The Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service
October 12, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the Public Service:
David Morrison, currently Deputy Minister of International Trade and Personal Representative of the Prime Minister for the G7 Summit, becomes Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective October 17, 2022.
Rob Stewart, currently Deputy Minister of Public Safety, becomes Deputy Minister of International Trade, effective October 17, 2022.
Shawn Tupper, currently Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Minister of Public Safety, effective October 17, 2022.
Kaili Levesque, currently Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, Economic and Regional Development Policy, Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, effective October 17, 2022.
Valerie Gideon becomes President of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, in addition to her current role as Associate Deputy Minister of Indigenous Services, effective October 17, 2022.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Marta Morgan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on her retirement from the Public Service. He thanked her for her dedication and service to Canadians throughout her career and wished her all the best in the future.
Biographical Notes
October 11, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, will travel to Reykjavík, Iceland, from October 12 to 15, 2022, where she will attend the Arctic Circle Assembly and deliver a keynote address.
During Her Excellency’s visit to Iceland, which comes as Canada and Iceland celebrate their 75th year of diplomatic relations, the Governor General will engage with local, international, and Arctic leaders on Canada’s approach to issues of diplomacy, environmental change, and reconciliation within the northern circumpolar region.
In Reykjavík, the Governor General will meet with over 115 Canadian delegates attending the Arctic Circle Assembly, and will participate in a panel discussion on gender equality and diversity in Arctic leadership. Her Excellency will also meet with other world leaders participating in the Assembly, including the President of Iceland, Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson, and the President of Estonia, Alar Karis.
Quote
“The Governor General’s participation at the Arctic Circle Assembly is a valuable opportunity for Canada to engage with Icelandic leaders and other international partners on shared priorities, including addressing climate change, advancing reconciliation, and ensuring sustainable economic development throughout the Arctic.”
Quick Facts
- Canada and Iceland’s bilateral relationship is founded on longstanding Arctic cooperation; sustainable, inclusive, and rules-based trade; and people-to-people ties. Over 100,000 people of Icelandic descent live in Canada, comprising the largest Icelandic diaspora in the world.
- Established in 2013 in Iceland, the Arctic Circle Assembly is the largest annual international gathering on the Arctic. Participants include governments, Indigenous organizations, universities, and environmental associations.
- Canada is represented in Iceland through an embassy in Reykjavík. In Canada, Iceland maintains an embassy in Ottawa, and consulates general in Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.
- The Governor General travels abroad at the request of the Prime Minister. This is Her Excellency’s third international visit and the first to an Arctic state since her installation in July 2021. She has previously visited Germany and the Middle East.
Associated Links
October 11, 2022
Sorel-Tracy, Quebec
To fight climate change and build a clean, strong economy, we need technologies like electric vehicles and batteries. That’s why we are taking advantage of Canada’s abundance of critical minerals and world-leading innovation – to supply the clean economy with the technologies it needs, and deliver clean air and good jobs for Canadians.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined today by Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, to announce a new proposed federal investment of up to $222 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to help Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) to increase its production of critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and scandium. These critical minerals will go into products like electric vehicles and batteries, which are increasingly in demand within Canada and globally. This investment will help feed clean technology supply chains at home and abroad, setting up Canadian workers and the Canadian economy for success.
This investment will also aim to cut emissions at RTFT’s plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, almost in half by 2030, including by electrifying furnaces and replacing coal. In total, this investment will help create up to 150 good Canadian jobs and maintain a strong workforce at RTFT, including highly skilled positions.
The Government of Canada will continue to take real action on climate change while creating good, middle-class jobs. This includes strengthening our critical minerals supply chains and developing and building clean technologies here in Canada. For today and for generations to come, we will deliver clean air good jobs, and a strong economy.
Quotes
“Good middle-class jobs, clean air, and made-in-Canada tech: this is our vision for a strong economy and a strong future. Today’s announcement is about delivering on that vision and positioning Canada as a leader in critical minerals – a key part of things like electric vehicles. Together, we will continue to innovate, create good jobs, and keep our air clean.”
“Supporting the growth of Canada’s critical minerals supply chain will ensure that our country remains a global leader in this strategic sector. Our government is committed to the sustainable development of critical minerals resources, creating good jobs, and building strong global supply chains while strengthening trade relationships with Canada’s closest allies.”
“Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy will position Canada as the global supplier of choice for the critical minerals and materials needed for the green, digital global economy. We will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, industry workers and stakeholders to create a strategy that will create good jobs for Canadians, grow our economy and make Canada a vital player on the world stage.”
