The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on..

 Statement by the Prime Minister on the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III

November 14, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada:

“Today, I join people in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 74th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.

“This is the first time Canadians mark the birthday of their new King. It is an opportunity for us to recognize His Majesty’s dedication to service as well as the close and special relationship he has maintained with Canada throughout his life.

“The King has been visiting Canada for over 50 years, and has met with Canadians in all 13 provinces and territories. This includes his most recent visit with the Queen Consort, last May, to mark the late Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with His Majesty on many occasions and witnessed his commitment to building a better future.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish His Majesty a very happy birthday.”

Prime Minister announces additional military assistance for Ukraine and additional sanctions against Russia

November 14, 2022
Bali, Indonesia

As Russia continues its brutal, unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, Canada will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people and our allies, in defence of our shared values of peace, democracy, and human rights. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable.

Today, at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced that Canada will provide $500 million in additional military assistance for Ukraine, to assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine in defending their country against Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable invasion.

This commitment builds on the $500 million in military aid for Ukraine announced in Budget 2022 and will go toward military, surveillance, and communications equipment, fuel, and medical supplies.

Canada is also imposing additional sanctions against Russian individuals. These sanctions target 23 members of the Russian justice and security sectors, including police officers and investigators, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials, involved in gross and systematic human rights violations against Russian opposition leaders. These new measures build on the sanctions Canada has imposed on over 1,400 individuals and entities since Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

This builds on the $3.4 billion in assistance to Ukraine Canada has provided so far this year, and we will continue our unwavering support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. We will continue to work with our international partners to increase pressure on Russian officials and hold Vladimir Putin accountable for his illegal invasion as well as the war crimes and human rights violations that have been committed by his regime.

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“Canada continues to support Ukraine as it defends its territory, sovereignty, and independence from Russia. This additional military assistance will support Ukrainians as they bravely continue to fight against Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion, while these new sanctions will put added pressure on those who support these acts of war. We, along with other members of the international community, will continue to use every tool at our disposal to hold Russia accountable for its brutal actions against Ukraine.”

 The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Today, we are sanctioning those responsible for the persecution of the brave Russian dissident Vladimir Kara-Murza. Canada will continue to be unwavering in our support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”

The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Canada’s commitment to providing Ukraine with comprehensive military aid is unwavering. With today’s announcement, Canada has committed over $1 billion worth of military aid to Ukraine, and our Canadian Armed Forces continue to transport aid, as well as train their Ukrainian counterparts under Op UNIFIER. Ukraine’s military has made incredible progress reclaiming ground and Canada’s military contributions have been integral in their counter offensive to-date. The $500 million in new military aid announced today will ensure that we continue to meet Ukraine’s military momentum with the military aid that it needs to fight and win.”

The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

Quick Facts

• Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 1,400 individuals and entities complicit in Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, including those announced today. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada’s allies and international partners.
• Canada has provided over $600 million in military support to Ukraine since February 2022, including armoured vehicles, artillery and ammunition, drone cameras, and winter clothing.
• In August 2022, the Government of Canada announced the deployment of CAF members under Operation UNIFIER to provide training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Operation INTERFLEX.
• Canada was among the first of a number of Allies and partners that committed to contribute to the United Kingdom-led training initiative.
• Operation UNIFIER was launched in 2015 at the request of the Government of Ukraine, and earlier this year, was expanded and extended until March 2025.
• Since the start of Operation UNIFIER in 2015, the CAF has trained over 34,000 Ukrainian military and security personnel in battlefield tactics and advanced military skills.
• Since late March 2022, the CAF has been assisting with the delivery of military aid for Ukraine within Europe and has now transported over 4 million pounds of donations from Canada and on behalf of our Allies and partners.

Associated Links

• Prime Minister to participate in the ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the Sommet de la Francophonie
• 2022 G20 Bali Summit
• Canada and the G20
• Defence Minister Anita Anand announces deployment of Canadian Armed Forces to train Ukrainian soldiers in the United Kingdom
• Defence Minister Anita Anand visits Poland to strengthen defence cooperation and announces new training for Ukrainian personnel
• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Canadian Sanctions Related to Russia
• Operation UNIFIER

Prime Minister strengthens ties with ASEAN and expands partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

November 13, 2022
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, hosted by Cambodia in Phnom Penh, where Canada was invited as a guest of the Chair.

