Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
.jpg)
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
“Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recommit to building a future free of barriers, where persons with disabilities have every opportunity to thrive. We also celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities, here in Canada and around the world.
“More than 6.2 million Canadians have a disability – and many have disabilities that are not visible. Persons with disabilities face discrimination, incur many additional expenses, and often encounter barriers to finding meaningful and well-paid work. We recognize that disabilities are diverse in nature – whether physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health-related – and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But whatever a person’s needs may be, the Government of Canada is committed to making our country more accessible and more inclusive for everyone.
“Earlier this fall, we launched Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which features concrete programs, policies, and critical investments that aim to improve the lives of persons with disabilities – from achieving financial security, to finding and keeping a good job, to being able to fully participate in their communities. The Action Plan was developed in partnership with the disability community and tackles their key priorities. The government has also followed through on ground-breaking legislation. The Canada Disability Benefit Act, Bill C-22, was tabled in Parliament this summer, and recently passed second reading in the House of Commons with unanimous consent. The goal of the proposed Canada Disability Benefit is to reduce poverty and increase the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities in our country. By the end of the year, we will reach a major milestone toward making Canada’s public service the most accessible and inclusive in the world with the publication of accessibility plans across the federal public service. These plans will help shape the future of Canada’s largest employer and service provider, so that we can build a federal public service that truly reflects the population it serves.
“Around the world, Canada continues to protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities, including through international forums such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization, and the Global Action on Disability Network. Earlier this year, Canada supported the successful election of Dr. Laverne Jacobs to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – the first ever Canadian to serve as a member.
“When everyone can fully contribute to our communities, we all benefit. When persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to work, have the same quality of service from their government, can access the supports and programs they need to enjoy the same quality of life as everyone else, we build stronger communities, a stronger economy, and a stronger country. Today, and every day, I encourage all Canadians to work together to help make our country a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible place to call home.”
December 3, 2022
Richmond, British Columbia
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had his first meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby.
The Prime Minister congratulated Premier Eby on being sworn in as premier, and said he looked forward to building on the strong collaboration between the federal and British Columbia governments in recent years.
The two leaders discussed health care, and agreed to continue working together so all British Columbians and Canadians have a health care system that meets their needs. They also discussed public safety, supporting mental health and addictions services for vulnerable people, and the work they are doing to make sure British Columbians feel safe in their communities.
On housing affordability, the two leaders agreed to work on the challenges in British Columbia with the goal of making life more affordable for British Columbians and building an economy that works for everyone. As well, they agreed to build on the significant efforts both governments have made toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Premier Eby also welcomed the Government of Canada’s new 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, and the Prime Minister and Premier Eby agreed to collaborate on foreign credential recognition.
The Prime Minister and Premier Eby agreed to remain in close contact and to continue working together on these and other shared priorities.
Associated Links
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the selection of the next premier of British Columbia
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with British Columbia Premier-designate David Eby
- Reducing licensed child care fees for British Columbia families by 50%
December 1, 2022
London, Ontario
Nobody should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table. Amid economic uncertainty around the world, Canadians are feeling the rising cost of living. To help families pay the bills, the Government of Canada is putting more money back in the pockets of people who need it most, when they need it most.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today launched applications for the interim Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12 who do not have access to private dental insurance. Eligible families can apply starting today.
The Canada Dental Benefit will provide eligible parents and guardians with direct, tax-free payments of up to $650 per child, per year – to a maximum of $1,300 per child over the next two years – to help cover out-of-pocket dental care expenses for their children under 12. The Benefit is available to parents and guardians with an annual adjusted family net income under $90,000 who do not have access to private dental insurance. This Benefit is expected to help up to 500,000 Canadian children get the dental care they need and is the first step toward providing dental coverage for Canadian families who need it most.
Delivering dental care for children under 12 is a key part of the government’s plan to continue making life more affordable this year and building an economy that works for all Canadians. We also doubled the Goods and Services Tax Credit for six months, putting up to an additional $467 in the pockets of couples with two children for example, and we are delivering a top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit – a $500 tax-free payment – to an estimated 1.8 million Canadian renters who are struggling with the cost of housing.
We will continue to be there for people, make life more affordable, and deliver results for the middle class and people working hard to join it.
Quotes
“Starting today, many parents can get their kids the proper dental care they need, without worrying about the bill. We will always be there for families who need it most, when they need it most, and we will keep working to deliver much-needed relief now, as we build an economy that works for all Canadians.”
