Statement by the Prime Minister on World Youth Skills Day
July 15, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Youth Skills Day:
“Young people around the world are more engaged and connected than ever. They are standing up, taking action, and using their voices to challenge the status quo and push for positive change. From climate change to gender equality to unemployment, the issues that matter to them are the ones we need to act on to build a fairer, more sustainable world.
“Today, on World Youth Skills Day, we look at what must be done to improve access to education and skills training for young people so they can achieve their goals. Too many young people around the world – especially women and girls – face barriers to gaining the skills and experiences they need to make their vision of the future a reality.
“The Government of Canada is working with international partners to break down these barriers. Together, we helped deliver a historic investment in education for women and girls in conflict and crisis situations, and welcomed additional contributions to help developing countries give every child access to quality education and modern skills training.
“Guided by young Canadians, we have also taken action here at home to make it easier for young people to reach their full potential. This year, we launched Canada’s first-ever youth policy, with a focus on innovation and skills. The policy is a government-wide approach that reflects the values and priorities of young people, gives them a voice in decision-making, and creates more opportunities for them to build a stronger and more inclusive Canada.
“In Budget 2019, we increased funding for initiatives like the Canada Service Corps and launched the modernized Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help young Canadians gain the experience and skills they need to pursue the careers of their choice. Budget 2019 also includes support for programs like CanCode and Junior Astronauts, which will give students more chances to learn about STEM and get prepared for today’s ever-changing job market.
“As Prime Minister and Minister of Youth, I have seen first-hand the passion, creativity, and determination that drives young people across this country and around the globe. They are the leaders of today. Our government will keep fighting for young people – and with young people – to build a better future.”
Governor General of Canada to cheer on Canadian athletes at the XVIII Pan American Games in Lima
July 16, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will travel to Lima, Peru, from July 23 to 27, 2019.
During the visit, the Governor General will attend a Team Canada Welcome Ceremony and the Opening Ceremony of the XVIII Pan American Games. Her Excellency will support Canadian athletes during the Games as they compete against the best in the Americas for a spot on the podium.
The visit is also an opportunity for the Governor General to meet with the President of Peru, Martin Vizcarra, and deepen Canada’s warm relationship with Peru.
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“I join all Canadians in wishing our athletes the best of luck in Lima. They inspire us all, and represent the best of Canadian determination and drive. In Peru, the Governor General will be cheering them on for all of us.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This will be Her Excellency’s first visit to Peru. The last Governor General to visit Peru was the Right Honourable David Johnston in 2012.
- The XVIII Pan American Games will take place from July 26 to August 11, 2019.
- Approximately 6,700 athletes will represent 41 countries from North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- The Government of Canada is the largest single investor in Canada’s sport system, providing funding for initiatives that support our athletes and promote sport participation among all Canadians.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
July 15, 2019
Petawawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister and NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg met today at the Canadian Forces Base in Petawawa, Ontario.
The Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s steadfast commitment to the Alliance, underscoring Canada’s leadership and contributions to NATO in Latvia and the NATO training and capacity building mission in Iraq. The Secretary General thanked Canada for its ongoing contributions.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary General exchanged views on key global challenges and NATO operations and priorities. The Prime Minister and the Secretary General stressed the importance of NATO’s role in defending rules-based international order and promoting peace and security.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary General also discussed the importance of integrating the women, peace and security agenda in NATO operations. The Secretary-General noted and thanked Canada, in particular, for its contribution to NATO with the strong leadership of women at senior military levels.
Statement by the Prime Minister on the terrorist attack in Somalia
July 14, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the terrorist attack in Somalia:
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Hodan Nalayeh, a Somali-Canadian journalist who, together with her husband Farid, was killed in the terrorist attack in Kismayo, Somalia. Our thoughts are also with those who were injured or lost loved ones.
“Ms. Nalayeh’s work showcased positive, uplifting, and inspiring Somali stories, and was a testament to the role of the free press in broadening people’s perspectives and defending diversity and inclusion. Her loss is deeply felt in Canada, and in Somali and journalistic communities around the world.
“Canada strongly condemns this heinous attack, and will continue working with Somalia and other international partners to address the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism. Together, we must create a safer, more peaceful world, where the media freedom so central to healthy democracies and strong societies can flourish.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Imamat Day
July 11, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Imamat Day:
“On Imamat Day, we join Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate the anniversary of the ascension of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to the Throne of the Imamat. On July 11th, 1957, His Highness The Aga Khan became the 49th hereditary Imam – spiritual leader – of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.
“For more than six decades, the Aga Khan has worked to reduce poverty, champion healthcare and education, and defend the rights of the most vulnerable around the world. As a global humanitarian leader, and an advocate for people of all backgrounds and faiths, he inspires us all to do more to serve others and care for our communities.
“Compassion, openness, respect for diversity and human rights – the values the Aga Khan promotes are Canadian values. Canada hosts both the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto – the only museum dedicated to Islamic art in all of North America – and His Highness’ Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa. We are proud to have bestowed honorary Canadian citizenship on the Aga Khan in 2009.