Convening under the theme of “Addressing Challenges Together,” the Prime Minister further strengthened Canada’s relationship as a reliable and engaged partner with ASEAN and expanded partnerships in the Indo-Pacific. His priorities included promoting regional peace and stability, expanding and diversifying trade to create good, middle-class jobs in Canada and Southeast Asia, strengthening economic resilience, and investing in and connecting our peoples, while building a clean future.

During an ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit on November 12, which marked the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada dialogue relations, Canada and ASEAN committed to establish a Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership. This new Strategic Partnership represents a strong endorsement of Canada’s engagement in the region and an important symbolic step to continue deepening our relations with ASEAN moving forward. The Prime Minister also announced an investment of $40 million to launch a new Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative (IPEI), through which Canada will support the participation of Canadian civil society in the region and enhance Canadian engagement in the Indo-Pacific, including through new research and study opportunities for Canadians. At the Commemorative Summit, Canada and ASEAN released a joint statement highlighting their strong bilateral relationship and priorities for future bilateral cooperation.

Ahead of the release of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Prime Minister announced initiatives to strengthen Canada’s trade and investment relationship in the region:

• $24.5 million for a new office of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada in the region, to help build and strengthen relations with local partners, including in the areas of foreign policy, cultural diplomacy, and academic ties;
• $24.1 million to establish the Canadian Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia, an enhanced Canadian hub that will help expand Canada’s business and investment networks by linking businesses to existing incubators and accelerators – thereby strengthening the economy and creating jobs on both sides of the Pacific; and
• A $13.1 million contribution to the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund to help close development gaps, ensure strong regional engagement with ASEAN, and advance negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.

At the Summit, the Prime Minister also announced an investment of $14.2 million to expand the successful Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program. The enhanced program, which is expected to award over 800 new scholarships, will reach developing Indo-Pacific countries, encourage valuable exchanges and skills sharing, and introduce more education and research in shared areas of interest.

At a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) roundtable with government and development partners as well as civil society organizations with ties to Canada, the Prime Minister announced:

• $32.8 million for a call for proposals to support civil society organizations that have expertise in delivering development assistance in the Indo-Pacific with the goal to promote gender equality and inclusion, in particular for those most at risk of being left behind; and

• A new series of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) dialogues with ASEAN in 2023 to provide a platform for discussions on the implementation of the WPS agenda in ASEAN and meaningfully engage women on an inclusive and sustainable approach to peace.

To promote sustainable development in the region, the Prime Minister announced the following initiatives:

• $100 million in Feminist International Assistance Policy development funding to support development initiatives in the Indo-Pacific; and
• $85,000 for Canada to host a Canada–Indo-Pacific symposium on post-pandemic border and migration management where we will reinforce partnerships and share Canadian knowledge and expertise with ASEAN Member States, including to support economic recovery and post-pandemic growth, improve border management and fight transnational crime, and protect gender rights and vulnerable populations.

With a particular focus on supporting demining initiatives in ASEAN Members States, the Prime Minister announced:

• $750,000 to help build Laos’ demining capacity by establishing comprehensive standards for landmine clearance and supporting the recruitment, training, and supervision of personnel to ensure the safety of demining activities in Laos;
• $190,000 to accelerate mine-clearing in Cambodia and reduce risks from landmines, including by delivering training so women can safely participate in demining activities and by leveraging Canadian expertise for faster, more effective mine clearing; and
• $50,000 to support a training project that will build on longstanding Canadian assistance to Cambodia in the field of demining to help protect demining personnel and clear landmines in the country.

With a focus on building a sustainable and green future for everyone, the Prime Minister also announced $84.3 million for the new Shared Ocean Fund, which will reinforce a healthy marine environment in the Indo-Pacific region and support measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

While at the ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau condemned Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, which has created significant threat to global peace and stability, food and energy security issues as well as challenges in global supply chains, and is a threat to the post-pandemic economic recovery.

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“Canada and ASEAN have a long history of partnership. Canada stands with ASEAN as a steadfast partner, working together to secure an inclusive, strong, and people-centered future. I look forward to working with ASEAN and its Member States, as well as the greater Indo-Pacific region, to grow and diversify trade, create good, middle-class jobs, promote regional peace and security, and build closer ties between our peoples for a safer, cleaner world.”

