Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau,latest news

The Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service

December 6, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:

Rob Stewart, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Finance (with G7 and G20 responsibilities), becomes Deputy Minister of Public Safety, effective December 11, 2019.

Gina Wilson, currently Deputy Minister of Public Safety, becomes Senior Advisor to the Privy Council Office, effective December 11, 2019.

Leslie MacLean, currently Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development and Chief Operating Officer for Service Canada, becomes Deputy Minister of International Development, effective December 9, 2019.

Jeffery Hutchinson, currently Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, becomes Senior Advisor to the Privy Council Office, effective December 9, 2019.

Mario Pelletier, currently Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Canadian Coast Guard, becomes Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, effective December 9, 2019.

Biographical notes

• Rob Stewart
• Gina Wilson
• Leslie MacLean
• Jeffery Hutchinson
• Mario Pelletier

Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

December 6, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

“Thirty years ago today, at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, 14 young women were murdered in a senseless antifeminist attack. Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we gather to mourn their loss and honour their memory. Their deaths robbed us of daughters, sisters, friends, and colleagues, and of their limitless potential.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that drove this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists in our communities and our country. In Canada and around the world, too many women, girls, and people of diverse gender identities face violence and discrimination. That is unacceptable, and must never be tolerated. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we have the opportunity to not just recognize the persistence of violence against women, but to take action to prevent and address it.

“We can and we must end gender-based violence. That is why we are investing to better support survivors and their families, making the justice system more responsive to their needs, and supporting the important work of women’s organizations across the country. We are also working closely with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to co-develop a National Action Plan to implement the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. At the same time, we are committed to strengthening gun control and banning the type of weapon that took lives at École Polytechnique. Together, we can stand up to attitudes that devalue women, and create a future where everyone is safe and heard.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to help put an end to gender-based violence. Together, we can foster a culture of respect, and build a Canada that is safer and more just for everyone.”