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June 18, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte discussed Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and agreed on the importance of continued military, financial, and humanitarian support to the Ukrainian government and people. They spoke of the recent recommendation from the European Commission in favour of Ukraine becoming a candidate for European Union (EU) membership, and of the pathway for Ukraine’s integration into the European community. Prime Minister Trudeau underlined Canada’s strong and enduring commitment to work together with EU partners to support Ukraine recovery and reform toward closer EU integration.
The prime ministers expressed their shared concerns for the wider global impacts of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, notably for the global south, through food, fuel, and fertilizer shortages and rising prices. They committed to working together with like-minded partners to find practical ways to mitigate these impacts, particularly for the most vulnerable. They also confirmed their intent to continue working closely together to expand trade and investment, create good middle-class jobs in Canada and the Netherlands, and advance shared security and defence priorities in the context of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Rutte looked forward to meeting in person at the upcoming NATO Summit in Madrid, Spain.
Associated Links
June 20, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Refugee Day:
“Today, on World Refugee Day, we recognize people from around the world who are forced to leave their homes and communities in search of a better life. We honour their courage and bravery, and here in Canada, we reaffirm our commitment to keeping our borders and hearts open to those fleeing violence and persecution.
“This year’s theme is ‘Whoever. Wherever. Whenever. Everyone has the right to seek safety’. Canada has a proud and longstanding tradition of welcoming people seeking safety, no matter who they are or where they come from. Last year, Canada was the top country in the world to resettle refugees, helping them establish roots and start a new life here. Since 1980, Canada has welcomed one million refugees, and Budget 2022 proposes major investments to continue welcoming and supporting newcomers.
“In response to global conflicts, Canada will continue to step up to provide safe haven for people fleeing for their safety. Canada has one of the largest commitments in the world to resettle Afghan refugees and we have welcomed over 16,000 Afghans since August 2021. In response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, we have welcomed over 43,200 Ukrainian nationals in Canada. The government continues to work closely with provinces and territories, settlement organizations, and NGOs across the country to support Ukrainians and their family members before, during, and after their arrival in Canada. We organized three federal charter flights, which brought more than 950 Ukrainians and their family members to Canada in recent months, and we are also working closely with key partners in Ukraine’s neighbouring countries to assist those who have been forced to flee their homes.
“Today, I invite all Canadians to reflect on the values that make our country a top destination for those in search of a better life: peace, freedom, equality, and above all, hope for a better future. We will continue to show the world what it means to be Canadian by continuing to provide those in need with a safe place to call home. Refugees are integral to the fabric of our communities across the country; they start businesses, volunteer to help those who need it, and contribute fully to our local economies. Canada is better for it.”
June 21, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day:
“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis from coast to coast to coast will celebrate their unique histories, cultures, traditions, and languages with their families and communities. Every year, we celebrate the diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada and the vibrancy of the Indigenous Peoples who fight every day to keep them alive.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and a day that holds cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for Indigenous Peoples. This day is usually marked by coming together for celebratory events and ceremonies, with families and community members gathering to share food and showcase traditional practices.
“Over the past year, we have made real progress with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across the country by listening to them and working together to advance their priorities and make life better. The government has signed agreements to improve child and family services, which will keep children in their communities, surrounded by their culture. We have worked collaboratively to make major investments to increase affordable housing and safe spaces for Indigenous women in communities across the country. In April, the government and Inuit leaders endorsed the historic Inuit Nunangat Policy to support Inuit self-determination and Inuit-led solutions. While today is a time to celebrate First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada, it is also an opportunity to acknowledge there is still work to be done to right past wrongs and close the gaps that still exist today.
“This day marks one year since the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act became law, a historic milestone in our collective journey to move forward on reconciliation and create a renewed relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis rooted in the recognition of rights, respect, and cooperation. While we work to address longstanding inequalities in housing, health care, education, and more, this law is the transformative, integral piece that will underpin every facet of our work.
“This year also marks the beginning of the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages, which draws attention to the significance of Indigenous languages, and the importance of supporting Indigenous Peoples in their efforts to preserve, revitalize, and promote their languages, like we are doing here in Canada.
“On this day, and throughout National Indigenous History Month, we recognize the significant contributions of Indigenous Peoples in shaping our country into what it is today and moving toward a brighter and stronger Canada as shared partners. Being the longest day of the year, it is also the day that has the most light. As we continue to shine light on the hard truths of the past, let us also shine a light of hope for the future. I invite all Canadians to learn more about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures and histories – particularly in your local areas – and participate in an event or join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #NIPD2022 and #NIPDCanada. Together, we will continue to advance reconciliation, support Indigenous Peoples, and build a better future for everyone.”