 The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• This is the third time Prime Minister Trudeau has participated in an ASEAN Summit and is his first visit to Cambodia.
• ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 Member States. Established by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand in 1967, it was later joined by Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
• Together, ASEAN Member States represent the fifth largest economy in the world (combined GDP of US$3 trillion). With 661 million people, ASEAN has the third largest population in the world.
• As a group, ASEAN Member State economies represent Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner. In 2021, Canada-ASEAN merchandise trade was valued at $31.5 billion.
• Canada has been an ASEAN Dialogue Partner since 1977.
• In 2021, Canada launched negotiations toward a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN. The ASEAN-Canada FTA would be the foundation for a more strategic ASEAN-Canada relationship that drives economic growth, innovation, and job creation on both sides of the Pacific.
• Since 2001, Canada has provided $4.4 billion in development assistance to ASEAN and to its Member States.
• Indonesia will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2023.
• In Cambodia, the Prime Minister also toured the Tuol Sleng prison, where he paid his respects to the victims of the Cambodian genocide, expressed Canada’s ongoing support for peace and democracy in Cambodia, and reinforced the message that crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide should never be repeated. He expressed Canada’s support for Cambodia’s work in education, memorialization, and intergenerational dialogue on the Cambodian genocide.
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, Mary Ng, accompanied the Prime Minister at the Summit.
• At the Summit, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with:
  • The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen
  • The Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh
  • The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dato Lim Jock Hoi
  • The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
• Canada and Cambodia have a history of political, economic, development, and regional security collaboration and look forward to further strengthening their commercial relationship. Canada is one of Cambodia’s top export destinations.
• Canada and Cambodia will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2023.

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Strengthening Canada’s ties with ASEAN and expanding partnerships in the Indo-Pacific
• ASEAN-Canada 45th Anniversary Commemorative Summit Joint Statement

Associated Links

• Prime Minister to participate in the ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the Sommet de la Francophonie
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh
• Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Canada-Cambodia relations
• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

ASEAN-Canada 45th Anniversary Commemorative Summit Joint Statement

November 13, 2022
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Canada, gathered in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia on 12 November 2022 for the Commemorative Summit to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations, which coincides with the 55th Anniversary of ASEAN;

Recalling the significant progress achieved in the ASEAN-Canada relationship over 45 years since its establishment in 1977;

Acknowledging Canada’s consistent support for ASEAN in dealing with regional issues, and for a regional response to global challenges which provides a concrete demonstration of Canada’s commitment to ASEAN Centrality and to advancing cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP);

Reaffirming that the ASEAN-Canada partnership is essential to tackle these shared challenges by building up the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural capacities and people-to-people connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region, in line with the AOIP and the development of the ASEAN Community’s Post 2025 Vision;

Recognising the increasingly complex and cross-cutting challenges the region continues to face, arising from geopolitical shifts, protectionism, complex transnational threats, regional and international conflicts, climate change and rapid technological change, as well as rising food and energy insecurity which are exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse impact on our peoples’ livelihoods and well-being, societies and economies and reaffirming our belief that regionalism and multilateralism are important principles and frameworks of cooperation;

Emphasizing the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

Emphasizing our shared desire to see an economically thriving ASEAN that is competitive, innovative, sustainable resilient and inclusive, underpinned by open, stable and transparent access to markets including through the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, which is under negotiation, is an articulation of these ambitions;

Recognising the continued growth in ASEAN-Canada economic ties, with increase of bilateral merchandise trade by 17.5 percent and Canadian investment in ASEAN by 9.3 percent in 2021, and increase of ASEAN investment in Canada by 4.6 percent in 2021 as compared to those of the year prior;

Reaffirming, with regard to Ukraine, as for all nations, our respect for sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. We reiterate our call for compliance with the UN Charter and international law. We underline the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities and creating an enabling environment for peaceful resolution. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary-General in the search for a peaceful solution. We also call for the facilitation of rapid, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance for those in need in Ukraine, and for the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and persons in vulnerable situations;

Noting Canada’s forthcoming announcement of its Indo-Pacific Strategy which among others outlines its commitment to enhance the ASEAN-Canada cooperation;

As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations in 2022, we commit to establish an ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership. We look forward to the early completion of the necessary process.

