September 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
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We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), strongly condemn the sham referenda that Russia attempts to use to create a phony pretext for changing the status of Ukrainian sovereign territory, which is subject to an ongoing Russian aggression. These actions clearly breach the United Nations Charter and international law and go diametrically against the rule of law among nations.
These sham referenda initiated today by Russia and its proxies have no legal effect or legitimacy, as demonstrated by Russia’s hasty methods of organisation, which in no way respect democratic norms, and its blatant intimidation of local populations. These referenda in areas that have been forcibly put under Russia’s temporary control in no way represent a legitimate expression of the will of the Ukrainian people, who have consistently resisted Russian efforts to change borders by force. We will never recognise these referenda which appear to be a step toward Russian annexation and we will never recognise a purported annexation if it occurs.
In addition, we deplore deliberate Russian escalatory steps, including the partial mobilisation of reservists and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric.
We call upon all countries to unequivocally reject these sham referenda as Russia’s attempt to give false cover to its violations of international law. We stand ready to impose further economic costs on Russia, and on individuals and entities – inside and outside of Russia –providing political or economic support for Russia’s illegal attempts to change the status of Ukrainian territory.
We are steadfast in our commitment to providing the support Ukraine needs to uphold ist sovereignty and territorial integrity, to defend itself, and to choose its own future. We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal support, and will move ahead on reconstruction efforts, including through the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernisation of Ukraine in Berlin on 25 October.
We will stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
September 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Jennifer May as Canada’s Ambassador to China.
Ms. May’s experience with the Public Service of Canada has spanned over 30 years across three continents. She was most recently appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to Brazil in 2019 and has previously served in Canadian diplomatic missions in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, including in Beijing. She joined the Department of External Affairs in 1990.
As Ambassador to China, Ms. May will lead Canada’s important work in standing up for democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law. Her work will be key to advancing Canadian priorities in the Canada-China relationship, including supporting the long-standing people-to-people, economic, and business ties between our two countries.
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“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer May as Canada’s Ambassador to China. A dedicated public servant, Ms. May’s many years of diverse experience on international missions, and her deep understanding of Asia, will serve to manage this important bilateral relationship and advance Canadian interests in China.”
Quick Facts
- Canada has an embassy in Beijing, and consulates general in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. These diplomatic missions are supported by a secondary network of 10 trade offices, spread across the country, which are operated through an arrangement with the Canadian Commercial Corporation. China maintains an embassy in Ottawa and consulates general in Calgary, Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver.
- Canada’s relationship with China is founded in strong people-to-people ties: over 1.8 million Canadians are of Chinese origin, Chinese languages are the most spoken languages in Canada after English and French, and immigrants born in China are one of Canada’s largest immigrant groups.
Biographical Notes
The Republic of Korea and Canada: Stronger Together - Joint Leaders’ Statement
September 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
We, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and President Yoon Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (ROK), met today in Ottawa to celebrate and strengthen a vibrant friendship that is reflected in the depth and diversity of our ties.
On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the Canada-ROK diplomatic relationship in 2023, we acknowledge that ours is a special friendship forged together through war, people-to-people ties, a mutual commitment to multilateralism, the rules-based international order and global commerce, and sustained by a shared spirit of innovativeness, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Canada and the ROK have long been like-minded partners on matters of peace and stability. Canada stood with the ROK through the Korean War, defending not only its people but also the international order we were building, made real in the United Nations. Since then, we have been working together to protect and strengthen democracy, security, and human rights, including the rights of women and girls, in the region and around the world. We reiterate our common objective of the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). President Yoon explained the ROK’s Audacious Initiative and Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his strong support for President Yoon’s efforts to achieve a denuclearized, peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.
Our peoples have built strong ties, too. Many Canadians and Koreans live, work, and study across their borders, creating vibrant communities, families, and businesses, becoming an essential part of our cultural fabric, and making our friendship stronger. Similarly, many of our students have lived or studied in each other’s world-class universities, creating a strong network of friends between Canada and the ROK.