“As of today, nearly 500,000 children will be able to access the Canada Dental Benefit and start caring for their smiles. The Benefit empowers eligible families with the confidence of being able to afford their kid’s oral health care. As we continue our work on the long-term Canada-wide dental care program, we look forward to seeing brighter and healthier smiles across the country!”
“We are excited to open applications for the new interim Canada Dental Benefit and deliver on the Government of Canada’s commitment to make life more affordable by helping families access the dental care they need. Our simple and secure application process will help Canadians get their payments quickly and easily.”
“Oral health is an essential component of overall health. Visiting the dentist early and regularly is an important way to get started on their journey to a lifetime of good oral health. Thanks to the Canada Dental Benefit, more children across Canada will get access to the dental care they need to have healthy teeth, mouths, and smiles. The Canadian Dental Association applauds the federal government’s historic commitment to enhance access to dental care and looks forward to working closely with the government on helping all Canadians achieve and maintain good oral health.”
Quick Facts
- A third of Canadians currently do not have dental insurance, and in 2018, more than one in five Canadians reported avoiding dental care because of the cost.
- Eligible families can apply for the Canada Dental Benefit starting today through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account portal or, if they do not have internet access, by phone at 1-800-715-8836. To access the benefit, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- They have a child or children under 12 as of December 1, 2022, and are currently receiving the Canada Child Benefit for that child;
- They have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000;
- Their child does not have access to private dental insurance;
- They have filed their 2021 tax return; and
- They have had or will have out of pocket expenses for their child’s dental care services incurred between October 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, for which the costs are not fully covered or reimbursed by another dental program provided by any order of government.
- Parents and guardians will need to keep the receipts for the dental care services that their child received with the Benefit for six years in case the CRA contacts them to validate eligibility.
- A national dental program is under development, with the goal of expanding dental coverage to under 18-year-olds, seniors, and persons living with a disability in 2023, with full implementation for all families with incomes under $90,000 by 2025.
- Providing a Canada Dental Benefit to children under 12 is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to make life more affordable for Canadians now.
- We are also providing a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit, delivering a $500 tax-free payment to an estimated 1.8 million Canadian renters who are struggling with the cost of housing. This more than doubles the government’s Budget 2022 commitment, reaching twice as many Canadians as initially promised. This new one-time federal benefit will be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories. The top-up will be available to applicants with an adjusted net income $35,000 or less for families, or $20,000 or less for individuals, who pay at least 30 per cent of their income on rent.
- In addition, we are already putting more money back in the pockets of Canadians this year by:
- Doubling the Goods and Services Tax Credit for six months, delivering support to roughly 11 million individuals and families. Canadians started receiving their payment last month. Couples with two children are receiving up to an extra $467 and seniors an extra $225 on average.
- Enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit to support workers this year, with a couple receiving up to $2,400 more this year, and single workers receiving up to $1,200 more. Most recipients first received this additional support through their 2021 tax refund.
- Cutting regulated child care fees in half on average for families in Canada by the end of this year.
- Increasing by 10 per cent the Old Age Security (OAS) pension for seniors 75 years and older, starting in July 2022, providing more than $800 in new support to full pensioners over the first year and increasing benefits for more than three million seniors.
- Providing more support for students by doubling the Canada Student Grant amount until July 2023 and by making Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans permanently interest-free. An average student loan borrower will save $410 per year as a result of their loan being interest-free.
Related Products
Associated Links
- Canada Dental Benefit
- Making life more affordable for Canadians this year
- Putting more money back in the pockets of Canadians today
- Affordability Plan
December 1, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“On World AIDS Day, we join people living with HIV and AIDS in Canada and around the world, to remember the lives lost to this epidemic and show our unwavering support to reaching our global goals of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination.
“The first case of AIDS in Canada was reported in 1982, and 40 years later, there are nearly 63,000 people living with this disease in our country. In 2021, close to 40 million people globally were reported to be living with HIV, and in that same year, AIDS-related illnesses claimed the lives of an estimated 650,000 people.
“Despite the progress Canada has made in recent years, there are many people in Canada who are not currently diagnosed or being treated. At AIDS 2022, the 24th International AIDS Conference that took place in Montréal this past summer, the Government of Canada committed a total of $17.9 million for the distribution of HIV self-testing kits and other methods of HIV testing across the country, including support for community-based organizations to make testing more accessible to the populations most affected by HIV.
