Kitsilano Coast Guard base enhances ocean protection on B.C. coast
July 29, 2019
Vancouver, British Columbia
The Canadian Coast Guard saves lives, protects the environment, and helps our economy grow, while keeping our waters safe, secure, and open. That is why, in 2016, the Government of Canada reopened the Coast Guard base in Kitsilano, British Columbia, and began work to modernize, expand, and improve the station. It is also why, earlier this year, we announced an investment of $15.7 billion to renew the Coast Guard fleet.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the completion of major renovations to the Coast Guard base in Kitsilano, British Columbia. With the enhanced, reopened station, the Coast Guard can respond more quickly and efficiently to emergencies on our waterways, and strengthen its environmental response operations on the West Coast.
The crew at the Kitsilano Coast Guard base has already been working hard to keep B.C.’s waterways clean and safe. Since its reopening, the base has conducted 345 environmental response operations and over 830 search and rescue missions in the Greater Vancouver Area.
The Prime Minister also announced today that the CG 158 response boat based permanently at Kitsilano has been named the CCGS Laredo Sound, after an ocean passage off the scenic central coast of B.C. This vessel was added to the Coast Guard fleet in Vancouver in 2017, and significantly improves response times for environmental incidents and search and rescue missions in all weather conditions.
These investments build on the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, a historic, $1.5 billion investment to safeguard our oceans, coasts, and coastal communities.
Quotes
“The Canadian Coast Guard does essential and often life-saving work. By reopening and renovating the Kitsilano base, we’re making sure the Coast Guard has the modern facilities and equipment they need. As the climate crisis places more demand on the Coast Guard, we can count on them to keep serving Canadians – protecting our environment, growing our economy, and keeping our waters safe, secure, and open.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Since 2015, our government has made historic investments in the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure it has the tools it needs to protect our oceans and coastal waters. These investments include our $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan, and the renewal of the Coast Guard fleet. Today’s reopening of the Kitsilano Coast Guard base ensures that we are well equipped to serve people in the busy Vancouver harbour and surrounding areas. The improvements will also ensure the Coast Guard is able to respond quickly to marine incidents and help protect British Columbia’s beautiful coast.”
The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick Facts
- The main building at the Kitsilano base underwent significant renovations, including a new roof, the replacement of exterior cladding and steel girders, and the installation of new windows. The interior building was renovated to include a training room that can also be used as an incident command post, and additional sleeping quarters for up to six crew members.
- The renovations include enhanced marine infrastructure with new and larger floating docks to house gear, heaters, and medical supplies in support of environmental response operations, equipment cleaning, and training exercises.
- The base enhances training for Indigenous first responders and other response partners in the Greater Vancouver Area. The Coast Guard will also deliver 24 incident response training courses this year, a number of which will be delivered in the new training room at the Kitsilano base.
- In May 2019, the Prime Minister announced the renewal of the Coast Guard fleet, with up to 18 new large ships built in Canadian shipyards. The announcement also included investments in vessel life extensions, refits, and maintenance work so the fleet can continue to deliver critical missions while new ships are being built.
- The Government of Canada continues to take action across the country to keep our waters safe and our coasts clean, anchored in its historic $1.5 billion Oceans Protection Plan.
Associated Links
- Kitsilano Canadian Coast Guard Base Formally Opens with an Enhanced Marine Safety Mandate
- Prime Minister announces renewal of Canadian Coast Guard fleet
Statement by the Prime Minister on Korean War Veterans Day
July 27, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Korean War Veterans Day:
“Today, on Korean War Veterans Day, we honour the more than 26,000 Canadians who answered the call to serve during the Korean War. Despite being known as the ‘Forgotten War’, the Korean War remains Canada’s third-bloodiest overseas conflict, after the First and Second World Wars.
“Alongside several United Nations member countries, Canadians served in the air, on land, and at sea to defend the sovereignty of South Korea. They endured heavy combat, treacherous terrain, and unforgiving weather. Bitter cold during winter months brought progress to a standstill while summer monsoon rains turned even the simplest task into a struggle.
“For civilians, there was no escape from the many hardships the war brought to their homeland. Food became scarce. Homes, schools, and hospitals were destroyed. Families were separated, and many people suffered the disappearances and deaths of their loved ones.
“By the end of the war, the struggle for control of the Korean Peninsula had claimed the lives of millions of people. The brutal fighting ended on July 27, 1953, with an armistice.
“On this solemn anniversary, we remember the more than 500 Canadians who gave their lives during the Korean War so others could live in peace and security.
“In the years following the armistice, almost 7,000 Canadians served in the United Nations Command and built on our veterans’ work toward peace and security in the Korean peninsula.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to pay tribute to our Korean War veterans. Their courageous efforts to defend the lives of South Koreans have built a lasting bond between our countries that continues to deepen today.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
July 26, 2019
British Columbia
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Johnson and wished him success in his new role. The two leaders reaffirmed the rich and diverse bilateral relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom, which is founded on a deep shared history, people-to-people ties, and common values. They underscored their commitment to seeking a seamless transition on bilateral trade and investment post-Brexit.
Prime Minister Trudeau indicated he is looking forward to working with Prime Minister Johnson on common interests such as international trade, human rights, media freedom, relations with China, peace and security including in Ukraine, climate change, and supporting the rules-based international order.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Emmanuel Macron, President of France
July 24, 2019
British Columbia
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation for the positive vote in the French National Assembly on the ratification bill for the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). CETA is already creating good, middle class jobs and providing new opportunities for people and businesses in Canada in France. The Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to keeping relations between our two countries strong, and finding new ways to work together.