Our long friendship, highlighted by the establishment of the Canadian embassy in Korea in 1973 and the Korean embassy in Canada in 1965, was more recently reinforced when we established the Canada-ROK Strategic Partnership and subsequently signed the Canada-ROK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) Cooperation Agreement. These agreements have been an important part of our lasting friendship, increasing trade and economic prosperity for both of our countries and facilitating collaboration between our most innovative researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs.
Now more than ever, Canada and the ROK – Canadians and Koreans – are ready to modernize our bilateral relationship and to advance, through joint action, the values that we share. Today, we are upgrading our bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, based on the following five shared priorities in the areas of values, security, prosperity, sustainability, and beyond.
- Defending the Rules Based International System, Democracy, Freedom, Human Rights, and Gender Equality
- Strengthening Security and Defense Partnerships, including Peacekeeping and Maritime Security
- Enhancing Economic Prosperity and Security, Cooperating on Supply Chains, Critical Minerals, and ST&I, and Promoting Trade and Investment
- Addressing Climate Change and the Environment, Supporting Energy Security, and Developing Sustainable Energy Sources
- Deepening Partnerships in Health and Culture
To begin implementing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we are pleased to jointly welcome the creation of the new annual Canada-ROK Climate Change Dialogue, the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defence Materials Cooperation between the ROK Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), and the renewal of the MOU on Industrial Technology and Innovation Partnership between the Korea Institute for Advanced Technology (KIAT) and the National Research Council Canada (NRC).
Today, we agreed to work towards launching a high-level dialogue on economic security involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Industry. Reflecting the increasingly important nexus between economic interests and security, we also commit to address economic security challenges through enhanced cooperation and coordination. This includes deepening our strategic partnership on supply chain resiliency. We will seek to position both countries as globally competitive players in the critical minerals supply chain and battery and EV (Electric Vehicles) value chains in ways that support our collective prosperity and security, while raising labour and environmental standards. To that end, we agreed on the need to develop an MOU in the coming months to enable the building of value chains in Canada and Korea to support clean energy transition and energy security, including with respect to critical minerals. We also agreed on the need to strengthen the bilateral Joint Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I).
We are also committed to strengthening ST&I cooperation in emerging technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI), and next generation network beyond 5G) and exploring future opportunities for bilateral collaboration on AI while seeking to identify mechanisms to drive collaborative innovation for the benefit of all citizens. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of ensuring mutual economic prosperity, we commit to seeking opportunities to grow bilateral trade and investment to ensure the creation of well-paying jobs in both economies.
We note with appreciation the contributions made by our Working Holiday Program to promoting people-to-people exchanges and will continue to explore avenues for its renewal. In recognition of the upcoming 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and the ROK, we have designated 2024-2025 as the Year of Cultural Exchanges between Canada and the ROK.
During the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations next year, and as we strengthen cooperation through our forthcoming Indo-Pacific strategies, we look forward to working together on several important initiatives under our shared priorities to fully implement the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Expressing his gratitude for Prime Minister Trudeau’s warm welcome and hospitality, President Yoon extended, and the Prime Minister accepted with gratitude, a sincere invitation to visit the ROK, an occasion that promises to mark yet another leap in the bilateral relations upon the 60th anniversary.
September 21, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced he will travel to Japan, from September 24 to 28, to attend the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. The Prime Minister will convey Canadians’ condolences for the loss of a strong ally and friend, and reaffirm Canada’s commitment to our partnership with Japan.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will also meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, to advance shared priorities as Japan prepares to assume the G7 Presidency in 2023. The meeting will also reaffirm and strengthen the strategic partnership between Canada and Japan, most notably our joint commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The prime ministers will also discuss regional security issues, including the threat of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. While there, the Prime Minister will meet with Canadians who are supporting security and peace in the region.