We hereby agree to the following:

Political Security Cooperation

1. Continue to cooperate towards the full, effective and timely implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025).
2. Affirm the ASEAN Regional Forum as a key platform for dialogue and consultation on regional political and security issues of common interest and concern and reaffirm the need to further enhance its effectiveness and maintain its relevance in the evolving regional security architecture, while acknowledging its contributions to promoting confidence building measures and preventive diplomacy in the region.
3. Welcome Canada’s support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and note with appreciation its interest in joining the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus and the observership program of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups Maritime Security, and on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, subject to these mechanisms’ respective enlargement processes.
4. Promote maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, mutual trust and confidence, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or the threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
5. Enhance cooperation in maintaining peace, security and stability, and addressing common traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region, including transnational crime, non-proliferation, cybersecurity, terrorism and violent extremism, trafficking in persons and people smuggling and maritime security.
6. Engage in discussions for transfer of knowledge and expertise in border management to ASEAN member states with the view to supporting ASEAN in working towards establishing a border management cooperation roadmap.
7. Remain deeply concerned over the crisis in Myanmar. We highlight Myanmar’s commitment to the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus during the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on 24 April 2021 and urge the timely and complete implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. We will continue to support ASEAN’s efforts to facilitate a peaceful solution in the interest of the people of Myanmar, including through the work of the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar, in building confidence and trust with full access to all parties concerned, and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar, including those who are the most in need, without discrimination. We reiterate our commitment to peace and stability in the region and continue to call for the immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and for the release of all political detainees, including foreigners. We will redouble our collective efforts towards a peaceful solution in Myanmar that also reflects a continued commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, as outlined in the ASEAN Charter. We welcome close coordination between the Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar and the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General on Myanmar to ensure synergy in this important endeavor. We take note of Canada’s investment of $288.3 million in development and humanitarian assistance to advance efforts toward an inclusive political settlement and sustainable peace in Myanmar.

Economic Cooperation

8. Enhance ASEAN-Canada economic cooperation, including through the timely conclusion of the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement which will bring both economic and strategic benefits to Canada and ASEAN by enhancing ASEAN’s connections to global value chains and improve market access and encourage investment for both ASEAN and Canada.
9. Intensify Canada’s commitment on provision of targeted technical assistance, aligned with ASEAN bodies and priorities, including through the Expert Deployment Mechanism and Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development to support ASEAN’s Community-building efforts, as ASEAN moves towards a stronger and more resilient ASEAN Economic Community.
10. Enhance cooperation in key sectors such as, Industry 4.0, Cybersecurity, digital trade, 5G, Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies, aiming to connect ASEAN and Canadian companies, including MSMEs and the ASEAN’s digital transformation agenda, including the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap for mutual benefits.
11. Strengthen collaboration by encouraging new initiatives among research institutes, higher education institutes and enterprises to promote science, education technology, technology and innovation development in the region through capacity-building, technology transfer, and sharing of best practices on advanced applicable technology and commercialisation.
12. Welcome Canada’s support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC 2025) and exploring possible synergies between the MPAC 2025 and Canada’s connectivity-related initiatives in line with the “Connecting the Connectivities” approach.
13. Strengthen cooperation on food security and nutrition, in particular to promote trade and investment, capacity building, sharing of experience and best practices, research and development, agricultural product and agro-food innovation, as well as infrastructure development in the agricultural sector.
14. Welcome Canada’s ongoing support for women’s economic empowerment in ASEAN, including work on strengthening MSME policies to promote the full economic potential of women entrepreneurs.