The two leaders also talked about global economic issues and the preparations for the G7 meeting in Biarritz, in August, emphasizing the need for a close collaboration on dealing with current global challenges, including climate change, gender equality, peace and security, economic growth and the responsible development of artificial intelligence.
Prime Minister announces members of the new National Security and Intelligence Review Agency
July 24, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
Our security and intelligence communities must keep pace with evolving threats to the safety and security of Canadians, and they must do so in a way that safeguards our rights and freedoms and the people's trust in how the government works.
That is why the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the members of the new National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA).
The NSIRA has the authority to review any activity carried out by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service or the Communications Security Establishment, and any national security or intelligence-related activity carried out by federal departments and agencies. To fulfill its expanded mandate, the NSIRA will have full access to all information held by the Government of Canada, including classified and sensitive information, with the sole exception of information that is subject to the confidence of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.
The NSIRA will work to ensure that Canada's national security agencies are complying with the law and that their actions are reasonable and necessary. It will have full and independent authority to determine what government activities to review, and be able to hear public complaints related to the activities of Canada’s security and intelligence agencies.
To promote transparency, the NSIRA will present annual reports to the Prime Minister on its activities, which will also be tabled in the House of Commons and the Senate.
Quote
“We have modernized our security and intelligence agencies to ensure we continue to keep our country and all Canadians safe and secure. The members of the new National Security and Intelligence Review Agency will play an important role protecting Canadians and their rights and freedoms, while keeping our country’s national security and intelligence agencies accountable to the citizens they protect.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The new members of the NSIRA, appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, are:
- Murray Rankin, Q.C. (Chair)
- Craig Forcese
- The four remaining members are past members of the Security Intelligence Review Committee, who will continue to serve for the remainder of their original terms. These members are:
- The Honourable Pierre Blais, P.C.
- The Honourable L. Yves Fortier, P.C., C.C., O.Q., Q.C.
- The Honourable Dr. Ian Holloway, P.C., C.D., Q.C.
- The Honourable Marie-Lucie Morin, P.C., C.M.
- The NSIRA assumes the review and complaints functions of the Security Intelligence Review Committee and the former Office of the Communications Security Establishment Commissioner. The NSIRA will also hear certain complaints regarding the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- The NSIRA will complement the important work of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. Together, they will provide comprehensive scrutiny of Canada's national security and intelligence activities.
- The NSIRA was created under the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency Act, which received Royal Assent on June 21, 2019.
- The NSIRA will review activities undertaken by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Communications Security Establishment, and national security or intelligence related activities of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Department of National Defence, Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Justice, and others as needed.
Biographical Notes
Associated Link
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada to welcome the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
July 24, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Boris Johnson on becoming the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
“Canada and the United Kingdom share centuries of history and tradition. We are steadfast allies and close partners, whether defending our common values, upholding the rules-based international order, or building a more prosperous future for our citizens.
“Our close people-to-people ties are at the heart of our deep friendship, and will continue to bring our two countries closer. I look forward to working with Mr. Johnson to create good, middle-class jobs in both our countries and lead the fight against climate change. Together, we will renew and deepen our strategic partnership as the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union, including our long-standing and highly successful trading relationship.
“I also thank Theresa May for her work to strengthen the Canada-United Kingdom relationship over her three years as Prime Minister.”
Prime Minister announces the appointment of a Senator
July 23, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Tony Loffreda as an independent Senator to fill a vacancy in Quebec.
Mr. Loffreda is a certified public accountant with 35 years of experience in the Canadian financial industry. Hailing from the Ahuntsic neighbourhood in Montréal, Quebec, Mr. Loffreda is an active member of his community. He has chaired fundraising activities across the province and has received numerous awards and distinctions for his exceptional contributions to Quebec and Canada.
Mr. Loffreda was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures Senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
Quote
“I am happy to welcome Tony Loffreda as Parliament’s newest independent Senator. His dedicated service to his community and province, along with his extensive experience on various boards and committees, makes him a great choice to represent the people of Quebec. I look forward to working with him, and I have no doubt that he will serve all Canadians well.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Senate now has a full complement of 105 Senators.
- There have been 50 appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Since 2016, the selection process for Senators has been opened to allow all Canadians to apply. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides the Prime Minister with recommendations.
- The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
- Once appointed by the Governor General and summoned to the Senate, new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Frequently Asked Questions – Senate appointments process
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
Statement by the Prime Minister on the death of Beji Caid Essebsi
July 25, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Beji Caid Essebsi, President of Tunisia:
“Canada stands today with the people of Tunisia as they grieve the passing of their President, Beji Caid Essebsi.
“President Essebsi was the country’s first president to be elected by the Tunisian people, and was a key figure in Tunisia’s transition to democracy since 2011. Tunisia has made important political and economic reforms since that time, and Canada will continue to work with the Tunisian government to promote democracy, peace and security, respect for human rights, and gender equality.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer our deepest condolences to President Essebsi’s family and friends, and to the Government and people of Tunisia.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of Black July
July 23, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of Black July:
“Today, we remember the thousands of Tamil people who lost their lives and the countless others who were displaced from their homes during the 1983 anti-Tamil pogroms in Sri Lanka.
“Black July was a week of violent riots and horrific destruction that followed decades of unrest and rising tensions in the country. It led to a conflict that lasted 26 years, killing tens of thousands more people and leaving lasting wounds in communities across Sri Lanka.
“Thanks in large part to the advocacy of Tamil-Canadians, Canada implemented a Special Measures program in 1983 to welcome more than 1,800 Tamils. We see the resiliency of Tamil-Canadians in the tremendous contributions they make to Canada every day.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to all those who suffered and lost family, friends, and neighbours during Black July and the conflict that followed. Canada continues to offer its full support to those working toward meaningful justice, accountability, peace, and reconciliation in the country.”