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“Mr. Abe was a dedicated, visionary leader who brought Canada and Japan closer together during his time as Prime Minister. On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest condolences to former Prime Minister Abe’s family and friends, and to the Japanese people. His presence and influence will be missed.”
Quick Facts
- Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed Prime Minister Abe to Canada in 2019 and they cooperated closely over several years within the G7,G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and in other international forums.
- Canada and Japan are also members of the Asian Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
- Prime Minister Trudeau met with Prime Minister Kishida in Germany this past June.
- Japan is the world’s third-largest national economy. With a gross domestic product of $6.2 trillion in 2021, it is one of Canada’s most important economic and commercial partners and Canada’s largest source of bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia. Foreign direct investment from Japan into Canada was valued at $46 billion in 2021.
- Japan is also Canada’s fourth-largest partner in two-way merchandise trade. Canada’s exports of merchandise to Japan totalled $14.5 billion in 2021, while imports from Japan were $15.5 billion. Canada and Japan are partners in the CPTPP. The CPTPP entered into force for the first six countries to ratify the Agreement, including Canada and Japan, on December 30, 2018.
- There are over 120,000 people of Japanese origin residing in Canada and before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 300,000 Japanese and Canadians travelled to each other’s country annually.
Associated Links
September 21, 2022
New York City, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, on the margins of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary-General Guterres expressed their steadfast support for a strong and effective UN system. Both leaders agreed that the UN is at the forefront of multilateral efforts to safeguard the rules-based international order, while listening to and addressing the concerns of all global partners.
The two leaders discussed Prime Minister Trudeau’s role within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates group, which he co-chairs with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, and the need to pursue ambitious, collective action on all of the SDGs, including financing for the countries that need it most.
Prime Minister Trudeau also shared his appreciation for Secretary-General Guterres’ leadership in advancing progress to address the global crises that are climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution – in particular plastic pollution. The leaders discussed the importance of an ambitious outcome at COP15 in order to focus the world’s collective efforts to stop biodiversity loss and the degradation of nature.
Following a meeting of the Ad Hoc Advisory Group and Caribbean partners on the situation in Haiti earlier in the day, the two leaders agreed on the need to continue to work with the international community to advance a Haitian-led solution and help support stability and sustainable development in the country.
Associated Links
- Canada and the United Nations
- Prime Minister to attend United Nations General Assembly in New York
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres
- Canada takes action on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals
- UN conference on biodiversity: COP15 in Montréal
September 21, 2022
New York City, United States of America
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation in the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week, where he worked closely with our global partners to address the world’s biggest challenges and make life better for people. He advanced action in key areas including health, food security, and climate action and worked with partners to continue standing up for Ukraine in the face of Putin’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion and countering Russian false narratives and disinformation.
On the margins of UNGA, Prime Minister Trudeau announced $1.21 billion in new funding at the pledging conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria’s Seventh Replenishment, hosted by the President of the United States, Joe Biden. This funding, a 30 per cent increase from the last pledge, will fight these diseases and help meet the Global Fund’s goal of saving 20 million lives over the next three years.
The Prime Minister also allocated $100 million from previously announced funding to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism, to support countries in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria programs and initiate urgent improvements in health and community systems. He also announced $55 million has been allocated for partners to help mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and advance action on global health and sexual and reproductive health.
Prime Minister Trudeau also participated in the Global Food Security Summit where he highlighted Canada’s ongoing efforts to tackle the global food security crisis and announced the allocation of $245 million in humanitarian funding to UN, Canadian, and international organizations working to ensure no one goes hungry. With several countries already under threat of famine due to drought and other shocks to the food system, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has further jeopardized global food security. While we continue to support the Ukrainian people, we are also addressing the wide-ranging impacts on people around the world.
On the margins of UNGA, the Prime Minister hosted a meeting with Caribbean and regional partners to continue to advance ways the international community can help support Haiti’s stability and sustainable development. At the meeting, he announced $20 million to the UN Development Programme’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund Contribution for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Efforts in Haiti.