“Rio Tinto is committed to being part of a net-zero future, from decarbonising our operations to finding new ways to produce the materials needed for the transition. We are excited to collaborate with the Government of Canada to position RTFT for the future and strengthen the critical minerals and metals value chains in Canada and the United States.”
Quick Facts
- Today’s announcement builds on the many agreements Canada has signed this year to bring billions in investments and over 17,000 good-quality jobs to grow our critical minerals and electric vehicle manufacturing sectors.
- Through the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and the forthcoming $3.8 billion Critical Minerals Strategy, Canada is on track to achieving our goal of cutting emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
- Rio Tinto Fer et Titane (RTFT) is a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, a global mining and metals company with a proven track record of success. Rio Tinto maintains iron ore, titanium dioxide, diamond, and aluminum operations in Quebec, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Northwest Territories, employing more than 10,000 people across Canada.
- RTFT’s complex in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, is also home to the Critical Minerals and Technology Centre, a world-class research and development facility.
- In addition to reducing emissions at RTFT’s complex in Sorel-Tracy, today’s proposed investment will help increase the company’s production capacity, recover critical minerals from waste streams, and add essential mineral processing capabilities.
- The Government of Canada is developing a Critical Minerals Strategy to help advance the development of critical mineral resources and value chains across the country. This strategy will advance our efforts to make Canada a global leader in the responsible, inclusive, and sustainable production of critical minerals, from mines to manufacturing.
- Critical minerals are central to major global industries like clean technology, health care, aerospace, and computing. They are used in solar panels, phones, in computers, and are vital to produce electric vehicles. In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed to provide up to $3.8 billion to support the implementation of Canada’s first Critical Minerals Strategy.
Associated Links
- Critical minerals
- Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy
- 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan
- Strategic Innovation Fund
- Rio Tinto Fer et Titane
October 11, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl:
“On the 10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate the power of girls everywhere by championing their human rights here at home and around the world.
“This year’s theme, ‘Our time is now – our rights, our future’, is particularly timely as women, girls, and students in Iran bravely stand up to the oppressive Iranian regime. They have the right to live their lives, to make their own choices, and to express themselves peacefully. We are standing with them. That’s why, last week, Canada announced further measures against the Iranian regime and its so-called “morality police,” and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to implement the most robust sanctions in the world.
“Canada is a global leader and champion for advancing gender equality, human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity. That is why they are central to our efforts to implement the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and at the heart of our Feminist International Assistance Policy. Through this policy, we are working with our international partners to help reduce inequality, address the unique challenges faced by girls and women, and ensure their human rights are respected. This includes supporting targeted programming such as Girls Not Brides, UN agencies, and grassroots organizations in developing countries, to help adolescent girls stay in school, remain healthy, and decide their own future. Canada will continue to support and empower girls and women around the world so that they can be changemakers and drive progress in their communities toward a brighter future.
“The International Day of the Girl takes place during Women’s History Month, which is recognized each October across Canada. On this occasion, I encourage all Canadians to continue standing up for girls, now and into the future.”
October 11, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
- We, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), convened today with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Our meeting took place against the backdrop of the most recent missile attacks against civilian infrastructure and cities across Ukraine, leading to the death of innocent civilians. We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms and recall that indiscriminate attacks on innocent civilian populations constitute a war crime. We will hold President Putin and those responsible to account.
- The G7 firmly condemn and unequivocally reject the illegal attempted annexation by Russia of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions in addition to the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol. We solemnly reiterate that we will never recognise this illegal annexation or the sham referenda that Russia uses to justify it.
- Russia has blatantly violated the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. They cannot and do not give Russia a legitimate basis to change Ukraine’s borders. We call upon all countries to unequivocally reject these violations of international law and demand that Russia cease all hostilities and immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops and military equipment from Ukraine.
- We have imposed and will continue to impose further economic costs on Russia, including 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 deplore deliberate Russian escalatory steps, including the partial mobilisation of reservists and irresponsible nuclear rhetoric, which is putting global peace and security at risk. We reaffirm that any use of chemical, biological or nuclear weapons by Russia would be met with severe consequences.
- We condemn Russia's actions at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and the pressure exerted on the personnel of the facility. This is a further irresponsible escalation and we will hold Russia responsible for any incident caused by their actions. The safety, security and safeguards of the nuclear facility are paramount and we support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s efforts in this regard.