“This year’s theme for World AIDS Day, ‘Equalize’, recognizes the unequal impact this disease has across the globe. Together, the world is committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, and we are working with partners, including the key populations most affected by HIV/AIDS, to help ensure HIV prevention, testing, and treatment are available to everyone. Earlier this fall, at the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment pledging conference, the Government of Canada announced a commitment of $1.21 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This commitment will help keep people around the world safe and healthy.
“Today, on World AIDS Day, I encourage everyone to challenge the inequalities, misconceptions and stigma surrounding this global epidemic. Together, we can end AIDS and build a safer future for everyone.”
November 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Ritu Khullar, a judge of the Court of Appeal of Alberta, as the new Chief Justice of Alberta, Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories, and Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nunavut.
Chief Justice Khullar replaces the Honourable Catherine A. Fraser, the first woman appointed Chief Justice of a province in Canada, who retired earlier this year.
Quote
“I wish the Honourable Ritu Khullar every success as she takes on her new role. She is a respected member of the legal community and brings a wealth of experience in multiple areas of law to the bench. I am confident Chief Justice Khullar will be a great asset to the people of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
November 28, 2022
James Smith Cree Nation, Saskatchewan
The events described below are far-reaching and deeply impactful. If you need someone to talk to, the Hope for Wellness Helpline offers support to all Indigenous Peoples. Counsellors are available by phone or online chat. This service is available in English and French, and, upon request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call the toll-free help line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
In September, the horrific attacks that took the lives of 11 people and injured 18 others in James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby community of Weldon, Saskatchewan, shocked Canadians from coast to coast to coast. We came together to mourn those whose lives were taken and support their loved ones. The Government of Canada is continuing to support community members who are coping with the loss and trauma from this tragic and senseless violence.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited James Smith Cree Nation to meet with community leaders, families of victims, and survivors and announce $62.5 million over six years, starting this year, and $4.5 million ongoing to support the healing, mental health, and well-being of community members impacted by the tragic events of September, and to support Indigenous-led approaches to community safety. Everyone should have access to the type of support they need, and today we’re taking action to improve access to culturally grounded mental health and addictions care for the people of James Smith Cree Nation.
From this new funding, $42.5 million will help support mental wellness and healing, including through the building of a new wellness centre in the community and repurposing the existing Sakwatamo Lodge. It will also enable James Smith Cree Nation to develop and design programs that best serve the needs of their members including increasing access to mental health, trauma, and substance use services. This will ensure that both immediate and long-term supports are available for James Smith Cree Nation community members to continue their healing journey.
The Prime Minister also announced an additional $20 million over four years to top-up the Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative, which builds on our work to implement the Federal Pathway, and end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This initiative is supporting James Smith Cree Nation and other communities in developing and delivering community-based safety and wellness projects.
Access to quality mental health care that is culturally relevant and trauma-informed is critical to the well-being of communities and to support recovery from the pain, trauma, and loss inflicted by tragedies such as the horrific violence this past September. The Government of Canada will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples across the country to advance Indigenous-led approaches to mental wellness. Our priority is for everyone in Canada to have access to the mental health care they need, when they need it.
Quotes
“Today, I heard first-hand the pain, sorrow, anger, and grief that people here in the community of James Smith Cree Nation are feeling. Canadians are mourning with you. More access to mental health and addictions care will help create a safer and healthier community, and to the people of James Smith Cree Nation: the government will be your partner every step of the way on your healing journey.”
“From tragedy to healing is a long journey, but the people and leadership of James Smith Cree Nation have stayed strong. Healing takes time and ongoing support. It’s why we will continue to support and fund Indigenous-led and designed health approaches. There is so much more to do to transform systems of care to ensure Indigenous Peoples can access health and wellness supports that are safe, culturally centred and equitable. The federal government remains committed to being a strong partner in this work.”
“We are thankful for his visit – his kind words were profoundly touching as our community members continue to mourn the loss of their loved ones. We recognize that Prime Minister Trudeau and his government were responsive to our immediate needs for emergency health supports immediately after the incident, which helped us during a time of great turmoil. His visit gives us confidence that we can continue to work together to meet our long-term goals that include our need for treatment centres and self-administered policing.”
Quick Facts
- On September 4, 2022, 11 people were murdered and 18 injured in James Smith Cree Nation and the nearby community of Weldon, Saskatchewan. The suspect in these homicides was apprehended by police, went into medical distress, and later died in hospital. The investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police into these tragic events is ongoing.