To confront the rise of hate and violent extremism, the Prime Minister also participated in the Christchurch Call Leaders’ Summit 2022, where he underscored Canada’s pledge to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. He announced up to $1.9 million in new funding over three years to Tech Against Terrorism for Phase 2 of their Terrorist Content Analytics Platform, a secure online tool that helps small and medium-sized online platforms identify and counter terrorist content.
During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada’s strong leadership on climate action and the global biodiversity crisis ahead of the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity taking place in Montreal this December. He made a call to action for renewed commitments from leaders for an ambitious post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, in particular to address the financing gap for nature. While in New York, the Prime Minister announced $10 million in funding over four years for the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems initiative to improve emergency preparedness in developing countries, particularly the small island developing states.
The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will join the Forests and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) to implement solutions that reduce forest loss and increase restoration.
While in New York City, the Prime Minister, as Co-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group, underlined Canada’s commitment to making life better for people, including by advancing gender equality. He announced a $10 million contribution over three years to Invest in Childcare to ensure access to quality and affordable childcare in low- and middle-income countries worldwide, which addresses a main barrier to women’s participation in the economy.
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“By working with our global partners, we are delivering real results for people: clean air, clean water, economic growth that works for everyone, and a healthy and strong middle class. At UNGA this week, we came together to address some of the most critical challenges of our time and make life better for Canadians and many around the world.”
Quick Facts
- While in New York, the Prime Minister attended the opening of the High-Level General Debate of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly. He also attended a welcoming reception for heads of delegation hosted by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden and an event with the Clinton Global Initiative - Executive Roundtable on Unlocking and Realizing the Benefits of Inclusive Job Growth hosted by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton.
- In New York City, Prime Minister Trudeau also held bilateral meetings with the the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chan Santokhi, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres.
- Canada’s pledge of $1.21 billion in new funding to the Global Fund is a 30 per cent increase over our last pledge. The Global Fund is at the centre of the collective fight against the HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria epidemics, and a critical partner in advancing sexual reproductive health and rights. The Global Fund is a partnership between governments, civil society, technical partners, the private sector and people affected by the diseases to support country-led prevention, treatment and care programs.
- Canada’s support to the UN Development Programme’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund Contribution for Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Efforts in Haiti is part of Canada’s efforts to address the impacts of the August 2021 earthquake affecting more than 800,000 people, including an estimated 300,000 children. Canada works alongside other leading international donors to ensure its aid is effective and aligned with Haiti’s priorities.
- The Christchurch Call to Eliminate Terrorist & Violent Extremist Content Online (Christchurch Call to Action) is a commitment by 120 governments, online service providers, and civil society organizations to coordinate and collaborate on efforts to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. In 2019, the Government of Canada provided up to $1 million in funding to create the Terrorist Content Analytics Platform (TCAP). This second tranche of funding will help expand the TCAP’s capabilities to identify and assess increased content across a wider range of platforms, and help develop a content moderation tool to assist smaller tech companies in quickly removing terrorist content.
- In June 2022, Canada announced $250 million in funding for 2022 and 2023 to help address the global food security crisis, building on the $514.5 million already allocated in 2022 for emergency food and nutrition assistance. This funding will help address increasing global food and nutrition needs – especially for the most vulnerable, with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. In June, $5 million was allocated for a matching fund with the Humanitarian Coalition. While in New York City, the Prime Minister announced that the $245 million in funding is being allocated as follows:
- $151 million to the World Food Programme;
- $42 million to various Canadian and international NGOs;
- $35 million to UNICEF;
- $14 million to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank and
- $3 million to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
- In May 2022, during the second Global COVID-19 Summit, the Prime Minister announced $732 million in multilateral funding for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator. While in New York City, the Prime Minister announced that $155 million in funding is being allocated as follows:
- $100 million for the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response Mechanism to help support the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing important support to diagnostics, therapeutics, and health systems worldwide.
