Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio
July 12, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
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Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, to convey Canada’s condolences for the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his shock and deep sadness at the tragic death of former Prime Minister Abe. Noting that this senseless act of violence occurred a few days prior to Japan’s upper house elections, the leaders underlined their unwavering commitment to democratic values and the importance of free and fair elections without violence or intimidation.
Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s deep and enduring friendship with Japan, a friendship that was expanded and deepened under Mr. Abe’s tenure as Prime Minister.
The leaders discussed Prime Minister Abe’s visionary leadership in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Trudeau fondly recalled hosting Prime Minister Abe during his visit to Ottawa in April 2019 and their close cooperation over several years at the G7 and the G20, within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and in other international forums.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed their commitment to carry on former Prime Minister Abe’s enduring legacy by upholding democracy and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Associated Links
- Canada-Japan relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomes Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe to Parliament Hill
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio
- Canada and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
July 11, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Imamat Day:
“Today, we join Ismaili Muslims in Canada and around the world to celebrate Imamat Day. This day marks the milestone 65th anniversary of the accession of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV as the 49th hereditary Imam – spiritual leader – of Shia Ismaili Muslims.
“Since inheriting the Office of the Ismaili Imamat, the Aga Khan has worked to improve the lives of all people, regardless of their birthplace, background, or religious beliefs. Through the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, His Highness has championed access to health care and education, promoted financial inclusion, and helped develop infrastructure in underserved regions.
“The Aga Khan promotes the values of compassion, openness, and respect for diversity and human rights – values that Canadians hold dear. In recognition of these shared values and his contributions to Canada and the world, His Highness was granted honorary Canadian Citizenship in 2010. The establishment of the Global Centre for Pluralism in Ottawa is a demonstration of our shared commitment to building a more pluralistic world. Canada is also home to the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto – the first museum solely dedicated to Islamic arts and cultures in North America.
“Today we also recognize that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Ugandan Asian resettlement. In 1972, Canada welcomed thousands of refugees from Uganda, many of whom were Ismaili Muslims, and the Aga Khan played a central role in securing their arrival. In the decades since, the Ismaili communities in Canada have grown, thrived, and contributed to making Canada a stronger, more prosperous, and more diverse country in many significant ways.
“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I extend our most sincere wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and thank him for his persistent efforts to make our world a better place.
“Khushiali Mubarak!”
July 9, 2022
Truro, Nova Scotia
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Minister of National Defence, Anita Anand, delivered an apology on behalf of the Government of Canada for the systemic anti-Black racism that members of No. 2 Construction Battalion endured before, during, and long after the First World War.
The Prime Minister apologized at a ceremony in Truro, Nova Scotia, for the government’s appalling mistreatment of soldiers who served in the battalion, and to their families, descendants, and communities. For the blatant anti-Black hate and systemic racism that denied these men dignity in life and in death, we are sorry.
One the most selfless things a person can do is stand up and volunteer to fight for their country – it is an act of extraordinary bravery, honour, sacrifice, and loyalty. At the onset of the First World War, many Black volunteers were turned away when they offered to sacrifice their lives for us all.
No. 2 Construction Battalion was formed in 1916 as a segregated unit, since many Black service members were not permitted to fight alongside their white compatriots. It was the first and only all-Black battalion-sized formation in Canadian military history, formed only after Black communities across Canada put pressure on the government and military officials.
While the contributions of No. 2 Construction Battalion members to the war effort were invaluable – they cut the lumber that was used in the trenches, railways, and even aircraft – they faced systemic anti-Black racism throughout the war.
Following the end of the First World War, the unit was officially disbanded without recognition for their service or sacrifices on behalf of the Government of Canada.
During his speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged and apologized for these injustices. The story of No. 2 Construction Battalion is one of resilience, determination, and strength in the face of adversity. The men who served in the battalion are Canadian heroes.
Today, as we apologize for the overt anti-Black racism these brave men faced, we take every opportunity to learn from the past and build a better, more inclusive Canada for all. As we continue, as a country, to confront systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia in all its forms, the No. 2 Construction Battalion story will play an important role in ensuring this injustice never happens again.
