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April 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Rosalie McGrath, a judge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, as the new Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Associate Chief Justice McGrath fills the new position which was authorized by the Budget Implementation Act, 2021, No. 1.
Quote
“I wish the Honourable Rosalie McGrath every success in her new role as Associate Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. She brings a wealth of experience to the position, with many years practising law and 10 years as a judge on the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. I am confident Associate Chief Justice McGrath will continue to serve Newfoundland and Labrador well.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
April 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Mourning:
“Today, on the National Day of Mourning, we remember and honour every Canadian worker who has been killed or injured in the workplace. Our thoughts are with all those who live with the pain of these tragedies every day.
“One injury or death in the workplace is too many. To help prevent future tragedies from taking place, the Government of Canada works closely with employers, employees, unions, and other stakeholders and partners to educate and raise awareness about work-related dangers. We will continue to help keep Canadians safe in the workplace, and beyond.
“The past two years have been difficult, particularly for our front-line and essential workers, who played critical roles in helping us through the pandemic. The government supported our front-line and essential workers by securing the necessary personal protective equipment to keep them safe and boosting wages for low-income essential workers. Today, as we recover from the pandemic, we recognize the great risks and challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made to help keep us all safe and healthy these past two years.
“On this sombre day, I encourage all Canadians to observe a minute of silence to pay tribute to the workers who have lost their lives or been injured on the job. Let us honour them by continuing to make Canada a healthier and safer place to work and live.”
April 27, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day:
“Tonight at sundown, we will join Jewish communities and others in Canada and around the world to observe Yom HaShoah and remember the six million innocent Jews who were imprisoned, tortured, and murdered at the hands of Nazis.
“The Holocaust, known as the Shoah in Hebrew, is one of the darkest chapters in human history. We must all continue to work to ensure that its victims are never forgotten and that these atrocities never happen again.
“On this dark, sombre day, I encourage all Canadians to listen to the stories of survivors, who keep the memories of the Shoah’s victims alive. Last month, I was humbled by the opportunity to visit the Platform 17 Memorial in Berlin, Germany – dedicated to those who were deported during the Holocaust, many of whom never returned.
“As Jewish people in Canada and around the world continue to face violence and hate, the Government of Canada is working to counter the rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial. We are moving forward to deliver on our Budget 2022 commitment to amend the Criminal Code to prohibit denying or downplaying the Holocaust in Canada. In Budget 2022, we also committed to providing ongoing funding to support Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and proposed investments in the renewal of Canadian Holocaust museums.
“In 2021, the government hosted Canada’s first National Summit on Antisemitism to identify actions the government can take to address key issues facing Jewish communities and also made concrete pledges at the Malmö International Forum on Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism. Additionally, we are developing a companion handbook to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism, which we adopted as part of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, and playing a leading role in advancing IHRA priorities.
“Despite the work that is underway, there is much more to be done. Today, modern antisemitism and Holocaust denial is also prevalent in the spread of disinformation on the Internet and on social media. Through the Digital Citizen Initiative, the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, and the international Inter-Parliamentary Task Force to Combat Online Antisemitism, we are addressing the challenges, threats, and repercussions of online hate, antisemitism, and disinformation in Canada and around the world.
“We have a shared responsibility to continue to pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust and ensure that their stories continue to resonate with generations to come. Together, let us all vow, ‘Never again.’”
April 26, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sandu discussed recent incidents of concern for peace and security in Moldova and the devastating impacts of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, particularly for refugees fleeing their homes to seek safety in Moldova. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed thanks and admiration for President Sandu’s strong personal leadership and for the resilience and support of the Moldovan people through this ongoing crisis in welcoming so many Ukrainians in need of safety, shelter, and humanitarian assistance. President Sandu underscored that Moldova would keep doing everything in its power to help all Ukrainians, especially during these distressing times.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that Ukrainian and Moldovan security are European security, and the security of all democratic states seeking to uphold fundamental principles of international law and state sovereignty.