- In the wake of this tragedy, the Government of Canada provided a suite of immediate supports to the local community, including:
- temporary accommodations to address immediate needs for individual counselling, family therapy, and mental wellness supports at the community level;
- mental health counselling and addiction support through 15 mental health therapists; and
- over $300,000 to address the specific mental health needs of children at the James Smith Cree Nation School.
- In October, the Government of Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Prince Albert Grand Council announced a partnership with the aim of improving public safety and policing in its 12 member First Nations and 28 communities. This team will advance work on Indigenous-led public safety initiatives, tailored to the needs of each community.
- In Budget 2022, the government committed an additional $227.6 million over two years to maintain Indigenous-led services to improve mental wellness. This builds on funding of $597.6 million provided in Budget 2021 for distinctions-based Indigenous mental health and wellness strategies.
- Funding for the Mental Wellness Program has increased from around $325 million annually in 2015-16 to $580 million in 2021-22. An additional $107 million in that year expanded trauma-informed supports to all forms of trauma, bringing total funding for the program to $687 million in 2021-22.
- The Government of Canada is committed to supporting everyone’s mental health in Canada. If you or a loved one is struggling, the Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous Peoples across the country. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone at 1-855-242-3310 and online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both telephone and online chat services are available in English and French. Telephone support is also available upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
Related Products
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the attacks in Saskatchewan
- Budget 2022: Moving Forward on Reconciliation
Associated Links
November 26, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Holodomor Memorial Day:
“Today, we remember the millions of innocent people in Ukraine who suffered and died at the hands of Joseph Stalin’s totalitarian Soviet regime during the Holodomor.
“The Holodomor was a systemic and heinous campaign of deliberate starvation across Ukraine in 1932 and 1933. The Soviet regime starved millions of Ukrainians, stole their land, and seized their crops. The regime arrested, deported, or executed Ukrainians in a genocide designed to repress their rights and identity, and destroy their aspirations for a free and independent Ukraine.
“In the face of this cruelty, Ukrainians held on to their language and culture, and persevered to win their independence in 1991, after almost 70 years of Soviet control. Until its collapse, the Soviet regime denied the atrocities of the Holodomor, and the suffering of Ukrainians was not known to the international community for over five decades. Russia still denies the Holodomor as a genocide.
“Ukrainians are resilient. Today, we continue to be inspired by their strength and bravery in the face of the Russian regime’s brutal and unjustifiable invasion of their country. Just as the generations before them, the people of Ukraine will not give up their centuries-long vision for a free and independent country. The Government of Canada will continue our steadfast support of the people of Ukraine as they defend their country, as well as our shared values of democracy and respect for human rights. We will always stand up for what is right as we build a better world for all.
“Today, it is up to all of us to remember the Holodomor genocide as it happened, learn from it, and honour those who lost their lives. On this solemn day, I join Ukrainians here in Canada and around the world to remember, to mourn, and to stand with them as they defend their country, and our shared values.”
November 25, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:
“Today, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we come together to take action to stop gender-based violence and recognize the tireless work advocacy groups and community organizations do to support survivors and their families.
“Every day, women, girls, and gender diverse people across Canada experience violence because of their gender, gender expression, or perceived gender. Certain groups, such as Indigenous women and girls, racialized women, women living in rural and remote communities, people in 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and women with disabilities, are at even greater risk to experience gender-based violence. This is unacceptable. But together, we can end the cycle. It is everyone’s responsibility to take action against gender-based violence regardless of whether it’s physical, emotional, financial, or sexual violence. Through this year’s It’s Not Just campaign, the Government of Canada is raising awareness of the different forms of gender-based violence, and we’re providing resources so we can all play a role in preventing it.
“As a government, we will continue to take action to prevent and address gender-based violence, too. Earlier this year, we introduced Bill C-21, which proposes Canada’s most significant action against gun violence in a generation. Further to this, we banned the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns in October, which will make communities safer and help save lives. Recently, the federal government, along with most provinces and territories, also endorsed the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, 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.
“The work to end gender-based violence is far from over. We continue to work in partnership with Indigenous families, Survivors, leaders, and partners, as well as with provinces and territories to implement the Federal Pathway and put an end to the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will continue our efforts until everyone in Canada – regardless of their gender, gender expression, or perceived gender – can feel safe and respected.
“Today, as we mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, I invite all Canadians to join the conversation on ending gender-based violence by using the hashtags #ItsNotJust and #16Days. We all have a role to play in ending the cycle and ensuring everyone can feel safe now and into the future.”
