The Prime Minister announces changes to the Senate leadership
November 29, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
November 28, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
November 26, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
November 29, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Peter Harder, Government Representative in the Senate, and Grant Mitchell, Government Liaison in the Senate, will be stepping down from their positions.
In April 2016, Senator Harder was the first independent Senator appointed under the merit-based selection process open to Canadians. During his time as Government Representative, he maintained a strong focus on non-partisan collaboration, and worked tirelessly to advance the government’s legislative agenda in the Senate. Senator Harder will step down from this role on December 31st 2019, and his replacement will be named in due course.
Senator Mitchell was appointed to the Senate in 2005 after a distinguished career in public service, business, and politics in Alberta. He became Government Liaison in the Senate in May 2016, and has made important contributions to Senate reform. Senator Mitchell will continue as Government Liaison until a replacement is named for Senator Harder.
Thanks to the work of Senator Harder and Senator Mitchell – alongside the former Legislative Deputy, Senator Diane Bellemare – the Senate is in a stronger position than ever to serve Canadians from coast to coast to coast. All three Senators will continue to sit in the Upper House, and to be a strong voice for their regions – Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec – and for all Canadians.
Quote
“Senator Harder and Senator Mitchell led the Senate through a historic period of modernization. They played a vital role examining legislation and advocating for a transparent and accountable Senate that works for all Canadians. I thank them for their outstanding work and service.”
Quick Facts
- The Government Representative in the Senate, the Government Liaison in the Senate, and the Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative make up the Government Representative Office. This team promotes a vision of an independent, accountable, and transparent Senate.
- The Government Representative in the Senate is the first point of contact between the Government and the Senate, working to move government bills through the Upper House and champion renewal of the institution.
- The Government Liaison is responsible for outreach on government business in the Senate, and ensures that Senators have the information they need in anticipation of votes.
- In 2016, the selection process for Senators was opened to all Canadians. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister to travel to the United Kingdom for NATO Leaders Meeting
November 28, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Leaders Meeting in London, United Kingdom, from December 3 to 4, 2019.
In London, Prime Minister Trudeau will meet with NATO allies to mark the 70th anniversary of the Alliance, and discuss shared trans-Atlantic priorities. NATO leaders will highlight Alliance achievements, specifically in the area of defence and deterrence. They will also discuss the importance of maintaining unity and resolve to successfully address emerging and future threats.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau will reiterate Canada’s unwavering commitment to NATO and to trans-Atlantic security, as well as the importance of working together to modernize the Alliance. While in London, Prime Minister Trudeau will attend the NATO Engages panel discussion.
NATO is built on the strength of standing together in service of citizens and in defence of common interests. Working with NATO allies, Canada protects fundamental Canadian values like democracy and the rule of law, while building a safer, more peaceful world for today and tomorrow.
A founding member of the Alliance, Canada is a major contributor to NATO. Canada currently leads NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup in Latvia, as well as the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. In Iraq, Canada commands the NATO mission, to help the country transition to lasting peace and security.
Quote
“For 70 years, NATO has been a cornerstone of Canadian defence and security policy. I look forward to meet with NATO leaders, and to reaffirm Canada’s strong commitment to this Alliance and its values. Whether by leading efforts to prevent and end conflict, or contributing to NATO’s work on women, peace and security, Canada is there for our allies as we build a more peaceful and stable world. We will always stand up for the values that Canadians hold dear, and for everyone who dreams of a brighter tomorrow.”
Quick Facts
- This year marks NATO’s 70th anniversary. Since 1949, NATO has defended international peace and security.
- On November 24, 2019, Major-General Jennie Carignan took command of the NATO Mission in Iraq, a non-combat, advisory, and training mission to build more effective and sustainable Iraqi defence and security institutions.
- Canada also contributes to trans-Atlantic security by providing support for Ukraine’s security and stability, primarily through Operation UNIFIER.
Associated Links
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
- Canada and NATO
- NATO Mission Iraq welcomes a new Canadian Commander
Statement by the Prime Minister on the fatal French helicopter crash in Mali
November 26, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the fatal French helicopter crash in Mali:
“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the terrible collision between two helicopters in Mali, which killed 13 brave French soldiers on board.
