The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to..

Statement by the Prime Minister marking ASEAN Day and 45 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

August 8, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark ASEAN Day and 45 years of partnership between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations:

“Today, we celebrate the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day and the 45th anniversary year of Canada becoming a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN – one of only 11 partners to enjoy this privileged designation.

“The partnership between Canada and ASEAN is rooted in strong people-to-people, trade, and diplomatic ties. Canada is home to over one million people of Southeast Asian descent, who greatly contribute to our country’s economic, cultural, and social fabric. Together, ASEAN member state economies represent Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner, with over $31 billion in bilateral trade in 2021.

“Canada is committed to further deepening our ties with ASEAN, including through the launch of Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement negotiations. Marking a historic milestone in our bilateral relationship, this agreement would help strengthen global supply chains, increase trade and investment in the region, and drive long-term job creation and economic growth that benefits everyone.

“We will continue to work with our ASEAN partners to make further progress on shared priorities, including promoting security in the Indo-Pacific and addressing regional development needs. As the Government of Canada continues the work to develop a new, comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy, our partnership with ASEAN and our commitment to ASEAN centrality will keep playing a critical role in advancing our shared diplomatic, economic, and defence objectives in the region.

“Today, on the 55th ASEAN Day, which marks the founding of the organization in 1967, I invite all Canadians to celebrate and reflect on the prosperity these ties continue to create across Canada and throughout Southeast Asia, and on the invaluable contributions Southeast Asian Canadians make in our communities. Together, we will continue to create a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific and build a better future for everyone.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

August 9, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:

“Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous Peoples here in Canada and around the world.

“This year’s theme, ‘The Role of Indigenous Women in the Preservation and Transmission of Traditional Knowledge’, recognizes the important role of Indigenous women as traditional keepers of their languages and cultures. Indigenous women have long been at the forefront of their communities, as matriarchs, Elders, teachers, leaders, healers, and providers. They are a driving force in helping communities heal from the devastating impacts of colonialism, which has led to the loss of traditional ways of being, and in advancing reconciliation. We will continue to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women as we respond to the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls through the Federal Pathway, a comprehensive roadmap to address the root causes of gender-based violence.

“This year also marks the beginning of the United Nations’ International Decade of Indigenous Languages. We know that Indigenous languages are critical to preserving culture and identity, and that they are a deeply personal tool for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to tell their own stories, in their own voices. Through the Indigenous Languages Act and funding provided in Budget 2021 to communities across the country, the Government of Canada continues to work to preserve, revitalize, and promote Indigenous languages. This June also marked the first anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages, a historic step in supporting Indigenous Peoples’ efforts to protect their languages. We will continue to be a partner for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis from coast to coast to coast to protect Indigenous languages and ensure they can be strengthened and spoken for generations to come.

“In Canada and around the world, we must also continue to take meaningful action to advance reconciliation, including by recognizing and upholding Indigenous rights.

“As we celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Peoples today, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the diverse cultures, traditions, and languages of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on National Peacekeepers’ Day

August 9, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Peacekeepers’ Day:

“Today, we honour all Canadians who have served – and continue to serve – in peacekeeping operations around the world. Their courage, perseverance, and compassion have helped strengthen the rule of law, protect civilians, uphold human rights, and advance peace and stability in many countries.

“We also pay tribute to the brave Canadian peacekeepers who lost their lives or returned injured in pursuit of a safer, more peaceful world. National Peacekeepers’ Day is observed on the anniversary of when a Canadian Buffalo aircraft was shot down over Syria while serving with the United Nations (UN) Emergency Force II on August 9, 1974. The nine people killed in this attack represented the greatest single-day loss of Canadian Armed Forces members on international peacekeeping duties.

“Canada’s long and proud history in peacekeeping spans more than seven decades, starting in the late 1940s, when the UN sent military observers, including eight Canadian officers, to ease tensions in the disputed region of Kashmir. Since then, more than 125,000 Canadians have served in international peacekeeping missions, including in the Americas, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

“Today, Canada remains an important contributor to UN peacekeeping, including as Chair of the Working Group of the Whole of the United Nations Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, where we help improve the policy and implementation of peacekeeping operations. Currently, Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed on peacekeeping operations such as Op PRESENCE, Op CROCODILE, Op JADE, and Op SOPRANO in Mali, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Middle East. Through these operations, Canada supports UN peacekeeping efforts by providing command, control, and headquarters support as well as military observers and a wide range of technical specialists, including imagery technicians, air operations personnel, logisticians, and communications and electronics personnel.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making peacekeeping more effective and inclusive. Through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, we are working with like-minded partners to increase the participation of uniformed women in peacekeeping operations. Through The Vancouver Principles, we are also preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers in peacekeeping missions.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to join me today in learning more about Canadian police and military peacekeepers, past and present, and thanking them and their families for their dedication and sacrifices. Their tireless work in the service of peace represents true Canadian values and leadership.”