The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact and assess how Canada can best support Moldova, including through initiatives like the Moldova Support Conference that Canada attended in Berlin, Germany, on April 5, and which helped raise over 135 million euros to support humanitarian efforts in the country.
Associated Links
April 25, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Government of Canada’s top priority remains keeping Canadians safe, while protecting jobs, trade, and our economy. In February, when blockades and occupations across the country disrupted our economy, hurt workers, and endangered public safety, the government invoked the Emergencies Act to supplement provincial and territorial capacity to end them.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the establishment of the Public Order Emergency Commission, an independent public inquiry following the invocation of the Emergencies Act.
The Commission will examine the circumstances that led to the declaration being issued and the measures taken in response to the emergency. This includes the evolution of the convoy, the impact of funding and disinformation, the economic impact, and efforts of police and other responders prior to and after the declaration.
The Prime Minister also announced the appointment of the Honourable Paul S. Rouleau as Commissioner of the Public Order Emergency Commission. Justice Rouleau brings twenty years of experience on the bench to the role. He was first appointed as a Justice of the Superior Court of Ontario in 2002, then to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 2005. He has also since been appointed as a Deputy Judge of the Supreme Court of Yukon, the Nunavut Court of Justice, and the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories.
As Commissioner, Justice Rouleau will submit a final report in both official languages to the Government of Canada on his findings and recommendations, which must be tabled in the House of Commons and Senate of Canada by February 20, 2023.
Quotes
“Ensuring the safety and security of everyone in Canada and protecting our economy are top priorities. I am pleased to announce that the Honourable Paul S. Rouleau has agreed to serve as the Commissioner and undertake this important work. He will look into the circumstances that led to the Emergencies Act being invoked, and make recommendations to prevent these events from happening again.”
“When our government invoked the Emergencies Act to help end the illegal blockades and get our country moving again, we committed to Canadians that we’d be upfront and transparent about it. We have kept that commitment – and today we’re taking a further step with the establishment of the Commission. I’m confident that this process will examine the circumstances that led to the invocation of the Emergencies Act fairly and impartially, as well as make potential recommendations regarding the management of public order emergencies.”
“Invoking the Emergencies Act was a decision taken only after careful consideration and with significant caution. As we reflect on the circumstances that led to this action, Canadians can have confidence this Commission will be undertaken in a thorough and independent manner, as the Act itself requires.”
Quick Facts
- On February 14, 2022, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, with the support of the Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, announced the declaration of a public order emergency under the Emergencies Act, to end disruptions, border blockades, and the occupation of Ottawa’s downtown core. The declaration was revoked on February 23, 2022.
- The Emergencies Act requires that a commission be convened within 60 days and its report tabled in Parliament within 360 days of the revocation of the declaration of a public order emergency. The Commission must examine the circumstances that led to the declaration being issued and the measures taken for dealing with the emergency.
- Under Part I of the federal Inquiries Act, the Commissioner has the power to summon witnesses under oath, and require them to provide documents or other items that the Commissioner consider necessary to carry out their work.
- The Commission’s work and mandate are outlined in the Order in Council, which establishes the Commission and its mandate.
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Associated Links
- Canada’s Emergencies Act
- Emergencies Act
- Inquiries Act
- Government of Canada declaration and revocation of a public order emergency under the Emergencies Act to end disruptions, blockades and the occupation of the city of Ottawa
April 25, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark National Immunization Awareness Week, which runs from April 23 to 30, 2022:
“Today, as we mark the 20th National Immunization Awareness Week, I want to take the opportunity to thank Canadians for taking part in the largest vaccination campaign in our country’s history. From coast to coast to coast, people turned out in unprecedented numbers to help protect themselves, their families and communities from COVID‑19. Thanks to these efforts, we are getting us back to doing the things we love, while growing the economy and creating good jobs.