- We reiterate our call on the Belarusian authorities to stop enabling the Russian war of aggression by permitting Russian armed forces to use Belarusian territory and by providing support to the Russian military. The announcement of a joint military group with Russia constitutes the most recent example of the Belarusian regime’s complicity with Russia. We renew our call on the Lukashenko regime to fully abide by its obligations under international law.
- We reaffirm our full support to Ukraine’s independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty in its internationally recognised borders. In line with international law, in particular the UN Charter, Ukraine has the legitimate right to defend itself against Russian aggression and to regain full control of its territory within its internationally recognised borders.
- We reassured President Zelenskyy that we are undeterred and steadfast in our commitment to providing the support Ukraine needs to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity. We will continue to provide financial, humanitarian, military, diplomatic and legal support and will stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are committed to supporting Ukraine in meeting its winter preparedness needs.
- With a view to a viable post-war peace settlement, we remain ready to reach arrangements together with interested countries and institutions and Ukraine on sustained security and other commitments to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression. We will continue to coordinate efforts to meet Ukraine’s urgent requirements for military and defense equipment. We look forward to the outcomes of the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernisation of Ukraine on October 25.
- No country wants peace more than Ukraine, whose people have suffered death, displacement and countless atrocities as the result of Russian aggression. In solidarity with Ukraine, the G7 Leaders welcome President Zelenskyy’s readiness for a just peace. This should include the following elements: respecting the UN Charter’s protection of territorial integrity and sovereignty; safeguarding Ukraine’s ability to defend itself in the future; ensuring Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, including exploring avenues to do so with funds from Russia; pursuing accountability for Russian crimes committed during the war.
- We are deeply troubled by the deliberate damage to the Nordstream pipelines in international waters in the Baltic Sea and strongly condemn any deliberate disruption of critical infrastructure. We welcome ongoing investigations.
- We will act in solidarity and close coordination to address the negative impact of Russia’s aggression for global economic stability, including by continuing to cooperate to ensure energy security and affordability across the G7 and beyond
October 10, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister condemned in the strongest terms Russia’s indiscriminate strikes earlier today on Ukrainian cities that have killed innocent Ukrainian civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure, and underlined that such egregious Russian attacks only strengthen Canada’s resolve to support Ukraine for as long as necessary. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to President Zelenskyy on behalf of Canadians to all Ukrainians regarding the tragic deaths caused by Russia’s actions. In the face of these blatant escalations, the Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s strong ongoing support for Ukraine, including the continued provision of military, economic, and humanitarian aid.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed Canada’s continued assistance to Ukraine and work with like-minded partners, including within the G7, to address the impacts of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable aggression. The leaders 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 and further blatant escalations.
President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s significant contributions to Ukraine, and the leaders agreed to stay in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
- Canadian sanctions related to Russia
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of Russia’s sham referendums in occupied regions of Ukraine
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
October 10, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Thanksgiving:
“Today, Canadians across the country will gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving and give thanks for the blessings from the past year.
“Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the harvest season. It is a chance to be there for one another and recognize the people who make a difference in our lives.
“Over the past two years, people have had each other’s backs. As we recover from the pandemic, we give a heartfelt thanks to countless volunteers, food banks, and charities who lend a hand to help make a better world. We also thank our everyday heroes, from health care workers to members of the Canadian Armed Forces and humanitarian aid workers, who all dedicate their lives to service and help change our world for the better.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving filled with good company, happiness, and peace.”
October 8, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Premier-designate of Alberta, Danielle Smith, to congratulate her on her selection as the new premier, and to discuss key areas for cooperation.
The Prime Minister and the Premier-designate spoke about the importance of working together on making life more affordable, creating good jobs, and supporting a strong economy in Alberta and across the country.
The two leaders also discussed energy and climate change, and opportunities for Alberta and Canada to become reliable sources of energy and natural resources in a net-zero world.
The Prime Minister and the Premier-designate looked forward to having a constructive relationship going forward.
Associated Link
October 7, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada stands with the brave women, students, and the people of Iran who are peacefully protesting the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the Iranian regime’s so-called ‘morality police.’ The Iranian regime’s brutal repression of these protests – killing, beating, and arresting protesters – is once again demonstrating its blatant disregard for human rights and human life. We are listening to and joining our voices with those who are demanding better.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will take significant, further action against the Iranian regime. We intend to:
- List the Iranian regime, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its top leaders – more than 10,000 officers and senior members – as inadmissible to Canada for their engagement in terrorism and systemic and gross human rights violations, by pursuing a designation under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This will deny them access to Canadian territory.
