September 27, 2022
Stanley Bridge, Prince Edward Island
.jpg)
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Lawrence MacAulay met with Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King to discuss the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona on the province, its residents, and people across the Atlantic region and Eastern Quebec.
The leaders explored ways the federal and provincial governments would continue to work together to support Islanders. The Premier noted that power outages remain a concern for many people and businesses in the province, and that key infrastructure, including schools and small craft harbours, are significantly affected. The Prime Minister highlighted federal support programs available to help with recovery efforts and rebuild communities. The leaders discussed the particular challenges for the province’s important fishing and agriculture industries, which could have longer-term impacts on harvests, and agreed to work together on a path forward to support industry and workers.
The Prime Minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to keep working with provincial and municipal partners and local First Nations communities to provide support in areas affected by the hurricane. The Prime Minister and the Premier recognized the work of first responders and emergency relief organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross, in providing support to impacted communities. The two leaders also thanked Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have been providing support to provincial and municipal officials and to people in the province.
The leaders agreed to stay in close contact as recovery efforts continue.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss Hurricane Fiona
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the second Incident Response Group meeting to discuss Hurricane Fiona
- Government of Canada and Canadian Red Cross establish donation-matching program to support Canadians impacted by Hurricane Fiona
- Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King
September 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Safe Abortion Day:
“Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding a woman’s fundamental right to choose. No one should ever be forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy, and the Government of Canada is unequivocal in that pursuit.
“Here in Canada, we have had access to safe and legal abortions for almost 35 years thanks to decades of hard-fought activism. Abortion is covered under our universal health care system. But there is still more work to be done to improve accessibility, particularly in rural and remote communities. In May, the Government of Canada announced funding to support civil society organizations, such as Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and the National Abortion Federation Canada, to strengthen access to safe and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services, including by offering financial assistance to cover travel costs for those seeking an abortion and training for health care providers offering abortion services.
“Abortions are an essential health service which, when performed following medical guidelines, are safe. Unfortunately, nearly half of all abortions performed worldwide are unsafe and these unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal deaths. Tragic and preventable deaths will continue for as long as women are denied the right to make choices for their own bodies. That’s why we’re helping to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in developing countries, with funding to improve access to safe abortions, post-abortion care, and family planning.
“Today, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still needs to be done to ensure everyone has access to a safe abortion, including standing up to those who want to take us backwards. To those at home and around the world continuing to fight for their safety and their bodily autonomy: know that we will always stand up for your right to choose.”
September 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Canada-Soviet Union Hockey Series (Summit Series):
“Fifty years ago today, Canada’s top professional players faced the Soviet Union’s national team in the finale of an eight-game hockey series known as the Summit Series. Against the backdrop of the Cold War, both countries, who were playing against one another for the very first time, represented different styles of not only hockey, but sets of values and political systems too.
“Few moments have brought Canadians together like the Summit Series of 1972. It is estimated that three quarters of the population at that time – 15 million Canadians – tuned into the final game of the series from their homes, offices, and classrooms that Thursday afternoon. With just 34 seconds remaining, Paul Henderson secured the series victory by scoring the winning goal of the final game, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast erupted in celebration.
“In the heat of the Cold War, many saw Canada’s victory as much more than defeating an opponent on the ice. It helped define who we are as Canadians. The series paved the way for more European and Eastern Bloc players to play in North America, and their different styles of play ultimately changed hockey forever.
“The grit and determination displayed by players throughout the Summit Series continues to serve as a lesson to us all of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and heart. These heroes taught us to never give up, and perhaps the most important lesson of all: they showed us that having a peaceful competition on ice can go a long way for diplomacy. The world is in a different place today than it was during the Cold War. The challenges we face are not the same, but we will never stop fighting for what is right.
“Last week, I was honoured to meet the heroes from Team Canada ’72 and stand in the House of Commons to remember this iconic moment – one of the greatest in Canada’s sporting history. Today, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Summit Series, and all the members of this historic team, let’s remember the best of who we are as Canadians. Let’s continue our work to make sure people – young and old, players and fans – can be part of this sport in a safe and respectful environment. And let’s remember that with hope and hard work, there’s nothing we can’t overcome.”
September 27, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of Russia’s sham referendums in occupied regions of Ukraine:
“The so-called referendums held by Russia in the illegally occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, in Ukraine, have absolutely no legitimacy. There are numerous reports of voters being intimidated through force, and these referendums are in blatant violation of international law, motivated by Putin’s notion that he can redraw the map as he pleases.