“Canada joins with the people of France as they mourn the loss of these soldiers. Like Canadians in uniform who were deployed in Mali, they served their country bravely, in pursuit of a safer and more peaceful world.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those killed in this devastating crash. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on World AIDS Day
December 1, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“On World AIDS Day, we stand in solidarity with people in Canada, and around the globe, living with HIV and AIDS. Today, as we recommit ourselves to ending this epidemic, we also remember the friends and loved ones we have lost.
“In recent years, there has been important progress in treatment, but there remains work to be done to end the stigma that too many people still face, and ensure that everyone gets the care they deserve.
“This year’s theme, ‘Communities make the difference’, reminds us of the importance of community, from providing supportive networks that ensure no one is left behind, to encouraging people to get tested and connecting them with treatment. Advocates and grassroots organizations change lives for the better, offering invaluable peer-to-peer education, while fighting for sustainable and reliable services for people living with HIV.
“We know that ending this global epidemic means empowering communities. In August, Canada pledged over $930 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. These funds will support prevention, treatment, and care, while helping end the gender and social inequalities, including poverty, that drive the spread of these diseases. Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially for women, girls, and marginalized groups.
“This year, we also made important investments in HIV and AIDS research and launched the Five-Year Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections. The plan supports community-based efforts to reach undiagnosed people, which helps improve access to treatment and care, prevents new cases, and reduces discrimination.
“Today, I encourage everyone to raise awareness about HIV, and challenge the misconceptions that lead to stigma. Together, we can end this global epidemic, and ensure that everyone has the care and support they need to live full and healthy lives.”
Le 1 décembre 2019
Ottawa (Ontario)
Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a fait aujourd’hui la déclaration suivante à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida :
« En cette Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida, nous nous montrons solidaires de ceux qui vivent avec le VIH et le sida, au Canada et à travers le monde. Aujourd'hui, alors que nous nous engageons de nouveau à mettre fin à cette épidémie, nous nous souvenons aussi des amis et des proches que nous avons perdus.
« Au cours des dernières années, d’importants progrès ont été réalisés en matière de traitement, mais il reste encore du travail à faire pour éliminer la stigmatisation à laquelle trop de personnes sont confrontées et faire en sorte que chacun reçoit les soins qu'il mérite.
« Le thème de cette année, « Les organisations communautaires font la différence », nous rappelle l’importance des organisations communautaires. Ces dernières mettent en place des réseaux de soutien pour veiller à ce que personne ne soit laissé pour compte, encouragent les gens à se faire dépister et aident les gens à trouver des services de traitement. Les activistes et les organisations communautaires améliorent la vie des gens. Ils offrent une précieuse éducation par les pairs, tout en militant en faveur de services durables et fiables pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH.
« Pour mettre fin à cette épidémie mondiale nous devons d’abord faire en sorte que les communautés aient les bons outils. En août, le Canada s'est engagé à verser plus de 930 millions de dollars au Fonds mondial de lutte contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme. Cette contribution appuiera les efforts de prévention, les services de traitement et les soins. Elle aidera également à mettre fin aux inégalités entre les sexes et aux inégalités sociales, y compris la pauvreté, qui favorisent la propagation de ces maladies. Le Canada demeure fermement résolu dans son engagement à l'égard de la santé et des droits en matière de sexualité et de reproduction, en particulier pour les femmes, les filles et les groupes marginalisés.
« Cette année, nous avons également effectué des investissements importants dans la recherche sur le VIH/sida et nous avons lancé le plan d’action quinquennal sur les infections transmissibles sexuellement et par le sang. Le plan appuie les efforts communautaires visant à joindre les personnes non diagnostiquées, ce qui contribue à améliorer l'accès aux traitements et aux soins, à prévenir de nouveaux cas et à réduire la discrimination.
« Aujourd'hui, j'encourage tout le monde à accroître la sensibilisation au VIH et à remettre en question les idées fausses qui mènent à la stigmatisation. Ensemble, nous pouvons mettre fin à cette épidémie mondiale et veiller à ce que tous reçoivent les soins et le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour vivre leur vie pleinement et en bonne santé. »
Statement by the Prime Minister on World AIDS Day
December 1, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“On World AIDS Day, we stand in solidarity with people in Canada, and around the globe, living with HIV and AIDS. Today, as we recommit ourselves to ending this epidemic, we also remember the friends and loved ones we have lost.
