April 8, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah of Kuwait.
The Prime Ministers discussed the urgent humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the importance of an immediate cease-fire. They agreed on the need to work together to provide humanitarian assistance to those impacted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau invited Kuwait to participate in the “Stand Up For Ukraine” campaign pledging event on April 9, which he is convening with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in order to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people.
The two leaders noted the close relationship between Canada and Kuwait, reflected in the recent visit by the Governor General of Canada to Kuwait on March 22 and 23. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s appreciation for Kuwait hosting the Canadian Armed Forces at Ali Al Salem Air Base, and thanked Prime Minister Al-Sabah for Kuwait’s support in helping Canada evacuate over 3,700 Canadians and Afghans from Afghanistan last August.
The Prime Ministers agreed to continue cooperating in response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the war’s impact on global food security and energy supplies.
Associated Links
April 10, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Medical Laboratory Week, which runs from April 10 to 16, 2022:
“Today, as we mark the beginning of National Medical Laboratory Week, we pay tribute to Canada’s medical laboratory professionals. Whether they work behind the scenes or on the front lines of the pandemic, these dedicated professionals play an essential role every day in our country’s health care system.
“Our medical laboratory professionals provide invaluable and life-saving contributions to the health and well-being of all Canadians by processing, analyzing, and documenting test samples. They provide crucial data to guide diagnoses, treatments, and patient care for everything from cancer to COVID-19.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, close to 60 million COVID-19 tests have been performed in Canada, and efforts continue to trace, treat, and monitor the disease. Along with other health care and front-line workers, medical laboratory professionals have gone above and beyond to help save lives and protect Canadians from coast to coast to coast, and we thank them for their dedication.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite everyone to take a moment to show appreciation for the invaluable work our medical laboratory professionals have done – and continue to do – to save lives and protect Canadians across the country.”From the Prime Minister's Web Site (https://pm.gc.ca/)
April 9, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau co-convened the Stand Up for Ukraine pledging event with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, with the participation of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, in a worldwide show of solidarity with Ukraine, and in partnership with international advocacy organization Global Citizen.
Today’s event was the culmination of a global social media rally supported by Global Citizen and in response to an urgent call from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the international community to mobilize additional support for people fleeing war in Ukraine. The campaign raised over $12.4 billion in pledges to support Ukrainian refugees and address the humanitarian crisis.
The Prime Minister today announced an additional $100 million in humanitarian support to respond to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, helping to provide added emergency health services, including trauma care, protection, and necessities such as shelter, water, and food. These funds will be allocated to experienced humanitarian partners who are best positioned to reach those most in need, quickly and efficiently. With today’s announcement, Canada has provided $245 million since January 2022 in humanitarian assistance to respond to the impacts the conflict in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister today also announced a series of measures to make it easier for Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s illegal war to come to Canada including:
- Targeted charter flights to Canada for Ukrainians;
- Short-term income support to ensure basic needs are met; and
- Temporary hotel accommodation for up to two weeks.
These new measures will help more Ukrainians take advantage of the dedicated Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program, while also providing relief to European partners who are currently supporting displaced Ukrainians.
In March, Canada launched the CUAET, a special, accelerated temporary residence pathway for Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Canada while the war in their home country continues. The CUAET is the fastest and most efficient way for Ukrainians and their families to come to Canada, as this new measure streamlines current visa and travel requirements, eliminates most application and processing fees, and offers accelerated, prioritized processing. Since launching last month, Canada has already approved over 30,000 applications for those seeking to come to Canada under the CUAET.
A number of other measures have also been implemented to assist those implicated by the war, including the prioritized processing of Canadian passport and travel documents, citizenship proofs, and permanent resident, temporary resident visa, student and work permit applications from Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine. We have also waived visa application and work and study permit fees for all Ukrainian nationals and their family members.
In Budget 2022, Canada announced more than $1.2 billion in direct contributions in support of Ukraine and its people, in addition to an offer of up to $1.6 billion in loan support for the Ukrainian government.
The Government of Canada continues to work around the clock to help Ukrainians and their families.
