Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres
December 7, 2022
Montréal, Quebec
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Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres, on the margins of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which Canada is hosting from December 7 to 19, 2022.
The two leaders expressed their steadfast commitment to action on biodiversity and climate change and agreed on the need for an ambitious Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework to guide the world’s collective efforts to stop biodiversity loss and the degradation of nature. Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that the success of the future Framework will depend on the mobilization of resources commensurate with the level of ambition, to support developing countries in realizing the Framework’s targets.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Secretary-General Guterres discussed other pressing global issues. The Prime Minister raised Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its impacts on global food security and commended the Secretary-General’s work to renew the Black Sea Grain Initiative. the two leaders expressed their concern about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as winter sets in. They also discussed the situation in Haiti and the need to advance political dialogue toward a Haitian-led solution to the security crisis. Prime Minister Trudeau further expressed his appreciation for the UN’s efforts in delivering humanitarian assistance in Haiti. They also exchanged views on regional peace and security issues, including the ongoing peace process in Ethiopia.
The Prime Minister and the Secretary-General discussed Prime Minister Trudeau’s role within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates group, which he co-chairs with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. The two leaders stressed the importance of COP15 in advancing the SDGs and accelerating climate action. They further agreed that the year ahead will be critical in re-energizing efforts toward the SDGs in the decade for action, noting that the SDG Summit, which will be held in New York City next September, will be a key milestone in 2023.
Associated Links
- Canada and the United Nations
- Canada welcomes the world for COP15 to protect nature
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- SDG Summit 2023
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres
December 7, 2022
Montréal, Quebec
Indigenous Peoples have been caring for the lands and waters of Canada since time immemorial. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis have unique relationships with nature and knowledge of responsible stewardship as a way of life. By working together and supporting Indigenous Peoples in protecting more nature across the country, we are continuing to listen to their voices and helping ensure the world we leave to future generations is safe and healthy.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced up to $800 million over seven years, starting in 2023-24, to support up to four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. Once completed, these projects could protect an additional up to one million square kilometres. This investment is a major step forward in protecting nature across the country and will drive progress toward Canada’s ambitious goals of conserving 25 per cent of land and waters by 2025, and 30 per cent of each by 2030.
This investment will support the establishment of protected areas through an innovative funding model – Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) – which is based on partnership. It brings together Indigenous organizations, governments, and the philanthropic community to identify shared goals for protecting nature and ultimately halting biodiversity loss. The government recognizes the community leadership and the work of philanthropic organizations in support of this important work.
With this funding, the Government of Canada is helping to bring together 30 Indigenous governments and organizations in the Northwest Territories. Funding is also intended to support the conservation of lands and waters in the Northernshelf Bioregion in British Columbia, in Qikiqtani Region in Nunavut, and in Ontario’s Hudson Bay Lowlands, as well as the coastline of Western Hudson Bay and southwestern James Bay – one of North America’s most carbon-rich and biodiverse ecosystems.
As delegates from around the world come to Montréal for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada will continue to champion its role as a leader in nature conservation. We will continue to support Indigenous-led efforts to conserve nature and biodiversity, protect Indigenous cultures and ways of life, and build a healthy future for generations to come, while making significant progress toward meeting Canada’s conservation goals.
Quotes
“Our government is here as a partner. And today, we took an important step forward – together – to deliver a vision of conservation that has partnership and reconciliation at its core. I’m looking forward to our shared work to deliver results for communities and for the nature that sustains us all.”
“Indigenous Peoples have been guardians of the land, waters, and ice of this continent for millennia. Canada’s ambitious biodiversity goals can only be met in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. By coupling Indigenous and Western science, we can fight the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, strengthen our relationships with Indigenous communities, and build a better future for everyone.”
“Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the land and water for generations, and are profoundly connected to them. This new funding will support Indigenous-led marine conservation initiatives to protect our shared coasts and oceans for the next seven generations.”
Quick Facts
- Today’s funding will help leverage third-party investments to contribute toward Canada’s conservation targets, and advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- The Government of Canada has made historic investments in Indigenous-led conservation initiatives that support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between natural landscapes and Indigenous cultures including:
- Investing more than $118 million in Budget 2018, to support Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, including Indigenous Guardians and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas; and
- Investing almost $454 million in Budget 2021 to support a host of Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, such as Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation, Indigenous Guardians, conservation on Inuit Owned Lands, and Indigenous Partnerships for Species at Risk.
- Grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge, and local perspectives, Canada is committed to working with partners to conserve 25 per cent of lands and waters by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030.
- United Nations data suggests that lands for which Indigenous Peoples are stewards comprise around 20 per cent of the Earth’s territory and contain as much as 80 per cent of the world’s remaining biodiversity.
- The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Convention has been ratified by 196 nations.
- Canada stepped up to be the host location of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity from December 7 to 19, 2022, in Montréal, where we will renew the call for ambitious action to protect nature.
- Along with international partners, Canada is committed to both the development of an ambitious Global Biodiversity Framework with clear targets, as well as the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge, to conserve and protect natural environments at home and around the world.
