Statement by the Prime Minister on the apology from His Holiness Pope Francis regarding the residential school system in Canada
April 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
If you need someone to talk to, please reach out to the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the apology from His Holiness Pope Francis for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in the residential school system in Canada:
“I acknowledge His Holiness Pope Francis’ apology to Indigenous Peoples for the Roman Catholic Church’s role in operating the residential school system in Canada. Today is about the Survivors, their families, and those who never came home.
“This week, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leaders, Survivors, and youth travelled to the Vatican to continue urging the Catholic Church for an apology, which was an immense display of bravery and determination. This apology would not have happened without the Survivors who told their truths directly to one of the institutions responsible, and recounted and relived their painful memories.
“For decades, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have been calling on the Pope to recognize the spiritual, cultural, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse their children endured while attending these residential schools. For decades, they have been waiting for an apology.
“Canada’s history will forever be stained by the tragic reality of the residential school system, which forcibly separated at least 150,000 Indigenous children from their families and communities, often at great distances, where they were prohibited from practising their culture and traditions, and speaking their languages. For Survivors, their families, and communities, the painful legacy of the residential school system lives with them every day.
“Last year, the findings of unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools across the country forced Canadians to reflect on our country’s failures and their impacts that continue to be felt today. As a country, we must never forget the unthinkable tragedies that took place and we must honour the children who went missing and never came home.
“Today’s apology is a step forward in acknowledging the truth of our past. We cannot separate the legacy of the residential school system from the institutions that created, maintained, and operated it, including the Government of Canada and the Catholic Church. Today’s apology will resurface strong emotions of hurt and trauma for many. The government will continue to support Indigenous communities across the country with the funding and resources they need to continue to search for unmarked burial sites, uncover the truth of what happened at residential schools, and continue on their healing journey.
“An apology by the Pope to residential school Survivors and their families delivered in Canada will specifically respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #58. I look forward to His Holiness Pope Francis apologizing in Canada at the request of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The Government of Canada is fully committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
“Today, let us all reflect on the part we can play in walking the shared path of reconciliation and charting a new and better path forward – for Indigenous Peoples and for everyone in Canada.”
April 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group to discuss the latest developments of the war in Ukraine with ministers and senior officials.
The group was briefed on the latest developments on the ground in Ukraine. The Prime Minister and ministers discussed the humanitarian, financial, and military aid that Canada has provided to Ukraine to date, and explored options to further respond to Ukraine’s evolving needs in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.
The Prime Minister, ministers, and officials remain determined to continue providing urgent support to Ukraine.
The group discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to assist Ukrainians wishing to seek refuge in Canada, coordinate their travels, and help them settle in their new communities. Settlement Program services have now been extended to newcomers arriving under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. A pathway to permanent residency for family members of Canadians immigrating from Ukraine has also been created.
The group discussed the impacts of the war on Ukraine’s people, infrastructure, and economy as well as energy prices and food security around the world. They discussed how Canada can alleviate current pressures on supply chains in the medium- and long-term, including by increasing food production and processing.
The Prime Minister and ministers committed to continue working alongside allies and international partners to support the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.
Associated Links
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement to Ukraine
- Canadian sanctions related to Russia
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- Canada expands settlement support for Ukrainians coming to Canada
April 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:
Sony Perron, currently Executive Vice-President of Shared Services Canada, becomes President of Shared Services Canada, effective April 4, 2022.
Scott Jones, currently Federal Lead, Proof of Vaccine Credentials, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, becomes Executive Vice-President of Shared Services Canada and, concurrently, Associate Deputy Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, effective April 11, 2022.
Brigitte Diogo, currently Vice-President, Health Security and Regional Operations Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, becomes Deputy Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency, effective April 11, 2022.
Jean-Guy Forgeron, currently Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Fisheries and Harbour Management, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, becomes Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, effective April 4, 2022.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to congratulate Paul Glover, President of Shared Services Canada, on his retirement from the Public Service, and thanked him for his dedication and service to Canadians.