Quote
“Today, we raised over $12.4 billion in pledges to continue supporting the Ukrainian people who have been displaced by Putin’s ongoing and unjustifiable war. Whether it’s food, water, shelter, or medical aid – we will continue to have your backs and provide the assistance you need at this time. We are also making it easier for Ukrainians fleeing the war to come to Canada. We are standing up for Ukraine.”
Quick Facts
- Canada is also providing over 345,000 essential relief items such as blankets, mattresses, etc. from Canada’s National Emergency Strategic Stockpile to help respond to humanitarian needs in Ukraine and the region. These items were specifically requested by our partners and are being dispatched to Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
- With today’s announcement, Canada has provided $245 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Of this, $145 million has been allocated to United Nations organizations, the Red Cross Movement and to non-governmental organizations.
- Canada invested an additional $117 million to implement new immigration measures to welcome those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
- Canada is also offering temporary federal support to help Ukrainians settle in their new communities, including:
- language training;
- information about and orientation to life in Canada, such as help with enrolling children in school;
- information and services to help access the labour market, including mentoring, networking, counselling, skills development and training;
- activities that promote connections with communities;
- assessments of other needs Ukrainians may have and referrals to appropriate agencies;
- services targeted to the needs of women, seniors, youth and LGBTQ2+ persons; and
- other settlement supports available through the Settlement Program.
- The federal government will continue to work closely with our provincial and territorial partners, who have been welcoming and supporting Ukrainians arriving in their jurisdictions.
Associated Links
- Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- How Canada is helping – Russian invasion of Ukraine
- EU solidarity with Ukraine – available in Ukrainian and RussianFrom the Prime Minister's Web Site (https://pm.gc.ca/)Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
April 9, 2022
Ottawa, OntarioToday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister and President condemned the continuing Russian military aggression against Ukraine and the recent atrocities in Bucha and at the train station in Kramatorsk. Both called on Russia to end its criminal targeting of civilians and to withdraw its military forces from Ukraine immediately.
President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for his role in convening the “Stand Up For Ukraine” conference earlier today with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The two leaders lauded the widespread international support for Ukraine, which raised over $12 billion for Ukrainian refugees and internally displaced people.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s ongoing need for military and financial assistance and ways in which Canada can support.
President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s steadfast and enduring support for Ukraine, and the two leaders agreed to continue to stay in close touch.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Prime Minister co-convenes the Stand Up for Ukraine pledging event
- Prime Minister concludes successful visit to Belgium and announces additional support for Ukraine
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement in UkraineFrom the Prime Minister's Web Site (https://pm.gc.ca/)Making housing more affordable for Canadians
April 8, 2022
Hamilton, OntarioEveryone should have a place to call home, yet it is becoming increasingly challenging for many Canadians to find a safe and affordable place to live. That’s why a key focus of Budget 2022 is making housing more affordable in communities across the country.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, today highlighted key measures included in Budget 2022: A Plan to Grow Our Economy and Make Life More Affordable to improve the housing affordability for Canadians.
The measures proposed in Budget 2022 include:
- Putting Canada on the path to double housing construction over the next decade, including by investing $4 billion for the launch of a new Housing Accelerator Fund that will help create 100,000 new housing units over the next five years.
- Curbing unfair practices that drive up the price of housing by imposing a two-year ban on foreign capital coming into Canada to buy residential real estate; and taking steps to make property flippers pay their fair share.
- Helping Canadians buy their first home by introducing the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account to allow first-time home buyers to save up to $40,000; doubling the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to $10,000, providing up to $1,500 in direct support to home buyers; extending the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive to March 31, 2025, to allow first-time home buyers to lower their borrowing costs; and investing $200 million to help develop and scale up rent-to-own projects across Canada.
- Protecting buyers and renters by working with provinces and territories to develop and implement a Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights and bring forward a national plan to end blind bidding.