“To date, over 85 per cent of eligible people in Canada are vaccinated with two doses, and more than 18 million Canadians have already received booster shots. We know that vaccines are one of the best tools to help fight COVID-19 and I encourage Canadians who have not received their vaccines and boosters to do so as soon as they can.
“This pandemic further illustrated what we have known for a long time: vaccination is a proven and effective public health tool. Vaccines have contributed to protecting generations of Canadians from diseases that put our health at risk and threaten our lives. During the pandemic, many in Canada and around the world have fallen behind in routine vaccinations for other vaccine-preventable diseases, so I encourage all Canadians to stay up to date on their routine vaccinations, such as annual flu vaccines.
“Delivering safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and strengthening Canada’s life sciences and bio manufacturing capabilities has been a key part of keeping Canadians healthy, while creating jobs and growing the economy. The Government of Canada is investing in bio manufacturing, supporting the development of domestic vaccine and therapeutic candidates, and advancing targeted research to help enhance Canada’s resilience and innovation capabilities. More than $1.6 billion have been invested to support 30 projects, from AbCellera in Vancouver to BioVectra in Charlottetown. Through these efforts, we are better equipped to continue responding effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with future pandemics by leveraging Canada’s industrial capabilities and world-leading science.
“To end the pandemic anywhere, we have to end it everywhere. On the world stage, Canada is delivering millions of vaccines to those who need it most, while ensuring the equitable distribution of COVID‑19 tests, treatments, and vaccines through Access to COVID‑19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator.
“This National Immunization Awareness Week, I want to join all Canadians in thanking the front-line immunizers, health care workers, public health professionals, and scientific researchers across Canada who all continue to work hard to help keep us safe and healthy. Thanks to you – and to the efforts of Canadians across the country – we are recovering from the pandemic and building a better future for everyone.”
April 24, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha:
“Today, we join people of Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic faith in Canada and around the world to celebrate Easter.
“The holiest holiday in the Orthodox Christian faith, Easter invites us to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and find hope in the victory of light over darkness. To mark this special occasion, family and friends traditionally attend the Divine Liturgy, decorate eggs, and break the fast of Great Lent with festive meals. As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, I know that people will also take this opportunity to reflect on the challenges we have overcome, celebrate the many blessings in our lives, and look ahead with optimism.
“While marking Easter, we also recognize the important contributions that Christian Canadians have made and continue to make – with kindness and generosity – to help build a better Canada for everyone.
“On this holy day, our thoughts go to the people of Ukraine – Christians and people of all faiths and backgrounds – who continue to fight for their country in the face of Russia’s invasion. Today and every day, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine. May the renewal and peace that Easter symbolizes bring hope to all people around the world affected by conflict and those working to protect freedom, democracy, and human rights.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish a happy and blessed Easter to all those celebrating today.”
April 23, 2022
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of Manitoba, Heather Stefanson.
The Prime Minister and Premier spoke about the significance of the ceremony earlier that day and of the historic transfer of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s building in downtown Winnipeg to the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) in helping to advance reconciliation. They underlined the importance of making housing more affordable for all Canadians, and highlighted that this project will help create almost 300 new, affordable homes through a joint federal-provincial investment, in cooperation with the SCO.
They discussed Manitoba’s strong Ukrainian community, and the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the province’s generous support and close collaboration in helping Ukrainians as they arrive in Canada and settle in their new communities.
The Prime Minister and Premier discussed the significant shared investments being made to support infrastructure and economic growth in Winnipeg and across the province. Prime Minister Trudeau underlined the federal government’s commitment to deliver water infrastructure and public transit improvements for Manitobans.
The two leaders also discussed health care, in particular the federal government’s investments to support Canadians through the pandemic and the recent commitment in Budget 2022 to provide $2 billion through a top-up of the Canada Health Transfer to address surgical backlogs.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Stefanson agreed to stay in close touch and continue collaborating on shared priorities, including flood mitigation and climate change, economic growth, and health care.