- $25 million in funding to the World Health Organization to continue supporting 10 countries in their efforts to address ongoing needs in their health care systems. This includes strengthening the delivery of essential health services and equity-oriented primary health care in the context of COVID-19 response and recovery.
- $25 million in funding to Unitaid in support of their medical oxygen response. This funding will aim to increase the supply of medical oxygen for both COVID-19 clinical care and future health emergencies in developing countries.
- $5 million in funding to support the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics’ efforts to develop new testing methods multiplex molecular platforms that can efficiently test for COVID-19 and other diseases, such as HPV screening for cervical cancer that will help advance women and adolescent health in developing countries.
- Invest in Childcare is an initiative of the World Bank Group. The initiative will generate at least US$180 million in new funding to ensure quality, affordable childcare in low- and middle-income countries worldwide,
Associated Links
- Prime Minister to attend United Nations General Assembly in New York
- Canada announces a $1.21-billion contribution to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and additional support to mitigate the impact of COVID-19
- Government of Canada announces up to $1.9 million in funding to combat online terrorist and violent extremist content
- Conference of the Parties (COP)
- Canada and the United Nations
- The Global Fund Seventh Replenishment
September 21, 2022
New York City, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen discussed Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. They spoke about the importance of maintaining strong unity amongst allies and continuing to impose severe costs on Russia in the face of its invasion of Ukraine. They condemned President Putin’s recent escalatory announcements and reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They agreed to continue engaging and mobilizing other world leaders, including at the United Nations General Assembly, in support of Ukraine and against Russia’s brutal actions.
The two leaders discussed the need to address the urgent energy requirements of Europe and agreed to work together to develop sustainable solutions, including liquified natural gas, hydrogen, and critical minerals. They also agreed to cooperate on furthering clean energy and technology, and on showcasing global climate leadership to help achieve Canada and the European Union (EU)’s net-zero climate objectives. The Prime Minister and the President commended the successful Cleantech summit held on September 15-16, coinciding with the 5th anniversary of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA).
In the lead-up to COP27, the Prime Minister and the President expressed their resolve to address the impacts of climate change, including the importance of expanding the global coverage of carbon pricing. Prime Minister Trudeau and President von der Leyen also agreed on the importance of building momentum and securing an ambitious outcome for biodiversity at COP15, which will be held in Montréal in December.
The Prime Minister and the President underlined the great potential for strengthened supply chains between Canada and the EU, and agreed on the need to further expand commercial and investment ties to help create good jobs and economic prosperity, including through strengthened business-to-business relations and CETA.
The two leaders agreed to reschedule at the earliest opportunity President von der Leyen’s visit to Canada to continue their close cooperation.
Associated Links
- Canada and the European Union
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen
- Prime Minister to attend United Nations General Assembly in New York
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Canada takes action on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals
September 21, 2022
New York City, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, on the margins of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Trudeau commended Moldova for its ongoing response to the crisis in Ukraine and its continued humanitarian efforts to assist those fleeing Russia’s violence. He reaffirmed the importance of the Moldova Support Platform and Canada’s ongoing support to help mitigate the pressures of the humanitarian crisis on Moldova and its institutions.
The two leaders highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Moldova. President Sandu shared Moldova’s interest in joining the European Union.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Sandu thanked one another for their mutual cooperation and looked forward to meeting again in the near future.
Associated Links
September 21, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Peace:
“Today, on the International Day of Peace, we reflect on the efforts we have made to make peace a reality around the world. In the face of rising violence, authoritarianism, and threats to democracy globally, more work needs to be done to build a stable world for everyone.
“According to the United Nations (UN), our planet is witnessing the largest number of violent conflicts in over 75 years. As of May of this year, the UN estimates a record 100 million people have been forcibly displaced around the world, fleeing conflict, violence, human rights violations, and persecution. This number will only increase as Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine continues – a conflict that is having far-reaching impacts on the world’s most vulnerable, including through food shortages, the rising cost of food and fuel, and conflict-related sexual violence.
