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September 17, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to New York City, from September 20 to 22, 2022, to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will continue to work closely with our global partners to grow the middle class and generate economic growth that works for all Canadians by addressing the world’s biggest challenges. As Co-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates group the Prime Minister will continue to help make life better for people by advocating for strong climate action, the empowerment of women and girls, and reducing inequality. He will advance action on protecting nature and biodiversity, work to ensure that no one goes hungry by addressing the global food crisis, and improve health outcomes for people.
On September 20, the Prime Minister will attend the opening of the High-Level General Debate of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau will advance innovative solutions to the global food crisis, including with countries from the Global South that have been the most impacted: He will highlight Canada’s ongoing work to tackle the global food security crisis that has increased dramatically over the past several years and is now further exacerbated by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Later that day, Prime Minister Trudeau will participate in the “Christchurch Call Summit” alongside New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and France’s President Emmanuel Macron where he will reiterate Canada’s pledge to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.
In New York, the Prime Minister will also highlight Canada’s leadership on climate action and nature protection, as well as build global momentum on key policies like pollution pricing and biodiversity conservation. Canada will co-host the “Countdown to COP15: Landmark Leaders Event for a Nature Positive World” and the Prime Minister will co-chair the Ocean Panel leaders’ meeting on “Financing Ocean Solutions for People and Planet: Delivering on SDG 14.”
On September 21, Prime Minister Trudeau will attend the “Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Seventh Replenishment – Pledging Conference”. The Global Fund is a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector, technical partners, and people affected by the diseases to support country-led prevention, treatment, and care programs.
While in New York, the Prime Minister will host a meeting with Caribbean and regional partners to continue to advance ways the international community can help support Haiti’s stability and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister will attend the Welcoming Reception for Heads of Delegation hosted by President Biden and Dr. Biden. He will also hold additional meetings with partners from around the world to discuss global challenges, including the impacts of the pandemic and of Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and the continued need to counter Russian disinformation.
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“The United Nations is a principal forum for promoting a more peaceful, equal, and stable world. I look forward to engaging with global partners to continue making life better for people by defending democracy and human rights, taking ambitious climate action, ending poverty, improving access to health care and education, reducing inequality, and driving economic growth that benefits everyone.”
Quick Facts
- Canadian delegation to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly will include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Minister of International Development, Harjit Sajjan, and Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault.
- Canada has been active at the UN since its creation in 1945 and played a key role in drafting the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations.
- Today, Canada continues to support the UN by actively participating in the organization’s activities and providing financial support.
- Canada is the eighth-largest contributor to the UN with an annual assessed contribution to the UN system of CAD $366.8M, including CAD$203.7 million for peacekeeping.
- Canada will welcome the world to Montréal from December 7-19, 2022 for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which will focus on agreeing to a new Global Biodiversity Framework to guide the world’s collective efforts to protect nature and halt biodiversity loss around the globe.
Associated Links
- Canada and the United Nations
- Prime Minister to co-chair the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group
- United Nations – Sustainable Development
- Moving Forward Together: Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy
September 16, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, will visit Toronto and Ottawa, on September 22 and 23, 2022. This will be President Yoon’s first bilateral visit abroad since he was elected in March 2022.
Prime Minister Trudeau will meet with President Yoon while he’s in Ottawa to advance shared priorities and strengthen the strong trade relationship between our two countries to generate more economic growth that benefits everyone. This includes working even more closely together on energy, including electric vehicle batteries, critical minerals, and emerging technologies, as well as securing supply chains to create good, well-paying middle class jobs and support Canadian workers.
South Korea is a key global partner for Canada, in particular in the Indo-Pacific region when it comes to many issues, notably regional and global security. During their time together, the two leaders will also explore ways Canada and South Korea can continue to work together on regional security issues on the Korean Peninsula, including through Operation NEON, which monitors and deters North Korean maritime activities. They will also continue to condemn Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, work together to support the Ukrainian people, and reaffirm their commitment to upholding the rule of law.
