Statement by the Prime Minister on the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid
August 19, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid:
“Today, we remember the brave Canadians who took part in the Dieppe Raid, one of the most difficult and tragic days of the Second World War for our country.
“On August 19, 1942, nearly 5,000 Canadian soldiers, along with their British and American allies, approached the beaches of and around Dieppe, in occupied France. Their objective was to test the enemy’s defences, damage its port facilities, and gather important intelligence to help defeat Nazi Germany.
“Unfortunately, the Canadian soldiers who came ashore were met with sustained enemy fire, and only a few small groups of Canadians managed to reach the streets of Dieppe. In the air, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the British Royal Air Force continued the offensive, conducting one of the fiercest air battles of the Second World War. Forced to retreat, the Allies returned to Britain after nine hours of intense fighting.
“During the course of this operation, many Canadian soldiers were wounded, 916 were killed, and 1,946 were taken as prisoners of war. Most of them remained captive until the end of the war in Europe, almost three years later. Despite this devastating setback, Canadian and Allied soldiers showed exceptional heroism, resilience, and courage. Invaluable lessons were learned from the Dieppe Raid and other amphibious assaults – lessons that proved essential in planning further attacks, including on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy. The Dieppe Raid was instrumental in leading the Allies to victory over Nazi Germany and, as a result, in changing the course of history.
“On this day, we pay tribute to the thousands of Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice at Dieppe. I invite everyone to take part in a commemorative event to mark this solemn anniversary, and to honour the memory of those who have defended our values of peace, freedom, and justice.
“Lest we forget.”
August 19, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Humanitarian Day:
“Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honour all the workers who selflessly put the needs of others before their own to deliver health care, food, water, and shelter to those who need it most.
“These dedicated volunteers and professionals inspire us with their courage as they brave armed conflict, violence, and natural disasters to provide relief and hope to the world’s most vulnerable. Sadly, the number of people who need humanitarian assistance has more than tripled over the last decade, and the United Nations estimates that over 300 million people around the world will require humanitarian assistance this year alone.
“This year’s theme for World Humanitarian Day – #ItTakesAVillage – reminds us that we all have a part to play in supporting those who need it. Canada has a proud tradition of supporting experienced humanitarian partners worldwide, and we continue to stand ready to provide assistance – in particular to women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic and armed conflicts around the world. Building on our Feminist International Assistance Policy, we will continue to ensure that the voices of women and girls remain at the centre of the government’s efforts to support humanitarian responses around the world.
“As Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine continues, Canada is helping people impacted by the conflict. Since the beginning of the invasion, we have committed $320 million to supply medical aid, food, shelter, and more to address the needs of displaced and vulnerable populations in Ukraine and across the region. In June, Canada also committed additional funding to help meet the needs of those most affected by the global food security crisis exacerbated by the conflict. This builds on the $514.5 million already allocated globally in 2022 for emergency food and nutrition assistance.
“In many parts of the world, the safety and security of humanitarian workers, particularly local staff, are at great risk as they face increasing attacks, violence, and threats, in contravention of international law and humanitarian principles. Canada will continue to advocate for their safety, their security, and their ability to deliver aid to those most in need.
“On this day, I join Canadians in thanking humanitarian workers here at home and around the world. Your continued dedication, courage, and selflessness are a source of relief, inspiration, and hope for millions of people every day.”
August 17, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the Twenty-Ninth Annual Report on the Public Service of Canada, which was presented to him by the Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Federal Public Service, Janice Charette.
The report outlines the work of public servants over the past year to address ongoing and emerging crises. Public servants secured and distributed vaccines, launched the whole-of-government effort in response to the security situation in Afghanistan and Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, and addressed the impacts of extreme weather events on communities across the country.
In these challenging times, the report emphasizes the need to continue supporting mental health and well-being in the workplace and confronting systemic racism, while advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within the Public Service. This includes ongoing efforts to advance the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion, which calls on leaders in the Public Service to support Indigenous, Black, and other racialized employees and voices, and to establish a sense of belonging and trust for all public servants.
The annual report also highlights some of the ways public servants have delivered for Canadians and references important opportunities for improvement moving forward. The agility, dedication, and creativity of public servants will continue to be critical in responding to the ever-evolving needs of Canadians.
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“This past year, Canada’s public servants have worked to adapt programs and services to meet the evolving needs of Canadians while responding to crises as they emerged. I want to thank them for their service and dedication, and I look forward to continuing to work together to build a better future for everyone.”
Quick Fact
- The Government of Canada first introduced the Annual Report to the Prime Minister on the Public Service of Canada in 1992 – a requirement under section 127 of the Public Service Employment Act.