Socio Cultural Cooperation

15. Reiterate our commitment for an ASEAN fit for the future that is agile, resilient and can respond to all hazards. We welcomed Canada’s support to ASEAN’s COVID-19 efforts including the contribution of CAD3.5 million to the COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund; provision of more than 10 million items of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ASEAN; support to the ASEAN BioDiaspora Virtual Centre (ABVC) to enhance and accelerate ASEAN efforts to prevent, detect and respond to COVID-19; provision of PPE and other critical supplies to the Institut Pasteur du Laos; support to the International Atomic Energy Agency to enable the provision of COVID-19 diagnostic kits, equipment and training in nuclear-derived detection techniques.
16. Continue to support the ASEAN Post-2015 Health Development Agenda and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF) through Canada’s long-term Mitigation of Biological Threats (MBT) Programme, which also helped ASEAN combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
17. Deepen cooperation on the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) (Work Programmes, including by building the capacity of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre)). We welcomed Canada’s commitment to further bolster ASEAN health-security capabilities through targeted investments (biosafety, biosecurity and disease surveillance) in the new ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED).
18. Support the implementation of the Action Plan (2018-2025) of the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers through cooperation with the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW) under the Tripartite Action for the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers in the ASEAN Region (TRIANGLE) in ASEAN Programme.
19. Support the announcement to create an ASEAN-Canada Trust Fund, as a responsive mechanism to advance the Plan of Action to implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership.
20. Welcome Canada’s strong commitment to advance gender equality and empowerment of women and girls under its Feminist Foreign Policy and Feminist International Assistance Policy to narrow the development gap, and building a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous world.
21. Promote a sustainable and resilient future of the region, including through pursuing complementarities between the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
22. Strengthen efforts in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda globally, including through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and regionally, the ‘Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace’ initiative and cooperation with UN Women and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation such as the ASEAN-led WPS module development and training for the ASEAN officials. Welcome Canada’s commitment to host a series of WPS dialogues in 2023, to support the implementation of the WPS agenda in ASEAN and meaningfully engaging women for an inclusive and sustainable approach to peace.
23. Support for ASEAN Community building efforts including ASEAN institutions through the utilisation of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
24. Enhance people-to-people ties between Canada and ASEAN, by strengthening the ongoing Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program, which to date, has welcomed 325 ASEAN students to Canada. 

Prime Minister’s Announcements at the ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit

November 12, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario

On November 12, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the following measures during his speech at the ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit:

Strengthening Canada’s ties with ASEAN

The partnership between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is rooted in deep people-to-people, trade, and diplomatic ties. Canada is committed to further strengthening this partnership by advancing shared priorities, including peace, security, and stability, sustainable development, trade and investment, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund Top-Up

Funding: $13.1 million over five years

Canada will increase cooperation with ASEAN through a contribution to the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund. This contribution will help close development gaps, ensure strong regional engagement with ASEAN, and advance important trade negotiations, while strengthening our partnership. A part of the fund will support the participation of ASEAN’s Member Countries in negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which will create good jobs and new opportunities for people and businesses in Canada and in ASEAN Member States, while opening new markets for Canadians. This will support technical assistance and capacity building to enable ASEAN Member States to participate in FTA negotiations.

Women, Peace, and Security Dialogue Series

Canada will host a Jakarta-based series of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) dialogues with ASEAN in 2023, in line with ASEAN’s Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace, and Security in ASEAN. This builds on Canada’s 2021 flagship initiative “Empowering women for sustainable peace: preventing violence and promoting social cohesion in ASEAN,” which was designed to advance WPS priorities, such as ensuring women can participate equally with men in decision-making, including in matters of peace and security. The dialogue series will engage Canadian civil society and non-governmental organizations, and provide a platform for discussions on the implementation of the WPS agenda in ASEAN and other priorities, such as enhancing the role of women in political leadership. WPS is a shared priority for Canada and ASEAN, and is a core element of Canada’s Feminist Foreign Policy to achieve sustainable global peace, respect human rights and dignity, embrace evidence-based decision-making, and reduce inequality.

Expanding partnerships in the Indo-Pacific

As a Pacific nation, Canada is committed to strengthening our relation with the Indo-Pacific, which plays an essential role in our country’s economic growth, prosperity, and security. We will continue to work with our Indo-Pacific partners to make progress on shared priorities and enhance our engagement through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), which will be released soon. As announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, on November 9, 2022, the IPS will focus on the following objectives:

• Strengthening Canada’s role as a reliable and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific;
• Ensuring resilience, peace, and security;
• Expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience;
• Investing in and connecting people; and
• Building a sustainable and green future.

The Canadian Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia (IPS)

Funding: $24.1 million over five years

This initiative will establish an enhanced Canadian hub in Southeast Asia, the Canadian Trade Gateway, to be designed and led by private sector partners. The Gateway will provide a modern, dynamic environment for Canadian business leaders to meet as a community, identify common interests, leverage strengths, and promote greater economic cooperation and innovation in the region. The Gateway will expand Canada’s business and investment networks, linking businesses to existing incubators and accelerators, and increasing their awareness of Indo-Pacific markets. This initiative will focus on sectors and solutions where Canadian innovation responds to regional demand. The Gateway will enhance opportunities for Canadian exporters and attract foreign investment to Canada, which will help diversify trade and create good middle-class jobs for Canadians.