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“Canada and South Korea enjoy a strong relationship, based on our shared democratic values, extensive trade and foreign investment, and strong people-to-people ties. I look forward to welcoming President Yoon to Canada and deepening the relations between our two countries, working even more closely together to drive economic growth that benefits everyone, and delivering results for middle class Canadians and South Koreans.”
Quick Facts
- South Korea is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner, the seventh largest merchandise export market, and the sixth largest source of merchandise imports.
- Canada-South Korea two-way merchandise trade is robust, and reached $16.7 billion in 2021. In the same year, Canada exported $6.3 billion of merchandise to Korea, consisting primarily of mineral ores, mineral fuels and oils, precious stones and metals, wood pulp, and meat.
- Next year, Canada and South Korea will celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.
- Canada and South Korea established a bilateral “Strategic Partnership” in 2014 which led to the implementation of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement in 2015, Canada’s first and only trade agreement in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Over 200,000 Canadians identify themselves as being of Korean origin. Over 27,000 Canadians currently reside in South Korea, including about 3,200 English language teachers. There are approximately 3,000 Korean-born adoptees in Canada.
Associated Links
- Canada and the Republic of Korea
- Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of South Korea Yoon Suk-yeol
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
September 15, 2022
Ottawa, OntarioToday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed Canada’s continued assistance to Ukraine and work with like-minded partners to address the broader global impacts of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression. They spoke of the importance of maintaining strong unity amongst allies and continuing to impose severe costs on Russia in the face of its invasion of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister commended the President’s leadership in defence of Ukraine and our shared democratic values. He highlighted the courage of the Ukrainian people in coming together to defend their country and their freedoms against Russia’s ongoing attacks. The Prime Minister welcomed Ukraine’s recent military gains, and reiterated Canada’s strong ongoing support for Ukraine, including military assistance. The leaders also discussed the need for increased support as the winter approaches. President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s military, humanitarian, and development aid to Ukraine.
The leaders strongly condemned Russia’s increasingly persistent, indiscriminate, and horrific attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. The Prime Minister also voiced his concern about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, in southeastern Ukraine. They agreed to continue engaging and mobilizing other leaders in support of Ukraine, and against Russia’s brutal actions, including at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy agreed to keep in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Democracy
September 15, 2022
Ottawa, OntarioThe Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Democracy:
“Today, we join our allies and partners to mark the International Day of Democracy and reiterate our unwavering commitment to upholding our democratic values and defending people’s inalienable rights and freedoms.
“As the Ukrainian people bravely defend their country against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion, they are defending the values that define and unite democracies everywhere. Together, we must continue to support the people of Ukraine, counter authoritarianism, and help strengthen democracies across the globe.
“There is a need to step up our efforts to make democracies around the world stronger and more resilient. Last March, we announced enhanced support for the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism which was initially established under Canada’s 2018 G7 Presidency to identify and respond to foreign threats to democracy, including disinformation. We are also increasing our support to expose and counter Russian state-sponsored disinformation around Ukraine – including with the creation of a dedicated unit at Global Affairs Canada to monitor and identify Russian disinformation.
“Disinformation knows no borders. In Canada, our democratic institutions face growing threats from actors seeking to weaken them and undermine citizens’ trust in their own governments, including foreign interference and the spread of lies that seek to influence policy, public opinion, and undermine our democratic processes. That’s why we strengthened the Plan to Protect Canada’s Democracy and invested in projects that help Canadians become more resilient against disinformation through the Digital Citizen Initiative. We are also fortunate to have an independent, world-class electoral management body in Elections Canada, whose expertise in administering elections is critical to the health of our democracy.
“Democracy can never be taken for granted. It requires constant, sustained work. It requires us to always deal in facts. And it requires us to fight the spread of lies. Today, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to do just that and protect our democracy now and for generations to come.”