June 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism:
“Today, I join all Canadians to pay tribute and remember those we have lost to terrorist attacks. I extend my deepest sympathies to the families and friends who are without their loved ones, and to everyone living with pain and trauma caused by these senseless acts of violence.
“On this day in 1985, 329 innocent people, including 280 Canadians, were killed by a terrorist attack on Air India Flight 182 bound for the United Kingdom from Canada. This remains the deadliest terrorist attack in Canadian history. To honour the victims of this tragedy and of terrorist attacks across the world, the government declared June 23 of every year as a National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.
“As a country, we cannot become desensitized to violence and we cannot accept it as normal. Terrorism has no place in this country and the Government of Canada condemns all forms of terrorism. We work with our allies at home and abroad to stop the spread of violent extremism and terrorism, and to strengthen the resilience and inclusiveness of our society against terrorist and violent extremist ideologies. Canada continues to uphold the values of inclusion, respect for diversity, and pluralism – values that are stronger than fear, hatred, and intolerance.
“On this day, we also express solidarity with the survivors and those injured in terrorist attacks. The impacts of these incidents are wide-ranging, and we would like to thank the essential service providers who respond to terrorist incidents and are key to providing support for survivors. From security and law enforcement agencies, diplomats, members of the intelligence community, to health care professionals, prevention practitioners, and civil society organizations, these local engagements are key to help victims and survivors of terrorism, and to foster community resilience.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I honour those we have lost to acts of terrorism. As Canadians, we choose compassion over hate and we embrace diversity and equality as we work to build a safer Canada for everyone.”
June 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the reappointment of the Honourable Margaret Thom as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories for a term of 18 months, effective June 26, 2022.
Ms. Thom has dedicated her career to serving the people of the Northwest Territories. She assumed office as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories in 2017, after serving as Deputy Commissioner from 2005 to 2011. An active community member, leader, and educator, she is a former Governor of the Aurora College board and Vice-Chair of the Nats’ejee Keh Treatment Centre.
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“Margaret Thom has been a dedicated leader and a passionate advocate for Northerners. Over the past five years, she has represented them with pride as Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. I am pleased that she has agreed to continue in this role and I thank her for her ongoing dedication.”
Quick Fact
- Territorial Commissioners are Governor in Council appointments. They fulfill many of the same duties as the Lieutenant Governor of a province. Their responsibilities include swearing in Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of the Executive Council, opening the Legislative Assembly, and providing assent for legislation passed by the Assembly.
Biographical Note
Associated Link
June 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today congratulated Philippe Dufresne on his appointment as Privacy Commissioner of Canada. This appointment, which was recently approved unanimously by the House of Commons and the Senate, is effective June 27, 2022, for a seven-year term.
Mr. Dufresne was chosen as the nominee for the position of Privacy Commissioner through an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner, established in 1983, provides Parliament with impartial, fact-based information and expert advice, with the mission to protect and promote the privacy rights of Canadians. It governs the personal information handling practices of federal departments and agencies.
Biographical Note
Associated Links
June 23, 2022
Kigali, Rwanda
Global food insecurity has been increasing dramatically over the past several years, and it is now being further and directly exacerbated by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Countries around the globe, including many Commonwealth member states, are experiencing the impacts on global and local food systems, and these are felt more strongly by the most vulnerable and those already facing humanitarian crises.
While participating at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, Prime Minister Trudeau today announced $250 million to help address the global food security crisis. This funding will address the increasing global food and nutrition needs – especially for the most vulnerable and with a focus in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This funding will help key humanitarian food and nutrition partners, both Canadian and international, reach more people in more places with life-saving services. This includes food assistance, emergency cash and vouchers, and ready-to-use therapeutic food, often used for emergency feeding of malnourished children. This assistance is especially important for children living in crisis situations and facing acute hunger and malnutrition, or parents who have hardly enough food to feed their children, but will go hungry themselves.
Today’s announcement builds on previous commitments to address global food and nutrition needs. In 2022, Canada has already allocated $514.5 million for urgent humanitarian food and nutrition assistance.
