Canada and the Métis Nation continue progress on the Canada-Métis Nation Accord
June 13, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today met with the President of the Métis National Council (MNC), Clément Chartier, and the Presidents of the MNC Governing Members, at the annual Crown-Métis Nation Summit.
Together, the leaders reviewed progress made over the past year in social and economic policies and programs, governance, and reconciliation. Achievements include historic investments to support a Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategy; investments to recognize the contributions of Métis veterans during the Second World War; and enhanced funding for the Métis Capital Corporation to support small and medium-sized businesses.
The Prime Minister and Métis Nation leaders identified new and ongoing priorities for the coming year, including child and family services, education, health, justice and policing, youth and sports, and implementation of Section 35 rights. Participants also discussed the recently signed Post-Secondary Education Sub-Accord with the Métis Nation, which will help make sure Métis Nation students have the opportunities they need to pursue post-secondary education.
The Summit is an important part of our ongoing work toward a renewed relationship between Canada and the Métis Nation based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. We will continue to work with the Métis Nation to take further steps to support their vision of self-determination, and a shared and prosperous future.
Quotes
“Since the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, we have been working with the Métis Nation toward a renewed, strengthened relationship that supports the interests and aspirations of the Métis Nation and all Canadians. Each year, these meetings give us the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together, and to take new steps to advance our priorities on the path of reconciliation.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“The annual Summit with the Prime Minister allows us to review and advance further the progress we are making at the Ministerial and senior officials’ levels in addressing and fulfilling the priorities of the Métis Nation. Through the Canada-Métis Nation Accord process in the past two years, we have achieved more with this federal government than with any of its predecessors. We truly look forward to working with Prime Minister Trudeau and his ministers to maintain this momentum going forward.”
—Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council
“Since the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord on April 13, 2017, the relationship with Canada has strengthened. By Canada and the Métis Nation working so well together, Métis people will benefit in numerous areas including housing, early learning and child care, post-secondary education, employment and training, economic development and language. Our thanks to Prime Minister Trudeau and his government for making this happen.”
—Clara Morin Dal Col, President of Métis Nation British Columbia
“Together with Canada, the Métis Nation has made great strides advancing our inherent right of self-determination and self-government and in addressing the needs of our nation. It is with a willing partner in the Government of Canada that we have been able to collaborate on advancing our shared priorities to benefit the Métis.”
—Audrey Poitras, President of the Métis Nation of Alberta
“Creating a space for respectful yet challenging dialogue is a necessary step to establishing a meaningful and lasting relationship between the Métis Nation and Canada. On behalf of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, I appreciate the efforts of the federal and Métis leaders willing to address the real issues that affect our people today and in the future. We look forward to having our voice heard and improving policies and systems that affect the lives of all Métis people.”
—Glen McCallum, President of Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
“As we continue to work tirelessly to have our voices heard, and our constitutionally enshrined rights respected, it is heartening to know this federal government understands its role in reconciliation with the Metis Nation. I commend Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Bennett, for not only acknowledging that responsibility, but for also treating us with respect and dignity.”
—David Chartrand, President of Manitoba Metis Federation
“The Métis Nation of Ontario is pleased with the accomplishments to date and the ongoing commitment to build a renewed relationship based on recognition, rights, and respect. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work in the areas of education, justice and policing, youth and sports, and Métis Section 35 rights to bring benefits to our Metis families and communities.”
—Margaret Froh, President of Métis Nation of Ontario
“Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak is pleased to participate in the Crown-Métis Nation Annual Summit and at senior officials’ tables throughout the year to work towards the application of an intersectional gendered lens to all Métis Nation priority areas.”
—Melanie Omeniho, President of the Women of the Métis Nation
Quick Facts
- During the Summit, the leaders formalized a Canada-Métis Nation Accord on Economic Development, with an investment of $50 million over five years, to support the start-up and expansion of Métis small and medium-sized enterprises.
