Treaty Number Six. Poundmaker was a diplomat, a peace maker, and was practicing reconciliation already in the 19th century. The truth is now known, and he will be remembered in history as a national hero.”
—Chief Duane Antoine, Poundmaker Cree Nation
Quick Facts
- On May 26, 1885, Chief Poundmaker travelled to Battleford to try to negotiate a peace agreement with the government. He and his followers were arrested. On August 17, 1885, Chief Poundmaker faced trial in Regina, Saskatchewan. The jury found him guilty of treason-felony, and sentenced him to three years in Stony Mountain Penitentiary in Manitoba. After serving one year, Chief Poundmaker was released due to deteriorating health, and he died four months later.
- The Poundmaker Cree Nation has long sought justice for past wrongs related to the unjust conviction and imprisonment of Chief Poundmaker.
- Reconciliation discussions between the Government of Canada and Poundmaker Cree Nation began in February 2018, and the First Nation identified the exoneration as its first priority.
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Associated Links
- Poundmaker Cree Nation
- Canada and the Poundmaker Cree Nation to mark exoneration of Chief Poundmaker at special community ceremony
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia
May 23, 2019
Vancouver, British Columbia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke today with President Joko Widodo of Indonesia.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President Widodo on his victory in Indonesia’s presidential election. The leaders discussed areas of common interest in the Canada-Indonesia bilateral relationship, including the important economic ties between the two countries.
The Prime Minister welcomed Indonesia’s adoption of the Christchurch Call to Action endorsed in Paris on May 15, 2019, and looked forward to working together to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.
Both leaders indicated they looked forward to meeting soon to advance their cooperation.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident
May 23, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the Komagata Maru incident:
“One hundred and five years ago today, the Komagata Maru steamship arrived in Vancouver’s Burrard Inlet. On board were 376 Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus of South Asian origin hoping to settle in Canada and build a better life for themselves and their families.
“Few of them ever set foot on Canadian soil. Immigration officials, enforcing discriminatory laws of the time, did not allow the ship to dock. For two months, passengers were confined to the ship and denied regular access to food and water. The Canadian government of the day eventually forced the Komagata Maru to return to India, where some were killed and many others imprisoned.
“Three years ago, I stood in the House of Commons to apologize on behalf of the Government of Canada to all those whose lives were changed by this tragic event. While we cannot erase their pain and suffering, we can learn from this dark chapter in our history – and instead, choose the path of compassion and open our arms to those in need.
“Today, as we remember the victims of the Komagata Maru tragedy and their descendents, let’s also honour the invaluable contributions the South Asian community has made, and continues to make, to Canada. Diversity is our greatest strength, and one of the building blocks of a better, more prosperous country for everyone.”