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Kenya William Ruto
September 14, 2022
Ottawa, OntarioToday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to congratulate him on his election victory.
Prime Minister Trudeau commended the peaceful nature of the elections and the strength of the Kenyan democratic institutions. The Prime Minister and the President emphasized their shared commitment to democratic values.
The two leaders expressed their concern for the serious global impacts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, notably food and energy insecurity, and agreed to work together to find solutions to these complex challenges.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed regional peace and security, including their concern with ongoing instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed appreciation for Kenya’s leadership role in promoting peace and security in the region. President Ruto thanked Canada for its support.
The two leaders agreed to work together to further strengthen the partnership between Canada and Kenya. Prime Minister Trudeau looked forward to continued collaboration on such shared priorities as promoting peace and security, encouraging a sustainable ocean economy, increasing and diversifying trade, supporting the transition to clean technology, and advancing the empowerment of women and girls.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Ruto looked forward to meeting in person in the near future.
Associated Links
- Making life more affordable for Canadians this year
September 13, 2022
St. Andrews, New BrunswickCanadians are feeling the rising cost of living, particularly through higher food prices and rent. While inflation is a global challenge – caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine – we are helping families weather its impacts by working to put more money back in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it this year.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the government’s first pieces of legislation introduced in the upcoming Parliamentary sitting would make life more affordable for Canadians who need it most.
The measures in these bills would:
- Double the Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC) for six months, delivering support to roughly 11 million individuals and families who receive the tax credit, including about half of Canadian families with children, and more than half of Canadian seniors. Single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234 and couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467 in their pockets this year. Seniors would receive an extra $225 on average.
- Provide a Canada Dental Benefit to children under 12 who do not have access to dental insurance, starting this year. Direct payments totalling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) would be provided for dental care services. This is the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver dental coverage for families with income under $90,000, and will allow children under 12 to get the dental care they need while we develop a comprehensive national dental care program.
- Provide a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit to deliver $500 to 1.8 million Canadian renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. This more than doubles our Budget 2022 commitment, reaching twice as many Canadians as initially promised. This new one-time federal benefit will be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories. The federal benefit will be available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 per cent of their income on rent.
These measures build on the strong action we have been taking since 2015 to make life more affordable and build an economy that works for all Canadians. From cutting taxes for the middle class and raising them on the wealthiest one per cent, to delivering a Canada Child Benefit and raising it every year to continue putting more money back in the pockets of nine out of 10 families with children, to cutting regulated child care fees in half on average by the end of this year for families across the country, we are delivering support for the middle class and those working hard to join it.
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“From helping families pay rent to making sure people can afford the dental care they need and putting hundreds of dollars back in the pockets of Canadians, this suite of new measures will support families who need it the most, when they need it the most. As we head into a new Parliamentary sitting, we are working hard to continue delivering results for the middle class and those working hard to join it.”
Quick Facts
- This targeted support package totals more than $4.5 billion, of which $3.1 billion is in addition to funding previously allocated in Budget 2022.
- Doubling the Goods and Services Tax Credit for six months will provide $2.5 billion in relief for Canadians who need it most.
- The Canada Dental Benefit would deliver over $900 million to support dental health, starting in 2022-23. The Canada Dental Benefit for uninsured children under the age of 12 is the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver dental care for families with income under $90,000 who do not have access to dental insurance. The Canada Dental Benefit would provide direct payments to eligible applicants totalling up to $650 per year per child for dental care services for applicants with a family income under $70,000, $390 for those with a family income of $70,000 to $79,999, and $260 for those with a family income of $80,000 to $89,999. Parents or guardians of eligible children would need to apply to access payments.
- A new national dental program is under development, with the goal of expanding dental coverage to under 18-year-olds, seniors, and persons living with a disability in 2023, with full implementation for all families with incomes under $90,000 by 2025.