Quotes
“For the blatant anti-Black hate and systemic racism that denied these men dignity in life and in death, we are sorry. Only when the truths of the past are acknowledged can we begin to dress the wounds they created and build a better, more inclusive Canada for all. I would like to thank the descendants of No.2 Construction Battalion, members of the National Apology Advisory Committee, and members of Black communities in Nova Scotia and across Canada for their important advocacy which was instrumental in bringing this day forward. The story of No. 2 Construction Battalion, and the stories of bravery, honour, and sacrifice of many other trailblazing Canadians, will play an important role in ensuring this horrible treatment never occurs again.”
“The members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion were discriminated against before, during and after their service in the Great War. We are deeply sorry to all of the Battalion’s descendants, and to the members of the Battalion who are no longer with us today. I hope that today’s apology will help recognize every Black Canadian who bravely served this country in times of war, and in the pursuit of peace. May today contribute to building a Canada that lives up to the ideals that the members of the Battalion fought so bravely to protect. We have more road to travel but we will keep walking that road together until we get this right.”
“The story of No. 2 Construction Battalion is remarkable in many ways; not least because its members stood up for Canada in a time when it did not offer them fair or equal treatment in return. This official apology is a necessary step in correcting the record and recognizing the significant legacy and contributions of No. 2 Construction Battalion members to the history of the Canadian Armed Forces. As we continue to work toward equity and justice for all, we must remember the courage and sacrifices of members of No. 2 Construction Battalion who played a vital part in the fight on the field, and the fight against racism.”
“The brave men of No. 2 Construction Battalion served with pride and valour, despite the harsh adversity they faced. These Black Canadians having a long-standing presence in our country felt the patriotic call at war time, but sadly faced obstacles due to the colour of their skin. Today, we can remember and honour their important legacy, as this is a step toward racial equality in our country.”
Quick Facts
- In preparation for today’s event, the Canadian Armed Forces worked with a community-led National Apology Advisory Committee (NAAC) that conducted six cross-Canada community consultations in which 690 descendants of former members of No. 2 Construction Battalion participated. The NAAC is comprised of community leaders, historians, and No. 2 Construction Battalion descendants serving as volunteers. It is co-chaired by Lieutenant-Colonel Barry Pitcher, representing the Canadian military, and Russell Grosse, Executive Director of the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia (BCCNS), the event partner.
- The NAAC proposed eight recommendations to the Government of Canada. The government is committed to all of the recommendations.
- No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) was created on July 5, 1916, in Pictou, Nova Scotia, during the First World War. On September 9, 1916, No. 2 Construction Battalion’s headquarters were relocated to Truro, Nova Scotia, to accommodate the size of the unit. Recruitment took place across the country and more than 600 men were initially accepted, most coming from Nova Scotia, with others from New Brunswick, Ontario, Western Canada, and from the United States and the West Indies.
- While No. 2 Construction Battalion was a segregated black unit, its leadership was predominantly white. The battalion’s only black officer was the chaplain, the Honorary Captain Reverend William Andrew White.
- The field on which the men of No. 2 Construction Battalion paraded before deployment to Europe in March 1917 is the same field on which the apology event was held today.
- The men of No. 2 Construction Battalion were denied from serving in the front-line units due to the colour of their skin. They mostly served in France, with the majority being assigned to No. 5 District, Jura Group, Canadian Forestry Corps to support logging operations.
- On June 1, 2022, No. 2 Construction Battalion was awarded the ‘France and Flanders, 1917-18’ Battle Honour, a distinguished military honour recognizing and paying tribute to their brave service in the Great War. On the same day, the Branch of Canadian Military Engineers announced the perpetuation of the Battalion, and the 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) located at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, New Brunswick, publicly recognized the Battalion, ensuring it takes its rightful place in Canada’s proud military history so that its members be remembered and honoured for generations to come.