“In recent years, there has been important progress in treatment, but there remains work to be done to end the stigma that too many people still face, and ensure that everyone gets the care they deserve.
“This year’s theme, ‘Communities make the difference’, reminds us of the importance of community, from providing supportive networks that ensure no one is left behind, to encouraging people to get tested and connecting them with treatment. Advocates and grassroots organizations change lives for the better, offering invaluable peer-to-peer education, while fighting for sustainable and reliable services for people living with HIV.
“We know that ending this global epidemic means empowering communities. In August, Canada pledged over $930 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. These funds will support prevention, treatment, and care, while helping end the gender and social inequalities, including poverty, that drive the spread of these diseases. Canada remains steadfast in our commitment to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially for women, girls, and marginalized groups.
“This year, we also made important investments in HIV and AIDS research and launched the Five-Year Action Plan on Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections. The plan supports community-based efforts to reach undiagnosed people, which helps improve access to treatment and care, prevents new cases, and reduces discrimination.
“Today, I encourage everyone to raise awareness about HIV, and challenge the misconceptions that lead to stigma. Together, we can end this global epidemic, and ensure that everyone has the care and support they need to live full and healthy lives.”
Déclaration du premier ministre à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida
Le 1 décembre 2019
Ottawa (Ontario)
Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a fait aujourd’hui la déclaration suivante à l’occasion de la Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida :
« En cette Journée mondiale de lutte contre le sida, nous nous montrons solidaires de ceux qui vivent avec le VIH et le sida, au Canada et à travers le monde. Aujourd'hui, alors que nous nous engageons de nouveau à mettre fin à cette épidémie, nous nous souvenons aussi des amis et des proches que nous avons perdus.
« Au cours des dernières années, d’importants progrès ont été réalisés en matière de traitement, mais il reste encore du travail à faire pour éliminer la stigmatisation à laquelle trop de personnes sont confrontées et faire en sorte que chacun reçoit les soins qu'il mérite.
« Le thème de cette année, « Les organisations communautaires font la différence », nous rappelle l’importance des organisations communautaires. Ces dernières mettent en place des réseaux de soutien pour veiller à ce que personne ne soit laissé pour compte, encouragent les gens à se faire dépister et aident les gens à trouver des services de traitement. Les activistes et les organisations communautaires améliorent la vie des gens. Ils offrent une précieuse éducation par les pairs, tout en militant en faveur de services durables et fiables pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH.
« Pour mettre fin à cette épidémie mondiale nous devons d’abord faire en sorte que les communautés aient les bons outils. En août, le Canada s'est engagé à verser plus de 930 millions de dollars au Fonds mondial de lutte contre le sida, la tuberculose et le paludisme. Cette contribution appuiera les efforts de prévention, les services de traitement et les soins. Elle aidera également à mettre fin aux inégalités entre les sexes et aux inégalités sociales, y compris la pauvreté, qui favorisent la propagation de ces maladies. Le Canada demeure fermement résolu dans son engagement à l'égard de la santé et des droits en matière de sexualité et de reproduction, en particulier pour les femmes, les filles et les groupes marginalisés.
« Cette année, nous avons également effectué des investissements importants dans la recherche sur le VIH/sida et nous avons lancé le plan d’action quinquennal sur les infections transmissibles sexuellement et par le sang. Le plan appuie les efforts communautaires visant à joindre les personnes non diagnostiquées, ce qui contribue à améliorer l'accès aux traitements et aux soins, à prévenir de nouveaux cas et à réduire la discrimination.
« Aujourd'hui, j'encourage tout le monde à accroître la sensibilisation au VIH et à remettre en question les idées fausses qui mènent à la stigmatisation. Ensemble, nous pouvons mettre fin à cette épidémie mondiale et veiller à ce que tous reçoivent les soins et le soutien dont ils ont besoin pour vivre leur vie pleinement et en bonne santé. »