- The $500 payment for renters doubles our commitment made in Budget 2022, providing $1.2 billion in relief for 1.8 million eligible Canadians.
- In addition to today’s announcement, the following measures will support Canadians this year:
- Enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit at a cost of $1.7 billion in new support for an estimated three million low-income workers this year, with a couple receiving up to $2,400 more this year, and single workers receiving up to $1,200 more. Most recipients first received this additional support through their 2021 tax refund.
- Cutting regulated child care fees in half on average for families in Canada by the end of this year.
- A 10 per cent increase to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension for seniors 75 years and older, which began in July 2022, and will provide more than $800 in new support to full pensioners over the first year, and increase the number of beneficiaries by more than three million seniors.
- Providing more support for students by doubling the Canada Student Grant amount until July 2023 and by waiving interest on Canada Student Loans through to March 2023.
- Here’s how we will make life more affordable for Canadians this year:
- A couple in Ontario with an income of $45,000 and a child in daycare could receive about an additional $7,800 above existing benefits this fiscal year.
- A single recent graduate, living in Alberta, with an entry-level job and an income of $24,000 could receive an approximate additional $1,300 in new and enhanced benefits.
- A senior with a disability in Quebec could benefit from over $2,500 more this year than she received last year.
- Canada has the lowest total government deficit in the G7 this year, and by far the lowest net debt burden among these countries (32.1 per cent of GDP versus an average of 97.5 per cent of GDP for the group as a whole).
- The International Monetary Fund and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development predict that the Canadian economy will see the strongest growth in the G7 this year and next.
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Making Dental Care More Affordable: The Canada Dental Benefit
- Backgrounder: Making Housing More Affordable: One-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit program
- Backgrounder: Making Life More Affordable: Doubling the Goods and Services Tax Credit for Six Months
Associated Links
- National Day of Mourning in Canada to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
September 13, 2022
Ottawa, OntarioThe Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that September 19, 2022, will be a National Day of Mourning in Canada, to mark the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This coincides with Her Late Majesty’s State Funeral in London, United Kingdom, and the end of the official period of mourning in Canada.
The National Day of Mourning is an opportunity for Canadians from coast to coast to coast to commemorate Her Majesty. It will be designated a holiday for the public service of Canada, and other employers across the country are also invited to recognize the National Day of Mourning.
There will also be a national commemorative ceremony to honour the life and service of Her Majesty. The ceremony will be held at the Christ Church Cathedral in Ottawa on September 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. It will be preceded by a memorial parade and a 96-gun salute – one shot for each year of Her Majesty’s life – and followed by a flypast of Royal Canadian Air Force CF‑18s. The ceremony, including the memorial parade, will be broadcast live for everyone to watch.
Quote
“On September 19, Canadians from across the country will pay their respects to Canada’s longest-reigning sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For most Canadians, she was the only monarch we ever knew and many of us felt a deep affection and appreciation for her dedication to Canada. This is a time to honour an extraordinary life of public service marked by grace, dignity, and an unwavering sense of duty.”
Quick Facts
- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne on February 6, 1952. She was crowned in Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953, and reigned for over 70 years.
- Long associated with the Royal Family, Christ Church Cathedral is the Anglican cathedral in Canada’s capital. It has been the site of state funerals for several Canadian prime ministers and governors general, as well as commemorative services for members of the Royal Family.
- To pay tribute to Her Majesty, those in Canada’s National Capital Region may gather along the parade route on the National Day of Mourning. Details will be communicated in the coming days.
- Canadians are also invited to sign the online book of condolences or express their condolences in other ways.
- Statutory holidays in Canada can only be granted through legislation, which must pass through the House of Commons and the Senate, and receive Royal Assent. The Government of Canada has consulted the provinces and territories, who will determine an appropriate way to mourn Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in their jurisdictions.
Related Products
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the proclamation of the accession of His Majesty King Charles III
Associated Links