Associated Links
- Canada welcomes the world for COP15 to protect nature
- Indigenous environmental leadership, funding, and initiatives
- Indigenous Leadership Initiative
- UN Biodiversity Conference: COP15 in Montréal
December 6, 2022
Montréal, Quebec
From the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island in the Atlantic, to the snow-capped Rockies in the West, to the permafrost that covers much of the Canadian Arctic – Canada is known for our landscapes. Nature is part of who we are as Canadians, but it is under threat. Today, we are welcoming the world to Canada to make sure nature remains part of who we will be for generations to come.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was in Montréal today to welcome delegates from around the world to the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. As a global leader in conservation, Canada stepped up to be the host location for COP15 from December 7 to 19, 2022, and renew the call for ambitious action to protect nature.
In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted Canada’s commitment to ensuring COP15 is a success by working with international partners to reach an agreement on an ambitious Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The GBF would provide a collective roadmap that will guide worldwide efforts on biodiversity conservation until 2030.
In support of this goal, Prime Minister Trudeau today announced that Canada will provide a new contribution of $350 million to support developing countries – home to the vast majority of the world’s biodiversity – to advance conservation efforts. This funding will support the implementation of the future GBF. This is in addition to the more than $1 billion Canada has already pledged to support climate action projects that address the effects of climate change on biodiversity loss in developing countries.
Today’s new investment further positions Canada as a global leader in protecting nature. It is in addition to billions of dollars in historic investments we have made since 2016 to conserve nature and biodiversity here at home and around the world. By stepping up and bringing the world together in Montréal, we can stop biodiversity loss and build a healthy planet for future generations.
Quotes
“When people think of Canada, they think of our landscapes and the richness of our nature – parts of who we are. Today, we welcome the world to Montréal to continue working together to make sure the planet we leave to our kids and grandkids has clean air, clean water, and an abundance of nature to enjoy.”
“The fight to protect nature has never been more important than it is right now. With a million species at risk of extinction around the world, COP15 is a generational opportunity to work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and create a nature-positive world. Canada stepped up to welcome the world for this conference and sees it as an opportunity to rally federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous ambition to protect 30 per cent of our lands and waters by 2030.”
Quick Facts
- Canada has ambitious goals to protect 25 per cent of its lands and oceans by 2025, and 30 per cent of each – a land mass almost as large as the European Union – by 2030. At COP15, Canada will continue to push other countries to commit to conserving 30 per cent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.
- Canada is already a leader in nature conservation:
- We have made the two largest investments to protect our lands in Canadian history since 2016: more than $1 billion for the Nature Legacy initiative, and $2.3 billion from Budget 2021 to protect nature, fight climate change, and create jobs.
- These investments include more than $440 million to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to protect nature and biodiversity through their unique rights and ways of knowing. It also is an important part of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- In the weeks leading to COP15, Canada already announced over $185 million in funding for conservation initiatives here at home and important steps forward for species at risk, including:
- $109 million from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund for 40 conservation projects across the country;
- More than $60 million through the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative to support the recovery and protection of some of Canada’s most iconic species; and
- The launch of consultations on the assessment of the status of the Monarch butterfly and the Western Bumble Bee.
- The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity brings together nearly 20,000 delegates from more than 190 countries and member states to engage in important negotiations and dialogue around biodiversity conservation.
- The Canadian delegation at COP15 is led by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, and includes representatives from the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, businesses, and youth.
- At COP15, Canada’s pavilion will showcase Canadian action and leadership on biodiversity conservation, promote partnerships and ambitious action, and amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. An Indigenous village will showcase the vital role of Indigenous Peoples as stewards of the land and offer a gathering space for Indigenous participants at the conference.
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- Government of Canada launches consultations on the assessment of the status of the Monarch and the Western Bumble Bee
Associated Links
- Convention on Biological Diversity
- UN Biodiversity Conference: COP15 in Montréal
- Budget 2021 – A Healthy Environment for a Healthy Economy
December 6, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women:
“Today, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, we remember the 14 young women who were murdered and 13 others injured at the École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989. Their lives were so tragically cut short simply because they were women.
“For 33 years, we have held them in our thoughts. Geneviève Bergeron. Maryse Laganière. Hélène Colgan. Maryse Leclair. Nathalie Croteau. Anne-Marie Lemay. Barbara Daigneault. Sonia Pelletier. Anne-Marie Edward. Michèle Richard. Maud Haviernick. Annie St-Arneault. Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz. Annie Turcotte. We will never forget them.
“On this day, and throughout the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we acknowledge that the hatred that motivated this tragic mass shooting is still a very real threat for women in Canada and around the world. This is particularly true for marginalized and racialized women.
“Across the country this past week, we have been mourning the tragic killing of four Indigenous women in Manitoba: Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and a fourth woman who remains unidentified at this time. We will remember them as mothers, daughters, sisters, and caring community members. There is more work to do to stop this senseless violence and put an end to the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous families, Survivors, leaders, and partners, as well as with provinces and territories, to implement the MMIWG National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway to make our communities safer.