Associated Links
- No. 2 Construction Battalion
- No. 2 Construction Battalion: Operational History
- Video – No. 2 Construction Battalion
- No. 2 Construction C.E.F. Memorial
- Minister of National Defence marks the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the No. 2 Construction Battalion
July 8, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:
Christiane (Chris) Fox, currently Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services, becomes Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, effective July 18, 2022.
Caroline Xavier, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, becomes Chief of the Communications Security Establishment, effective August 31, 2022.
Gina Wilson, currently Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, becomes Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services, effective July 18, 2022.
Erin O’Gorman, currently Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board, becomes President of the Canada Border Services Agency, effective July 18, 2022.
Frances McRae, currently Chief Administrative Officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, becomes Deputy Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, effective July 18, 2022.
Scott Harris, currently Vice-President, Intelligence and Enforcement, Canada Border Services Agency, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, effective July 18, 2022.
Dominique Blanchard, currently Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, COVID-19 Coordination, Privy Council Office, becomes Associate Secretary of the Treasury Board, effective July 18, 2022.
Cliff Groen, currently Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Benefits and Integrated Services, Service Canada, becomes Business Lead, Benefits Delivery Modernization, Employment and Social Development Canada, effective July 18, 2022.
Benoît Long, currently Chief Transformation Officer, Service Canada, becomes Senior Official at the Privy Council Office, effective July 18, 2022.
The Prime Minister also congratulated John Ossowski, former President of the Canada Border Services Agency, and Catrina Tapley, former Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, who have retired from the Public Service, as well as Shelly Bruce, Chief of the Communications Security Establishment, on her upcoming retirement. He thanked them for their dedication and service to Canadians throughout their careers and wished them all the best in the future.
Biographical Notes
- Christiane (Chris) Fox
- Caroline Xavier
- Gina Wilson
- Erin O’Gorman
- Frances McRae
- Scott Harris
- Dominique Blanchard
- Cliff Groen
- Benoît Long
July 11, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the reappointment of Dr. Mona Nemer as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor for a term of two years. Dr. Nemer’s reappointment is effective September 25, 2022.
Scientific research and expertise are essential to ensuring Canadians are well informed and the government has the necessary tools to address the most pressing issues we face as a country. As Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer will continue to provide impartial scientific advice to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Cabinet so that science is considered in public policy decisions and that government science is fully available to Canadians.
A distinguished medical researcher in the field of molecular cardiology, Dr. Nemer has served as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor since 2017. Prior to this role, she was Professor and Vice-President of Research at the University of Ottawa and Director of the school’s Molecular Genetics and Cardiac Regeneration Laboratory. She has served on various national and international scientific advisory committees and boards, including Canada’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force.
Quotes
“As Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Nemer has provided critical advice to the Government of Canada to ensure that decision-making is informed by science. Over the past two years in particular, she has been invaluable in helping us better understand and address the impacts of the pandemic for Canadians. I am pleased that she has agreed to continue in this role and look forward to continue working with her to keep science at the heart of what the government does.”
“Now, more than ever, our government understands how critical science is to inform evidence-based decisions for innovation and growing the Canadian economy. We’re grateful to have Dr. Nemer continue her important work as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor. I look forward to continue working with Dr. Nemer to cement Canada’s global leadership in science and innovation.”
“I am honoured to continue serving as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor. Over the past two years, we have seen how science can benefit society as new knowledge guided policy and produced life-saving therapies. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve the country during these exceptional times. I look forward to working with the scientific community and policy makers to champion science nationally and internationally for the benefit of all Canadians.”
Quick Facts
- Dr. Nemer was first appointed as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor in 2017, following an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process. She was reappointed to this role for a two-year term in 2020.
- The Office of the Chief Science Advisor is housed at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
- The Chief Science Advisor’s key functions include:
- providing advice on the development and implementation of guidelines to ensure that government science is fully available to the public and that federal scientists are able to speak freely about their work.
- providing advice on creating and implementing processes to ensure that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes decisions.
- assessing and recommending ways to improve the existing science advisory function within the federal government.
- assessing and recommending ways for the government to better support quality scientific research within the federal system.