- Significantly expand sanctions against those responsible for the Iranian regime’s egregious human rights abuses by building on our existing sanctions, including those announced this week, to implement the most robust and comprehensive set of sanctions in the world against the IRGC. We will also introduce a new tailored regulation to ensure no sanctioned individual connected to the IRGC can enter Canada, pending the passage of Bill S-8.
- Invest $76 million to strengthen Canada’s capacity to implement sanctions and ensure we can move more quickly to freeze and seize sanctioned individuals’ assets, including through a dedicated bureau at Global Affairs Canada and additional support to the RCMP to investigate and identify assets and gather evidence. This builds on new authorities introduced in Budget 2022.
- Pursue all the tools at our disposal, including the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (Sergei Magnitsky Law), which enables restrictive financial and property measures for foreign nationals responsible for gross violations of human rights.
Taken together, this new suite of measures will help hold the Iranian regime to account for its egregious actions. These new measures build on our previous actions, which were already some of the strongest in the world against the Iranian regime, including designating the state of Iran as a state supporter of terrorism. Earlier this week, Canada also announced additional sanctions against senior Iranian officials and prominent entities that directly implement repressive measures, violate human rights, and spread the Iranian regime’s propaganda. These sanctions effectively froze any assets these individuals may hold in Canada. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to implement the most robust sanctions against the Iranian regime in the world.
Canada will continue to work with our international partners to ensure the Iranian regime is held accountable for its heinous conduct, including for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which killed 138 people en route to Canada, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents.
Quotes
“The Iranian regime continues to demonstrate its blatant disregard for human rights and human life. Canada unequivocally stands in solidarity with people marching in the streets of Iran, and the streets of cities around the world, in the name of freedom and justice. To the strong, resilient, and proud Iranian Canadian community: We hear your voices, we hear your calls for action. That is why today, we’re using the most powerful tools we have to crack down on this brutal regime and the individuals responsible for its heinous behaviour. Our government will continue to use every single tool at our disposal, including the Magnitsky sanctions.”
“The IRGC leadership are terrorists. The IRGC is a terrorist organization. Today, Canada is formally recognizing that – and acting accordingly. The actions we are taking today to hold senior members of the IRGC to account will ensure that Canada will never be a haven for its money, for its leaders, or for their henchmen. Canada is proud to stand with the brave people of Iran.”
Quick Facts
- These new measures, combined with previous actions against the Iranian regime, are in line with our allies who are strongest on Iran, like the United States.
- Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman, died last month while in custody of Iran’s so-called ‘morality police.’ Ms. Amini’s death was a direct result of the systemic harassment and repression that women face in Iran.
- Nine other regimes have previously been designated inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, paragraph 35(1)(b) for terrorism, systemic or gross human rights violations, genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity. Iran could be the first regime to be designated since 2003. The designation of a regime is a permanent decision.
- On October 3, 2022, Canada imposed new sanctions on Iran under the Special Economic Measures Act, in response to gross human rights violations that have been committed in Iran, including its systematic persecution of women and in particular, the egregious actions committed by Iran’s so-called ‘morality police’ and its leadership.
- In 2017, Canada expanded the scope of the Special Economic Measures Act to allow the government to impose sanctions in response to gross and systemic human rights violations.
- On October 4, 2022, Canada marked the 1,000th day since Iran’s egregious downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, killing 176 innocent people on board – including 55 Canadians, 30 permanent residents, and a total of 138 people en route to Canada. Canada is working with our international partners to hold Iran accountable in accordance with international law.
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Associated Link
October 6, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the selection of the next Premier of Alberta:
“I congratulate Danielle Smith on her successful bid to become the leader of the United Conservative Party of Alberta and the next Premier of Alberta.
“I look forward to working with incoming Premier Smith and the Government of Alberta to build a better future for Albertans and all Canadians.
“We will remain focused on delivering concrete results for Albertans – including making life more affordable, growing the economy for everyone, creating jobs, and fighting climate change while positioning Canada’s energy sector and its workers to succeed in new global markets. We will also continue to build on the progress we have made to deliver affordable child care to Albertan families, and advance reconciliation.
“I thank outgoing Premier Jason Kenney for his service to Alberta and Canada, including his almost 20 years representing the people of Calgary in the House of Commons. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