“The Government of Canada is working to end gender-based violence so that all women, girls, and gender-diverse people can feel safe. Our Gender-Based Violence Strategy is advancing efforts to help prevent and address gender-based violence, support Survivors and their families, and promote justice. We are also supporting provinces and territories in implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, launched last month, which sets a framework for anyone facing gender-based violence to have reliable and timely access to protection and services, no matter where they live. In addition, the government provided funding for women’s shelters across the country, crisis hotlines, and organizations helping women flee violence.
“We are also helping to protect women and girls by keeping guns out of our communities. Earlier this fall, the government implemented a national freeze on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns, which will make communities safer and help save lives. And Bill C-21 proposes Canada’s most significant action on gun violence in a generation.
“I encourage all Canadians to honour the victims and Survivors of the tragedy at the École Polytechnique de Montréal. Today, we wear a white ribbon, observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m., and support Survivors and those affected by gender-based violence. We will continue to do everything we can to build a safer, more inclusive future for everyone.”
December 5, 2022
Ingersoll, Ontario
Autoworkers have been a keystone of the Canadian economy for generations. By investing in the future of the auto industry, we are not only securing good middle-class jobs, we are fighting climate change, and building an economy that works for generations to come.
Since January alone, Canada has secured several historic manufacturing deals for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and batteries – deals that will create and secure thousands of good, middle-class jobs and provide the world with clean vehicles. Today, we are seeing the results of one of those deals start to roll off the line.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, was joined today by Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, to open Canada’s first full-scale EV manufacturing plant, General Motors of Canada Company’s (GM) CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario. Starting today and going forward, the plant will build fully electric delivery vans – the BrightDrop Zevo 600 – which will help cut pollution and keep our communities healthy for our children and grandchildren.
Thanks in part to a $259 million investment from the Government of Canada, GM’s CAMI assembly plant was able to retool its operations to build these electric vans. By 2025, the plant plans to manufacture 50,000 EVs per year. This investment has helped secure thousands of well-paying, high-quality jobs across GM facilities, and is helping advance the electrification of Canada’s automotive sector.
The Government of Canada will continue to work to attract investment from companies around the world as we build our EV supply chain – from mining critical minerals to manufacturing batteries, and vehicles. By taking action today, we are positioning Canada as a global leader in EVs, fighting climate change, securing good jobs, and building an economy that works for all Canadians – now and into the future.
Quotes
“When we invested in GM’s project to build Canada’s first full-scale electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Ingersoll, we knew it would deliver results. Today, as the first BrightDrop van rolls off the line, that’s exactly what we’re seeing. This plant has secured good jobs for workers, it is positioning Canada as a leader on EVs, and will help cut pollution. Good jobs, clean air, and a strong economy – together, that’s the future we can build.”
“Today is proof that our historic investments in EV manufacturing are paying off. With the first BrightDrop vans coming off the assembly line, we’re seeing the skill of Canadian workers making a huge difference as the world moves to EVs. Our government, in partnership with GM, is cementing Canada’s leadership in the EV supply chain.”
“This milestone represents GM at our best – fast, flexible and first in the industry. The BrightDrop Zevo is a prime example of GM's flexible Ultium EV architecture, which is allowing us to quickly launch a full range of electric vehicles for our customers. And, as of today, I am proud to call the CAMI EV Assembly team the first full-scale all-electric manufacturing team in Canada.”
“This is a very exciting moment – a revolution in the way we transport people and goods. Today marks a huge day for BrightDrop, as we expand our footprint and begin producing the Zevo electric vans at scale, and a huge milestone for Canada on the road to a brighter future. Opening the CAMI plant is a major step in providing EVs at scale and delivering real results to the world’s biggest brands, like DHL Express, who will be our first Canadian customer.”
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada’s $259 million investment supports GM’s more than $2 billion project to reignite production at its Oshawa assembly plant, after operations stopped in 2019, and transform its CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll.
- The investment is being made through both the Strategic Innovation Fund and its Net Zero Accelerator Initiative.
- The Government of Ontario made a matching contribution of up to $259 million toward the project.
- Founded in 1918, General Motors of Canada Company (GM) is one of the largest automotive manufacturers worldwide. It is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario, and is one of Canada’s largest automotive manufacturers.
- GM is planning to introduce 30 new electric vehicles by 2025, eliminate tailpipe emissions from new light-duty vehicles by 2035, and become carbon neutral in its global products and operations by 2040.
- The automotive sector contributes $16 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product and is one of the country’s largest export industries.
- The automotive sector supports the employment of nearly 500,000 Canadians.
- The 2030 Emissions Reductions Plan, released in March, puts Canada on track to achieving our goal of cutting emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 while continuing to build a strong economy.
- To make zero-emission vehicles more affordable and accessible, the Government of Canada offers incentives of up to $5,000 off the purchase or lease of a light-duty zero-emission vehicle through the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program. Since May 2019, close to 176,000 Canadians have taken advantage of this program.
- Since 2015, the Government of Canada has invested $400 million in building approximately 35,000 zero-emission vehicle charging stations across the country.
Associated Links
- Helping more Canadians drive electric vehicles
- Government of Canada secures thousands of jobs and helps create Canada’s first full-scale commercial electric vehicle manufacturing facility
- Zero-emission vehicles
- General Motors Canada
