July 6, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the ninth anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy:
“Nine years ago, a train carrying crude oil derailed, caught fire, and exploded in the heart of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec. This tragedy took the lives of 47 people, forced many more to leave their homes, and destroyed much of the downtown.
“On this solemn day, I join the people of Lac-Mégantic and all Canadians in honouring the victims of this horrible tragedy. It was the deadliest railway accident in our modern history and no community should ever have to experience what Lac-Mégantic and the neighbouring communities went through.
“The safety of all Canadians is our top priority and we continue to take actions to strengthen regulatory requirements. In May, we updated both the Canadian Rail Operating Rules and the Railway Locomotive Inspection and Safety Rules to bring an additional layer of protection for the communities who live and work along rail lines and help prevent accidents like this tragedy from happening again.
“The Government of Canada continues to work with our provincial, municipal, and private sector partners to ensure the safety of the people in the region and to support the affected communities, including by completing the Lac-Mégantic rail bypass project, and we continue to engage the people of Lac-Mégantic and the neighbouring communities as we move forward with the next steps.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage all Canadians to remember those whose lives were tragically lost or changed forever on July 6, 2013. To the people of Lac‑Mégantic: your strength, resilience, and courage are an inspiration to all.”
July 5, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Scholz discussed Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and agreed on the importance of continued support to the Ukrainian government and people. The leaders expressed their shared concerns for the wider global impacts of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, notably through shortages and rising prices. They discussed the success of the recent G7 and NATO summits in strengthening alliance unity, and conferred on pathways to greater energy security in Europe.
The leaders agreed to continue cooperating closely on shared priorities.
Associated Links
- Canada-Germany relations
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Prime Minister announces additional support for Ukraine and shared priorities at G7 Summit in Germany
- Prime Minister and NATO Leaders strengthen transatlantic security
July 5, 2022
Toronto, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Mayor of Toronto, John Tory.
The two leaders spoke of the important role that cities like Toronto have played in managing the pandemic across the country and discussed existing federal investments in public transit projects. The Prime Minister reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to be a key partner to meet the infrastructure needs of municipalities, including through the permanent public transit fund launched in 2021 and other federal programs.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Tory discussed federal investments under the National Housing Strategy to fund new housing projects and increase housing supply, and stressed the need for continued mental health services in communities.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of working in partnership with municipal partners from coast to coast to coast. The two leaders looked forward to continuing to work together on the priorities they discussed and other issues of importance to the people of Toronto and Ontario, and to all Canadians.
Associated Links
- COVID-19: Canada’s response
- New public transit investments to build strong communities, fight climate change, and create new jobs across Canada
- Making housing more affordable for Canadians
- National Housing Strategy
- Mental health and wellness
July 5, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canada ratifying Finland and Sweden’s Accession Protocols to join NATO.
“Today, Canada, became the first country to ratify the Accession Protocols of Finland and Sweden to join NATO. This brings the two countries a step closer to full membership.
“As a close friend and security partner, Canada strongly supports Finland and Sweden joining NATO. At the NATO Summit last week, I met with the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Andersson, to directly reiterate Canada’s strong support.
“Canada has full confidence in Finland and Sweden’s ability to integrate quickly and effectively into NATO and contribute to the Alliance’s collective defence. We have always welcomed their close partnership with the Alliance and their valuable contributions to transatlantic security. Their membership will make NATO stronger and we call on all NATO members to move swiftly to complete their ratification processes to limit opportunities for interference by adversaries.
“At home, Canada took steps to be able to ratify the Protocols as quickly as possible. In addition, the House of Commons voted unanimously in favour of Finland and Sweden joining the Alliance.
“As a founding member of NATO, Canada remains a champion of NATO’s Open Door Policy for any European country in a position to advance the commitments and obligations of membership, such as protecting democracy, and contributing to the collective defence of the Alliance.”
“NATO will continue to promote stability and cooperation in the region, united in peace, democracy and shared values.”