Feminist International Assistance Policy Development Funding (IPS)

Funding: $100 million over five years

This initiative will explore various strategies to support development in the Indo-Pacific and support ASEAN centrality for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. This might include increasing bilateral international assistance to partner countries; leveraging Canadian expertise, including through the deployment of technical assistance experts; promoting inclusive governance through partnerships between Canadian and local CSOs; supporting regional partners’ resilience to risks associated with disasters; and supporting sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure in the region.

Shared Ocean Fund (IPS)

Funding: $84.3 million over five years

A new Shared Ocean Fund will help increase maritime cooperation and create a healthy marine environment in the Indo-Pacific while supporting measures against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Through this initiative, Canada will work to strengthen and enforce the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region in order to regulate fisheries and fishing activity, protect fish stocks, advance ecosystem conservation, reduce the use of plastic fish aggregating devices, and put in place strong monitoring, control, and surveillance rules with respect to IUU fishing.

Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative (IPS)

Funding: $40 million over five years

Through the Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative (IPEI), Canada will provide new program support for the participation of Canadian civil society in the region and greater support for Government of Canada engagement in the Indo-Pacific. As a multi-component initiative, the IPEI will also provide new research and study opportunities for Canadians while supporting Canada’s public service with expanded professional development focussed on the Indo-Pacific. Specifically, funding for the IPEI will go toward:

• the government’s regional diplomacy and advocacy efforts;
• Canadian civil society and private sector engagement in the region;
• research to support policy-making;
• a new national scholarship and fellowship program; and
• a new capacity-building program to build expertise and knowledge on the Indo-Pacific across government.

Feminist International Assistance Canadian Civil Society Call for Proposals (IPS)

Funding: $32.8 million over five years

Canada will provide new program support for the regional participation of Canadian civil society organizations (CSOs) with expertise in delivering development assistance in areas such as governance, diversity, and human rights to strengthen civil society, protect human rights, and advance gender equality in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative will help build and strengthen dynamic partnerships between Canadian CSOs and CSOs in the Indo-Pacific while advancing Canadian priorities, including the empowerment of women and girls. It will leverage Canadian expertise in promoting gender equality and ensuring the integration of intersecting identities which impact those most at risk of being left behind, including persons with disabilities, ethnic minority groups, 2SLGBTQI+ people, Indigenous Peoples, and other marginalized groups. In addition to ASEAN Member States, this initiative will also be open to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Pacific Island countries.

Expansion of the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada (IPS)

Funding: $24.5 million over five years

The Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC) will establish a physical presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Reflecting Canada’s long-term commitment to engage and collaborate with partners in the region, this new APFC office will help build and strengthen relations with local partners, including in the areas of foreign policy, cultural diplomacy and academic ties. It will offer a convening working space for Canadians and local partners engaged in APFC-supported programs as well as other government departments engaging in the region.

Expanded SEED Scholarship (IPS)

Funding: $14.2 million over five years

The Indo-Pacific region is home for most of Canada’s international students. Canada’s IPS will expand the successful Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) program, which to date has welcomed 325 ASEAN students to Canada. The enhanced program will allow Canada to reach developing Indo-Pacific countries, to encourage valuable exchanges and skills sharing, and to introduce more education and research in shared areas of interest.

Canada–Indo-Pacific Symposium: Post-Pandemic Border and Migration Management

Funding: $85,000

The Canada Border Services Agency will host a Canada–Indo-Pacific symposium on post-pandemic border and migration management in cooperation with the Cambodian General Department of Customs and Excise, from January 31 to February 2, 2023, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The symposium will be an opportunity for Canada to share knowledge and expertise in border management with ASEAN Member States and reinforce partnerships. It will allow Canada to share operational best practices and strategies in the areas of economic recovery and growth post-pandemic, border management and combatting transnational crime, and the protection of women’s rights and vulnerable people.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh

November 12, 2022
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

The prime ministers discussed the importance of the Comprehensive Partnership between Canada and Vietnam that was announced during Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit to Vietnam in 2017. The Canada-Vietnam Comprehensive Partnership promotes enhanced bilateral cooperation in several key areas, including political and diplomatic, development cooperation, and people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Trudeau talked about the strong potential to grow ties between our countries, including cooperation on regional security, climate change, clean energy, gender equality, and education. He also raised consular cases and the importance of advancing the promotion and protection of human rights.