Since 2020, Canada has allocated over $3 billion dollars for gender-responsive humanitarian assistance around the world. This includes support for emergency food and nutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation services, emergency health care, and temporary shelters to help meet the most pressing needs of people affected by crisis. This is also in addition to other international development investments in climate-smart and nature-based agricultural solutions, which help smallholder farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change so they can continue to produce nutritious and healthy foods.
Global food insecurity not only leads to hunger, famine, and death, it can also create increased instability and lead to conflict. Global grain stocks are very low, supply chains are fragile and under pressure, and rising costs threaten agricultural productivity. As a result, food prices are rising rapidly and at an all-time high, and food price inflation is the principal immediate concern, which is also impacting Canadians directly. Canada will continue to take action to address the causes and consequences of the global food crisis in coordination with others, to help build resilience, address the underlying vulnerabilities, and tackle the root causes leading to food insecurity. Investing in food security is important for the global economy and for Canadians, and Canada will continue to do so.
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“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only further jeopardized global food supply chains, with many already under threat of famine due to drought and other shocks to the food system. Canada is unwavering in our commitment to make sure nutritious food continues to be available and accessible to the most vulnerable at all times.”
Quick Facts
- Global food prices in March 2022 reached a new all-time high, exceeding all major food crises on record (1974/75, 2008/09, 2011/12).
- Since the start of the year, Canada has already allocated $514.5 million in humanitarian food and nutrition assistance.
- The Global Alliance for Food Security was officially launched at the G7 Development Ministers meeting in Germany in May, 2022.
- On May 6, 2022, Canada co-sponsored a statement signed by 26 countries at the World Trade Organization on Open and Predictable Trade in Agricultural and Agri-Food Products in response to the food crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Canada has taken steps to increase its food production to meet global demand. Total acreage for Canadian wheat is expected to increase by 7 per cent this crop year. In May 2022, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced new investments so Canadian farmers can bring more cereals, grains, and oats to international markets.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister to participate in Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, G7 Summit, NATO Summit, and Spanish bilateral visit
- Stand Up For Ukraine: 9.1 billion euros ($12.4 billion) pledged in support of internally displaced and refugees
- Joint statement on open and predictable trade in agricultural and food products
- Government of Canada invests $4.4 million to increase access to Canada’s high-quality grain products globally
Statement by the Prime Minister on la Fête nationale du Québec
June 24, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on la Fête nationale du Québec:
“Today, my family and I join millions of Quebecers to mark la Fête nationale du Québec and to celebrate our identity and heritage.
“As Quebecers, we can be proud of our history and our beautiful French language. These are the roots of a unique culture that binds us together, from Rimouski to Val‑d’Or, from Montréal to Sherbrooke. In order to keep this identity alive and to allow it to grow, the Government of Canada introduced a bill in March to modernize the Official Languages Act and achieve substantive equality between our official languages. This legislation will allow the government to strengthen, protect, and promote the French language across the country.
“Quebec has been an integral part of Canada’s history since its founding. When it comes to equality, justice, and democracy, Quebec is often a leader. Today, Quebec talent in areas ranging from sports and cinema to artificial intelligence makes all Canadians proud.
“This year we can once again enjoy the festivities on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City, in the Quartier des Spectacles in Montréal, and with our loved ones throughout Quebec.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish all Quebecers a wonderful Fête nationale du Québec. Let’s be proud of who we are and what we have accomplished, and let’s continue to work together to build a more just, green, and prosperous society.”
June 24, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day:
“Today, on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, we join Francophone communities across Canada to celebrate our rich heritage, our unique cultures and identities, and our beautiful French language.
“Each year, from coast to coast to coast, the Canadian Francophonie celebrates Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day with family and friends. Throughout the centuries, Francophones have stood together. This year, we can finally get together again to attend performances and community events, and celebrate our history, our pride, and our contributions to our country.
“The French language is a source of pride for Canada. It continues to play a vital role in our country and to shape our identities, our cultures, and our future – and we will continue to protect it to achieve substantive equality between our two official languages. That is why, this past March, we introduced an improved bill to modernize the Official Languages Act, recognize the minority situation of French in Canada, and strengthen and promote institutions in official language minority communities. This year, to enhance the vitality of Francophone minority communities, we also provided funding to Hearst University and to Collège La Cité in Ottawa, to increase students’ access to education in French.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our best wishes to Francophones and to everyone celebrating Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day in Canada. This year, I encourage you to learn more about Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, take part in an activity, regardless of where you are in the country, and share your experiences on social media using the hashtag #SaintJeanBaptiste. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive country.”