“Today, let’s reflect on the Aga Khan’s example, and carry his message of compassion forward. All of us can build bridges, celebrate our differences, and make our world a better one.
“I wish all Ismaili Canadians celebrating today a heartfelt Khushiali Mubarak!”
Prime Minister announces the nomination of the Honourable Nicholas Kasirer to the Supreme Court of Canada
July 10, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of the Honourable Nicholas Kasirer to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Justice Kasirer has led an exceptional career as a judge and professor, earning the esteem of his peers in Canada and around the world. He served for a decade as a judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec, where he was appointed in 2009. Prior to that, he led a twenty-year career as a professor of law at McGill University, including as dean of the Faculty of Law. Justice Kasirer is perfectly bilingual.
On July 25, 2019, members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights will participate in a special committee hearing, where the Minister of Justice and a representative of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments for Quebec Seats (Advisory Board) will explain the selection process for the nomination in greater detail. The hearing will be a chance for Parliamentarians to learn more about the reasons for this nomination, and the process the Advisory Board followed to recommend candidates.
Members of the same House committee – as well as members of the Senate’s Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee and representatives of the Bloc Québécois, the Green Party of Canada, and the People’s Party of Canada – will be invited to take part in a question and answer session with the nominee, which will also be held on July 25, 2019. The session will be moderated by a law professor.
This nomination will fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Clément Gascon. It represents the third nomination under the Supreme Court appointment process launched by the Government of Canada in 2016. Through the process, an independent and non-partisan advisory board is tasked with identifying candidates. In the case of Quebec seats, an advisory board is created that reflects Quebec’s unique legal tradition and ensures greater participation by its government in the selection process for judges from the province. The decision is ultimately made by the Prime Minister.
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“I am happy to announce the nomination of Justice Kasirer to the Supreme Court of Canada. Canada’s Supreme Court is respected around the world for its strength, independence, and judicial excellence. With his outstanding legal and academic experience, gained over a distinguished thirty-year career, I know Justice Kasirer will be an asset to our country’s highest court.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- During the selection process, a non-partisan Advisory Board identified jurists of the highest calibre who were functionally bilingual and met the statutory eligibility requirements for a Quebec seat.
- The selection process was launched on April 18, 2019, to fill the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Clément Gascon.
- Under the requirements of the Supreme Court Act, the process was open only to qualified applicants trained in civil law and from Quebec. Candidates submitted applications, and a shortlist was developed.
- Once the Advisory Board compiled the shortlist, the federal Minister of Justice provided the list to the Minister of Justice of Quebec and consulted with:
- the Chief Justice of Canada
- relevant Cabinet ministers
- opposition Justice critics
- members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights
- members of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
- As set out in the arrangement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec, the federal Minister of Justice and the Premier of Quebec each provided their recommendations on the shortlist to the Prime Minister.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Candidate questionnaire filled out by Nicholas Kasirer
- Prime Minister opens process to select the next justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
- Prime Minister announces advisory board to select the next Supreme Court justice
- Supreme Court of Canada appointments
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualifications and assessment criteria
- Arrangement concerning the appointment process to fill the seat that will be left vacant on the Supreme Court of Canada following the departure of Justice Clément Gascon (Memorandum of Understanding)
Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization to visit Canada
July 10, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Jens Stoltenberg, will visit Canada from July 14-16.
On July 15, Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary General Stoltenberg will have a bilateral meeting at the Canadian Forces Base in Petawawa, Ontario, followed by a joint media availability. The Prime Minister and the Secretary General will then have lunch with service members.
During the visit, the two leaders will discuss global challenges and key issues facing the Alliance. Prime Minister Trudeau will stress the need for NATO partners to work together to defend the rules-based international order, advance peace and security, and build a better future for people around the world. He will highlight Canada’s steadfast commitment to the Alliance, and underscore Canada’s leadership within NATO, including at the head of the enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Latvia and the NATO training and capacity building mission in Iraq.
Secretary General Stoltenberg will also travel to Toronto later that day, to deliver a keynote address at Massey College.
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“I look forward to meeting with Secretary General Stoltenberg to discuss pressing issues facing the Alliance and its partners, and to highlight Canada’s leadership on security challenges around the world. This year marks NATO’s 70th anniversary. Now more than ever, it’s vital that NATO Allies work together to defend the rules-based international order, and build a more peaceful, prosperous future for people around the world.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Prime Minister Trudeau last met with Secretary General Stoltenberg during the NATO Summit in Brussels in July 2018. This is Mr. Stoltenberg’s third visit to Canada since becoming Secretary General of NATO.
- Canada is a founding member of NATO. Since its inception in 1949, NATO has been a central pillar of Euro-Atlantic defence and a cornerstone of Canadian defence and security policy.
- Canada has been a persistent contributor to NATO and European security, including through leadership contribution to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup in Latvia and command of the NATO Mission in Iraq and of the NATO Standing Maritime Group 2. Moreover, it provides broad support for Ukraine.
- The Canadian Armed Forces are engaged, agile, deployable and responsive, and Canada is proud to have contributed to every NATO operation since the founding of the Alliance.