They talked about the growing trade and investment relationship between Canada and Vietnam, which is rooted in joint membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and is creating jobs and opening up new markets for Canadian businesses.

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the upcoming release of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. He emphasized the important role ASEAN will play in Canada’s work to deepen its partnerships in the region. He also reiterated Canada’s long-term commitment to strengthen its relationship with ASEAN.

Associated Links

• Canada and Vietnam
• Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
• Joint Statement by Canada and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on the establishment of a comprehensive partnership
• Prime Minister to participate in the ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the Sommet de la Francophonie 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen

November 12, 2022
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Sen, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Hun Sen on a successful year as ASEAN host. He thanked him for inviting him to join this year’s ASEAN Summit as guest of the chair and for convening the Canada-ASEAN 45th Anniversary Commemorative Summit. Prime Minister Trudeau also expressed appreciation for Prime Minister Hun Sen’s support for Canada’s efforts to deepen its relationship with ASEAN through the commitment to establish a Strategic Partnership.

The leaders talked about the growing trade ties between Canada and Cambodia, and the fact that a Canada-ASEAN free-trade agreement would help drive prosperity and create good jobs in both our countries and across the region.

Prime Minister Trudeau discussed the upcoming release of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the central role that ASEAN will play in our work to strengthen our engagement and partnerships in the region.

The prime ministers exchanged views on Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and the severe impacts the conflict is having on food, fuel, and energy security in the Indo-Pacific region. Prime Minister Trudeau committed to working with Cambodia and ASEAN partners on mitigating the effects of the crisis, especially on the most vulnerable.

The leaders discussed the long-standing ties between Canada and Cambodia and Canada’s history of support on landmine clearance. They agreed to keep in touch to discuss the deepening of regional cooperation, ensure greater sustainable development, and protect human rights.

Associated Links

• Canada and Cambodia
• Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• Prime Minister to participate in the ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the Sommet de la Francophonie
• Statement by the Prime Minister marking ASEAN Day and 45 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Dato Jock Hoi Lim

November 13, 2022
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Dato Jock Hoi Lim, on the margins of the ASEAN Summit.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary-General Lim discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement between Canada and ASEAN. Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Secretary-General Lim for his constructive role in supporting the Canada-ASEAN Strategic Partnership, as well as the launch of Canada-ASEAN free trade negotiations in November 2021. These steps will further deepen Canada’s ties with the Indo-Pacific, strengthen our trade diversification efforts and promote security and prosperity for the people of Canada and across ASEAN countries.

Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the upcoming release of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and discussed the important role that ASEAN will continue to play as Canada deepens its engagement in the region.

The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s appreciation to Secretary-General Lim for his leadership as he concludes his term as ASEAN Secretary-General. The Prime Minister wished him well in his future endeavours.

Associated Links

• Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement
• Statement by the Prime Minister marking ASEAN Day and 45 years of partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
• Prime Minister to participate in the ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the Sommet de la Francophonie
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• Statement by the Prime Minister on Remembrance Day
  
  November 11, 2022
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  

  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Remembrance Day:

  “Every year on November 11, we come together to honour the brave women and men in uniform who uphold our values here at home and around the world. The values that unite us as Canadians – values of peace, freedom, and democracy.

  “In hockey arenas, school gymnasiums, city centres, and retirement homes in every community across the country, we vow to never forget the sacrifices members of the Canadian Armed Forces and our Veterans have made for us. We wear red poppies over our hearts to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice – a tradition inspired by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel and surgeon John McCrae’s poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ – and we pay tribute to their family members and loved ones.

  “‘The torch; be yours to hold it high,’ wrote Dr. McCrae during the First World War. From fighting alongside our allies in the First and Second World Wars, to today providing essential emergency response support to Canadians impacted by severe weather events and training the Ukrainian military as they defend their country, generation after generation, Canadians have answered the call to serve. Our service members have worn the maple leaf with honour as they represent the best of what it means to be Canadian.

  "Today, we pay tribute to Canadian service members, past and present, for all they have done to keep us safe. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe two minutes of silence for the brave women and men who gave their lives in service of a better Canada – we are forever in their debt.

  “Lest we forget.”

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• Statement by the Prime Minister on Poland’s National Independence Day

  
  November 11, 2022
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  

  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Poland’s National Independence Day:

  “Today, Polish communities in Canada and around the world celebrate Poland’s National Independence Day.