- Today’s Summit marks the third meeting between the Prime Minister and the Métis National Council since the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord in 2017.
- The Métis Nation is represented by the Métis National Council and its governing members: the Métis Nation of Ontario, Manitoba Métis Federation, Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, Métis Nation of Alberta, and Métis Nation British Columbia.
- As outlined in Budget 2019, the Government of Canada is investing $362 million over 10 years and $40 million per year in ongoing support for a Métis Nation-led post-secondary education strategy.
Associated Links
- Canada-Métis Nation Accord
- Métis National Council
- Government of Canada introduces historic legislation on Indigenous languages
- Government of Canada, Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Métis National Council celebrate the introduction of Bill C-92
Prime Minister to travel to the United States
June 13, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Washington, D.C., on June 20, to meet with United States President Donald J. Trump:
Canada and the United States share one of the largest and most comprehensive economic partnerships in the world. This partnership supports millions of good, middle class jobs on both sides of the border.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump will discuss the ratification of the new North American Free Trade Agreement, which will create even more well-paying jobs and new opportunities for Canadians and Americans alike. They will also exchange views on efforts to resolve outstanding trade issues.
In addition, ahead of the upcoming G20 Osaka Summit, the two leaders will discuss key global challenges, including China’s wrongful detention of two Canadian citizens.
The Prime Minister and President also expect to discuss the strong security and defence partnership between our two countries.
Quote
“Canadians and Americans are better off when we work together to grow the middle class and create new opportunities on both sides of the border. I look forward to meeting with President Trump to discuss the ratification of the new NAFTA, and how we can continue to strengthen our vital trade and economic partnership.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Canada and the United States share one of the largest trading relationships in the world. The two countries also share the longest, secure border in the world, over which some 384,000 people and $2.6 billion worth of goods and services cross daily.
- Bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries increased 5.7 percent to $742.9 billion in 2018.
- Canada buys more goods from the United States than China, Japan, and the United Kingdom combined.
- The U.S. is the single greatest investor in Canada. In 2018, U.S. stock investment in Canada was $406 billion, representing nearly half of all investment in Canada.
- Trade between NAFTA members—Canada, the United States, and Mexico—was valued at nearly $1.5 trillion in 2018.
Associated Link
Statement by the Prime Minister on Philippine Independence Day
June 12, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Philippine Independence Day:
“Today, we join the Filipino community in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence.
“Cultural bonds – built through many generations of people-to-people ties – are the foundation of the relationship between Canada and the Philippines. Today, more than 837,000 Canadians of Filipino origin call Canada home.
“Canada looks forward to continuing to work with the Philippines to deepen this relationship.
“Today, I invite all Canadians to celebrate the important contributions that members of the Canadian-Filipino community have made – and continue to make – to our country. I also extend my best wishes to all those celebrating Philippine Independence Day, here in Canada and around the world.
“Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan!
“Mabuhay!”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with the Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo
June 12, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Ms. Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
The Prime Minister congratulated the Secretary General on assuming office and thanked her for visiting Canada, a sign of her interest in our country and its Francophone communities. They discussed priorities in La Francophonie, namely with respect to the influence of the French language, the promotion of democratic values, respect for human rights, gender equality and youth-focused programming. They stated the importance of youth being involved in discussions on the major issues that affect countries in La Francophonie.
In her mandate at the OIF, the Secretary General presented the broad strokes of the direction she would like to take to make the OIF more flexible, visible and focused on action to better serve the Francophone states and bring a value-added to the current international context. The two leaders reiterated the need for action in responding to crisis situations, and in this context, the Secretary General spoke of her recent visit to Cameroon and the urgency of implementing measures to open an inclusive dialogue among stakeholders.
The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s support in the implementation of OIF reforms, together with the administrator, Catherine Cano, and the representative of the Prime Minister for La Francophonie, Ambassador Isabelle Hudon.