“Canada does not and will not ever recognize the results of these sham referendums or Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories.
“Canada and its international partners will continue to support Ukraine against Putin’s attacks on its territorial integrity and the rules-based international order. In response to this further escalation, we intend to impose new sanctions against persons and entities that are complicit in this latest attempt to undermine the principles of state sovereignty, and that share responsibility for the ongoing senseless bloodshed across Ukraine.
“We are actively engaging with our international partners and allies to ensure a united rejection of these illegitimate ‘votes’ and to continue coordinating our response to Russia’s ongoing, unprovoked, and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine.
“Canada also reiterates its strong condemnation of Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine, which include rape, torture, and the indiscriminate murder of civilians, and we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that these violations of international law do not go unpunished.
“Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. We will continue to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to support the Ukrainian people and government as they defend their freedoms, their democracy, and their way of life.
“Ukraine’s territory will remain Ukraine’s.”
September 28, 2022
Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister and the President denounced Russia's illegitimate 'referendums' in occupied regions of Ukraine, which are a blatant violation of international law and a further escalation of Russia’s invasion. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Canada does not and will not ever recognize the results of these sham referendums or Russia’s attempted illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories. The leaders also discussed the importance of maintaining strong unity amongst allies in continuing to support Ukraine and impose severe costs on Russia.
The Prime Minister commended the President’s leadership in defence of Ukraine and our shared democratic values. The Prime Minister also reiterated Canada’s strong ongoing support for Ukraine, including the continued provision of military assistance. President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s military, macroeconomic, and humanitarian support to Ukraine.
The leaders agreed to continue engaging and mobilizing global leaders in support of Ukraine, and against Russia’s ongoing brutal actions.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy agreed to keep in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
September 30, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
If you need someone to talk to, a National Residential School Crisis Line offers emotional support and crisis referral services for residential school Survivors and their families. Call the toll-free Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Hope for Wellness Help Line also offers support to all Indigenous Peoples. Counsellors are available by phone or online chat. This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“Today, we mark the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – an opportunity to come together to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Survivors, their families and communities, as well as commit to continuing the hard, but necessary work to build a better future for all.
“Between 1831 and 1998, at least 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forcibly removed from their families and communities to attend residential schools, where they had to abandon their languages, cultures, spiritualities, traditions, and identities. Many experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and thousands never came home. The experiences and intergenerational trauma of these so-called schools continue to live on for Indigenous Peoples across the country every single day.
“It is our shared responsibility to confront the legacy of residential schools and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous Peoples, so we can truly move forward together. That is why, last year, Parliament voted unanimously to establish the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as an opportunity for all Canadians to learn more, honour the Survivors of residential schools, their families, and their communities, and remember the many children who never returned home. Reconciliation is not the responsibility of Indigenous Peoples – it is the responsibility of all Canadians. It is our responsibility to continue to listen and to learn.
“This past July, His Holiness Pope Francis offered an apology to Survivors, their families, and their communities here in Canada, and recognized the abuses experienced at residential schools that resulted in cultural destruction, loss of life, and ongoing trauma for Indigenous Peoples across the country. It was a step forward in all the work that remains and a reminder that we still have more to do. We will continue to be there to support the painful but necessary work to locate unmarked graves, and to support Survivors as they tell their stories, including through the efforts of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites, Kimberly Murray, who was appointed this past June. We are also ensuring the appropriate supports are available for communities to heal and commemorate the lives that were lost.
“Last month, alongside the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation leadership, Survivors, and members of Indigenous communities, I witnessed the Survivors’ Flag raising on Parliament Hill to honour Survivors and all the lives that have been or continue to be impacted by the residential school system. The flag serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to Survivors and future generations to never forget what happened at these so-called schools. Over the last year, we updated Canada’s Oath of Citizenship to recognize First Nations, Inuit, and Métis rights, and introduced legislation to establish a National Council for Reconciliation to track and report on the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, we continue to work with Indigenous Peoples to ensure their human rights are fully recognized, respected, and protected.
“On this day, which is also known as Orange Shirt Day, I invite everyone to listen to Survivors and learn more about the history and legacy of the residential school system by participating in a local event or wearing an orange shirt. Let’s take a moment today to participate, learn, and reflect. We all have a role to play on the journey toward reconciliation.”