“Canada has long been a leader in international efforts to advance peace, and continues to be a strong voice for human rights. Along with liked-minded partners in the UN, we are working to promote the rule of law, build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, and provide access to justice as part of our ongoing commitment to fulfill the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). As Co-Chair of the UN SDG Advocates group, I will continue to work closely with our global partners to address the world’s biggest challenges and help create a more peaceful and prosperous future for people in Canada and around the world.
“Canada provides strong support to the UN to advance peace globally – through investments in peacebuilding, including the UN Peacebuilding Fund, and continued support for UN peacekeeping. We have also taken a leading role to increase women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in formal peace processes and to support peacebuilding in many fragile and conflict-affected states.
“This year, the Ukrainian people continue to defend their country against Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion – one of the greatest threats to peace and stability in a generation. Canada continues to be a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, and we will keep providing financial, military, humanitarian, and development aid as needed.
“On this International Day of Peace, we recommit to building a better, more stable world for all.”
September 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, for a working visit. This was President Yoon’s first bilateral visit abroad since he became President in March 2022.
The leaders acknowledged that Canada and South Korea share a special friendship strengthened by Canada’s involvement during the Korean War, a mutual commitment to multilateralism, and economic partnership and growth that works for everyone.
The Prime Minister and the President held an extended bilateral meeting with key ministers, including for Canada, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne, and for South Korea, Foreign Minister Park Jin, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Lee Chang-Yang, and National Security Advisor Kim Sung-Han.
During the visit, the two leaders agreed to enhance the Canada-South Korea bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focused on advancing five shared priorities. These include defending the rules-based international system, democracy, freedom, human rights, and gender equality; strengthening security and defence partnerships; working together in science, technology, and innovation; promoting trade and investment; and deepening partnerships in health and culture.
The Prime Minister and the President agreed to take action to strengthen economic security at a time of growing disruption and uncertainty caused by the pandemic and conflict. They pledged to deepen cooperation on supply chain resiliency, critical minerals, and batteries for electric vehicles, all while maintaining high labour conditions and environmental standards. To advance these shared priorities, the leaders agreed to work toward launching a ministerial dialogue on economic security.
Noting the urgent need for action to address climate change, the leaders spoke of the importance of increasing cooperation on shared priorities, including the transition to clean energy, the phasing out of coal, the implementation of carbon pricing, and clean technology. The two leaders also discussed the role of Canada as a reliable supplier of energy to a net-zero world.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed global and regional security issues. They committed to continue working together to challenge Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. They stressed the importance of maintaining strong unity amongst like-minded partners, and continuing to impose severe costs on Russia in the face of its aggression.
The leaders also expressed their concerns about North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launches, which violate successive United Nations Security Council resolutions and pose a serious threat to international peace and security. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s strong commitment to supporting international efforts to promote security and stability in the region, including through Operation NEON.
While in Ottawa, President Yoon laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and visited the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon.
The two leaders looked forward to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea in 2023 as a key opportunity to further strengthen the momentum of the Canada-South Korea partnership.
Associated Links
- Canada-the Republic of Korea relations
- Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement
- President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol to visit Canada
- The Republic of Korea and Canada: Stronger Together - Joint Leaders’ Statement
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of South Korea Yoon Suk Yeol
September 23, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Shannon Smallwood, a judge of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories, effective September 22, 2022.
Chief Justice Smallwood replaces Chief Justice Louise A. Charbonneau, who retired, effective July 11, 2022.
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“I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Honourable Shannon Smallwood as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories. The first Indigenous person appointed to this position, Chief Justice Smallwood brings over two decades of legal experience, including 11 years within this Court, to her new role. I know she will continue to serve Northerners with dedication and wish her every success.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