Prime Minister names first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security
June 12, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Gender equality plays a critical role in creating lasting solutions to the challenges we face around the world – from building economies that work for everyone to advancing peace and security. To build a more just, peaceful, and secure world, we must make sure women and girls can participate freely and fully in our societies.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Jacqueline O’Neill has been appointed as Canada’s first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security.
Ms. O’Neill will help advance Canada’s feminist foreign policy by championing our women, peace, and security priority commitments at home and around the world. She will also work across all federal departments and with partners to advise on the implementation of Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
In addition to providing advice to ministers on this critical challenge, Ms. O’Neill will also recommend actions we can take to protect the rights of women facing insecurity and violence and promote their meaningful participation in our development, humanitarian, and peace and security efforts around the globe.
Quotes
“When women play an active role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and when their rights are respected, we are better able to achieve long-term, sustainable peace. As Canada’s first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security, Ms. O’Neill will lead our country’s efforts to support women, help prevent and end conflict, and build a better and fairer world.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“I am thrilled that Ms O’Neill will serve as Canada’s first Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security. She is a world-leader in this field and a champion of gender equality in Canada and internationally. The appointment of the first ambassador is a tangible demonstration of Canada’s national and global leadership in the area of women, peace, and security, and our continued efforts to increase respect for the rights of women and girls, and their participation in conflict prevention and resolution.”
—The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“We look forward to working with Ms. O’Neill in advancing women’s participation in peace and security. Women are vital to forging peace and making it last in nations overcoming conflict. As part of the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, the Canadian Armed Forces is pleased to be partnering with Ghana’s Armed Forces to develop innovative approaches to increase women’s participation in uniformed military roles.”
—The Hon. Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence
“Canada is a proud global advocate for women, peace and security. In fact, gender equality is a more reliable predictor of peace than a country’s GDP or level of democracy. That’s why I am honoured to welcome Ms. O’Neill to the role of Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security and look forward to working with her to improve the lives of women and people of all gender identities and expressions here in Canada and around the world.”
—The Hon. Maryam Monsef, Minister of International Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Quick Facts
- The Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security is appointed by the Governor in Council to hold office on a full-time basis for up to three years.
- In 2000, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1325, the first of nine resolutions to recognize the unique effects of armed conflict on women and girls, and their important role in resolving conflict and building peace. It urges Member States to increase women’s participation and incorporate gender perspectives in all United Nations peace and security efforts, and to take measures to protect women and girls in conflict situations.
- To date, approximately 80 national action plans on women, peace and security have been adopted globally. Canada launched its first National Action Plan in 2010, and its second in 2017.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Canada’s Ambassador for Women, Peace and Security
- Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Canada
June 11, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, will visit Canada from June 16 to 19.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and High Commissioner Bachelet will discuss efforts to protect human rights and promote gender equality around the world. They will underline the importance of the international rule of law, and emphasize how countries must continue to work together to protect the world’s most vulnerable and make sure everyone’s rights are equally respected.
Quote
“High Commissioner Bachelet is a long-standing defender of human rights and a champion for gender equality around the world. I look forward to meeting with her to discuss how we can continue to advance human rights, protect those most vulnerable, and build a world where all people are equally safe and free.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- On September 1, 2018, Michelle Bachelet became the seventh United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- Prior to her appointment, High Commissioner Bachelet served two terms as President of Chile, the first from 2006 to 2010 and the second from 2014 to 2018.
- The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights leads the United Nations’ global human rights efforts and seeks to promote and protect human rights for all. It also provides a forum to identify, highlight, and develop responses to today's human rights challenges and speaks out objectively in the face of human rights violations worldwide.
- Canada maintains a strong relationship with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. In 2016, Canada announced up to $15 million over three years for the organization. Canada has also provided additional targeted funding for country missions and specific programs, including the Human Rights up Front initiative.
- Canadian John Humphrey was a principal drafter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has been translated in over 500 languages, making it the most translated document in the world.