  “Since 1918, every November 11, Poland commemorates the restoration of its independence, freedom, and sovereignty following the end of the First World War.

  “Canada and Poland have a long-standing relationship rooted in a strong historical foundation and close ties between our peoples. More than 1.1 million Canadians of Polish ancestry call our country home and contribute to our social, cultural, and economic fabric every day.

  “Our countries work closely together on shared priorities such as maintaining peace and security and defending the rules-based international order. We collaborate closely within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – with approximately 1,000 Canadian Armed Forces members currently serving in Central and Eastern Europe to increase security and stability in the region through Operation REASSURANCE. We also cooperate on a bilateral basis and in close coordination with the Polish Armed Forces, with approximately 40 Canadian Armed Forces members providing combat engineering training to members of the Ukrainian military under Operation UNIFIER. Canada and Poland also enjoy a mutually beneficial economic relationship, with the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) helping to create new opportunities and good jobs in both countries.

  “Poland has played a key role in responding to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine by welcoming millions of Ukrainians this year, supporting the international humanitarian response, including through funds from Canada, and through providing extensive military assistance. Poland has also helped displaced Ukrainians relocate to Canada and countries around the world. We will keep working with and supporting Poland and other countries across the region in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

  “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Poland’s National Independence Day, here in Canada and around the world.”

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• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni

  
  November 10, 2022
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  

  Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.

  Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Meloni on her recent appointment as Prime Minister. The two leaders discussed the importance of building on the strong relationship between their two countries, including at the G7 and NATO, to address ongoing global concerns related to Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

  With 2022 marking the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations, the prime ministers underlined the deep people-to-people and cultural ties between Canada and Italy, and agreed to work closely to advance international peace and security, to promote the development and adoption of clean technologies and to help create good jobs on both sides of the Atlantic by strengthening bilateral investment and trade.

  Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni looked forward to meeting in person at the G20 Leaders’ Meeting in Indonesia next week.

  Associated Links

• Canada-Italy relations
• Statement by the Prime Minister on the formation of a new government in Italy
• Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
• Prime Minister to participate in the ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, and the Sommet de la Francophonie
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
  
  November 10, 2022
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  

  Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

  The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s continued solidarity with Ukraine as it fights to regain territory while facing Russian strikes on civilian targets and energy infrastructure. These unjustifiable attacks aim only to cause suffering as winter approaches.

  The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people through military, economic, and humanitarian assistance for as long as necessary. The two leaders considered how Canada can continue to assist Ukraine in the coming months and in the longer term.

  The Prime Minister and the President noted the need to address the global impacts of Russia’s invasion, and discussed what can be done to support those most affected by food insecurity.

  The leaders also discussed ongoing multilateral efforts to hold Russia to account for its illegal and unjustifiable aggression, and exchanged on ways to approach their upcoming engagements, including at the G20.

  President Zelenskyy thanked Prime Minister Trudeau for Canada’s significant contributions to Ukraine, including the recently announced Ukraine Sovereignty Bond.

  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
• Prime Minister announces new measures to support Ukraine
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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• The Prime Minister announces the appointment of a senator
• 
  November 10, 2022
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  

  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Dr. Margo Greenwood as an independent senator to fill a vacancy for British Columbia.

  Dr. Greenwood is an internationally recognized and highly respected Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry. She is a researcher and author with over 30 years of experience in health fields. A professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, she has worked extensively in health research, particularly in the area of Indigenous health and well-being. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has received many awards for her academic, community, and advocacy work.

  Dr. Greenwood was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

  Quote

  “Today, I welcome Dr. Margo Greenwood as Parliament’s newest independent senator. Dr. Greenwood’s academic expertise, commitment to health and education, and dedication to the well-being of Indigenous communities will make her a strong voice for British Columbians. I look forward to working with her, and with all senators, as we continue to make life more affordable for people and build an economy that works for all Canadians.”

  The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

  Quick Facts

  • The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate not only defends regional interests, it also creates space for the voices of historically underrepresented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and women.
  • With today’s announcement, there have been 63 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
  • Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • In 2016, the selection process for senators was opened to all Canadians. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the Prime Minister.
  • The Board is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
  • Once appointed by the Governor General, new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.

  Biographical Notes

  • Dr. Margo Greenwood

  Associated Links

• Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
• Senate Appointments Process – Questions and Answers
• Senate of Canada
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