September 30, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Boric acknowledged the strong friendship and ties between their countries. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to continue collaborating on shared priorities, including promoting democracy and human rights, increasing trade, creating economic growth that benefits all, and protecting the environment and oceans.
Prime Minister Trudeau conveyed Canada’s support for Chile’s ratification of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to ensure the benefits of trade are more widely shared. The CPTPP is intended to advance economic growth that will benefit everyone, and create more opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as Indigenous Peoples.
The two leaders agreed to continue working closely together to advance progressive values. Prime Minister Trudeau denounced Russia’s sham referendums in occupied regions of Ukraine and expressed his support for those who are protesting peacefully in Iran, especially women.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Boric looked forward to staying in regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Chile relations
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Chile Gabriel Boric
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- UN conference on biodiversity: COP15 in Montréal
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of Russia’s sham referendums in occupied regions of Ukraine
Statement by the Prime Minister on National Seniors Day
October 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Seniors Day:
“Seniors worked hard all their lives to build a better Canada for today and for future generations. On National Seniors Day, I join all Canadians in honouring seniors and their many contributions to our communities across the country.
“Unfortunately, the rising cost of living is hitting many seniors hard. The Government of Canada is putting more money back in the pockets of seniors across the country this year. This past July, we permanently increased the Old Age Security pension for seniors 75 years old and over by 10 per cent – putting more than $800 in the pockets of full pensioners, and increasing benefits for over three million seniors this year. This builds on improvements we have made to the Guaranteed Income Supplement to lift thousands of low-income single seniors out of poverty, and as part of our plan to make life more affordable this year, we are working to put an additional $225, on average, in the pockets of qualifying seniors by doubling the GST tax credit for six months.
“Seniors deserve to have a safe and dignified place to call home. Learning from the hard lessons of the pandemic, the Government of Canada has signed agreements with every province and territory to improve long-term care and protect the health and safety of seniors. Earlier this year, we launched the $90 million Age Well at Home initiative to support organizations working to help low-income and vulnerable seniors with everyday tasks such as snow removal, home maintenance, and meal preparation. In addition, through the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we provided funding to over 3,000 local projects led by and for seniors that make a difference in communities and help improve seniors’ quality of life. For example, in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, seniors are engaging virtually with elementary school students through the “Senior Connections: Decreasing Loneliness and Isolation through Music and Memory” project.
“Canada’s seniors have always been there for us, and we need to be there for them. Today, I invite Canadians of all ages to take a moment to connect with a senior in their lives, be it a relative, a family friend, or a neighbour. Lend them a listening ear, run an errand or a chore to support them, or volunteer at a local seniors’ centre. One small action can make a world of difference.”
October 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Women’s History Month:
“Throughout our history, women have played an invaluable role in shaping Canada. This October, we mark the 30th anniversary of Women’s History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women in creating a more fair country, and to recognize the work that still needs to be done.
“This year’s theme – She did, so now I can – honours women trailblazers who raised their voices as agents of change in fields where they were under-represented, including the arts, education, and politics, and paved the way for future generations of women and girls to succeed. From women like Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman in Canada to sit in a provincial legislature, who inspired more women to pursue politics, to Sheila Watt-Cloutier, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and Inuk activist, who identified the link between climate change and human rights, Canada is a better place because of the hard work and determination of these trailblazers.
“We have made a lot of progress since the first Women’s History Month 30 years ago. Thanks to the hard work of activists and feminist movements, women in Canada have the right to choose, paid parental leave, and – in federally regulated workplaces – the right to be paid the same as their counterparts. Earlier this year, the employment rate of women aged 25-54 reached a record high, which is spurring economic growth across the country.
“We must continue to break down systemic barriers for women. That’s why the Government of Canada is delivering on our promise to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, which is helping reduce costs for regulated child care this year and will achieve $10-a-day child care on average from coast to coast to coast in the coming years.
“We are also dedicated to empowering women and girls around the world, which helps reduce poverty and fosters well-being. By continuing to promote gender equality, including through Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, we will continue to invest in addressing the root causes of inequality, including access to affordable child care and necessary sexual and reproductive health, and help break down barriers for the next 30 years and beyond.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I encourage all Canadians to use the hashtag #WomensHistoryMonth to share and learn more about the women that have shaped, and continue to shape, our country. This month and every month, let’s celebrate the many women making history and building a better Canada for everyone.”