- Continuing to fight homelessness and support housing affordability, particularly for the most vulnerable by investing $475 million in 2022-23 to provide a one-time $500 payment to those facing housing affordability challenges; providing $1.5 billion to extend the Rapid Housing Initiative and create at least 6,000 additional affordable housing units across Canada; advancing $2.9 billion under the National Housing Co-Investment Fund to accelerate the creation of up to 4,300 new units and repair of up to 17,800 units for vulnerable Canadians ahead of schedule; and providing $562.2 million over two years to continue to prevent and address homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.
- Addressing the housing needs of Indigenous Peoples by investing $4.3 billion over seven years to improve and expand Indigenous housing in Canada. Along with these investments, $2 billion of the $20 billion provided for long-term reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services program will be allocated to target the housing needs of First Nations children once a final settlement is reached.
Budget 2022 proposes targeted and responsible investments to give all Canadians a safe and affordable place to call home. This is part of our plan to make life more affordable, create jobs and prosperity today, grow the middle class, and build a stronger economic future for everyone.
Quotes
“Making life more affordable for Canadians starts with addressing housing affordability. All Canadians deserve a safe place to live, raise their families, and build their future. Budget 2022 will put home ownership in reach for more Canadians, protect renters and buyers, and expand Indigenous housing across the country.”
“Housing is a basic human need but it is also an economic imperative. Our economy is built by people, and people need homes in which to live. Our problem is simply this: Canada does not have enough homes. We need more of them, fast. This budget represents the most ambitious plan that Canada has ever had to solve that fundamental challenge.”
“In Canada, we don’t just imagine what our future can be – we roll up our sleeves and make it a reality. Budget 2022 is about providing young Canadians with the support they need to save for their first home. It’s about putting Canadians first by putting an end to unfair practices that lead to rising home prices. It’s about helping families access an affordable place to call home. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Quick Facts
- Budget 2022 introduces a Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit. This would provide up to $7,500 to Canadians for constructing a secondary suite for a senior or an adult with a disability to move in.
- To expand co-op housing in Canada by an estimated additional 6,000 units, Budget 2022 proposes to reallocate $500 million of funding from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund and reallocate an additional $1 billion in loans from the Rental Construction Financing Initiative to support co-op housing projects. This would make it the largest investment toward building new co-op housing in Canada in more than 30 years.
- Budget 2022 proposes $150 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to support affordable housing and related infrastructure in the North.
- Budget 2022’s proposed housing measures build on the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, $72+ billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home.
- Since the creation of the NHS, the Government of Canada has committed over $24.2 billion to support the creation of over 91,000 units and the repair of over 209,700 units, and has provided a more affordable place to live to over 172,000 households. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
Related Products
- Budget 2022 Backgrounder: Making Housing More Affordable
- Budget 2022 Backgrounder: Moving Forward on Reconciliation
Associated Links
- Budget 2022
- National Housing Strategy
- First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
- Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
- National Housing Co-Investment FundFrom the Prime Minister's Web Site (https://pm.gc.ca/)Statement by the Prime Minister on Vimy Ridge Day
April 9, 2022
Ottawa, OntarioThe Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vimy Ridge Day:
“Today we remember the thousands of Canadians who fought and gave their lives in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
“On a cold Easter Monday in 1917 in northern France, after carefully planning and preparing their attack, Canadian soldiers stormed uphill through sleet, mud, and machine gun fire to capture Vimy Ridge. They came from coast to coast to coast – Francophones, Anglophones, new Canadians, Black Canadians, and Indigenous Peoples – and battled for four days to achieve this decisive victory.
“The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a turning point in Canada’s history, when the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together for the first time, achieving what no Allied army had done before. Many of them were young men in their late teens and early twenties, united in their fight for justice, peace, and freedom. The innovative fighting techniques they used at Vimy Ridge would also contribute to the final Allied victory a year and a half later.
“While Canada was victorious at Vimy Ridge, this success did not come without great loss. Nearly 3,600 Canadians were killed, and over 7,000 more were wounded. It remains one of the bloodiest battles in our country’s military history.
“On this day, we honour the courage and sacrifice of those who fought at Vimy Ridge. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to them – and to all Canadians in uniform, past and present. Every day, their unwavering dedication and service protects the fundamental values of peace, freedom, and democracy that define our country.
“Lest we forget.”
