Statement by the Prime Minister to mark the start of Hanukkah
December 18, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the start of Hanukkah:
“At sunset today, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will mark the beginning of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights.
“For eight nights, families and loved ones will gather to sing, spin dreidels, fry latkes, eat sufganiyot, light the candles of the Hanukkiah one by one, and tell the story of the Maccabees’ successful revolt.
“Hanukkah commemorates the liberation of the Jewish people and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It celebrates the miracle of the oil, which was only enough to burn for one night, but instead lasted for eight days.
“Since then, Hanukkah has celebrated the strength and perseverance of Jewish people and their triumph over adversity. The candles of the Hanukkiah serve as a reminder that, just as light drowns out the dark, love conquers hate. For us all, Hanukkah is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that Jewish Canadians have made – and continue to make – to a strong, prosperous, and inclusive Canada.
“Today, we also reflect on the incredible resilience Jewish people have shown in the face of exile and persecution, and reaffirm our commitment to combat antisemitism wherever it occurs. Together, we will continue to build a better country where all Canadians can live their lives free from hatred, and where we continue to celebrate the diversity that makes us strong.
“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a blessed and joyful Hanukkah.
“Chag Hanukkah Sameach.”
December 16, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister expressed Canada’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people as they prepare for winter while Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s critical civilian infrastructure. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s determination to support Ukraine with military, humanitarian, financial, and other assistance for as long as necessary.
President Zelenskyy thanked Canada for its ongoing contributions to Ukraine, including demining resources, winter gear for Ukraine’s armed forces, and financial support ‒ most recently through the Ukraine Sovereignty Bond. The President also welcomed Canada’s decision to revoke the temporary permit allowing for the repair and return of Siemens turbines for use in the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.
The President also expressed gratitude for Canada’s $115 million contribution to support Ukraine’s energy infrastructure through the World Bank, announced at the December 13 Standing With the Ukrainian People conference in Paris, France.
The two leaders discussed President Zelenskyy’s initiative for a just peace, and Prime Minister Trudeau affirmed Canada’s commitment to support Ukraine in working toward a sustainable peace that secures Ukraine’s free and democratic future, ensures its ability to defend itself, and deters future Russian aggression.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy also talked about how to support the Global South as it grapples with food and energy crises exacerbated by Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The leaders agreed to remain in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada’s engagement in Ukraine
- Ukraine Sovereignty Bond
- Canada provides Ukraine $115 million from Russian and Belarusian tariff revenues to repair Kyiv’s power grid
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Rishi Sunak speak with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
December 16, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson to discuss opportunities to collaborate on the feasibility study of the Prairie Green Landfill. The federal government has committed to cover the costs of the feasibility study for a potential search of the site. It is believed the remains of two Indigenous women from the Long Plain First Nation who were tragically killed earlier this year are located in this landfill. The Prime Minister also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected by this senseless violence.
The two leaders discussed how their governments can provide support to and work collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to move forward constructively with a feasibility study to be led by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
The Prime Minister and the Premier agreed that both governments must work together and focus on healing for the community, particularly in the Long Plain First Nation.
They also discussed the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan, and how governments across the country can strengthen and advance their commitments to put an end to this ongoing tragedy.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Stefanson agreed to remain in close and regular contact on the issue.
Associated Links
- Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson
December 14, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the formation of a new government in Latvia:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Krišjānis Kariņš on his re-appointment as Prime Minister of Latvia and on the formation of a new government.
“Canada and Latvia’s relationship is rooted in strong ties between our peoples and in shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. As NATO Allies, we work together to protect transatlantic security, most notably through the Canadian-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence, which has approximately 700 Canadian troops on the ground in Latvia. I have had the pleasure of meeting with these troops on several occasions to thank them for their bravery and dedication – a testament to Canada’s enduring commitment to Latvia and the region.
“Our countries also enjoy a strong trading relationship through the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which helps create jobs and promote economic growth that benefits everyone on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Canada remains committed to collaborating with Latvia and other allies to support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion. Together, we will work to defend democracy and deter threats to global stability.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Prime Minister Kariņš to deepen our already strong bilateral relationship and make further progress on the issues that matter to people in both our countries, in Europe, and globally. As announced this summer, we will continue to strengthen our presence at our embassy in Latvia, while advancing European and transatlantic peace and security, expanding trade and investment, and promoting innovation and scientific cooperation.”
December 13, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Scholz discussed Russia’s unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, and denounced the illegal targeting of critical infrastructure by Russian forces. The two leaders addressed the importance of the continued coordination of international support towards Ukraine, and agreed on the importance of a newly-created multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform, which will help support the country’s recovery and reconstruction.
Prime Minister Trudeau further underlined Chancellor Scholz’s strong leadership during Germany’s successful presidency of the G7 in 2022, and both leaders agreed to work together to support Japan’s presidency of the G7 in 2023.
Both leaders highlighted the growing cooperation between Canada and Germany in support of Europe’s energy security, in particular related to critical supply chains, and the hydrogen alliance that was announced during the Chancellor’s visit to Canada in August. The Prime Minister and Chancellor also discussed Germany’s ongoing efforts towards the ratification of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), and committed to doing what they can to help create jobs, and foster investments on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Scholz agreed to stay in close contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Germany relations
- Canada and the G7
- G7 Leaders’ Statement
- Prime Minister concludes a successful visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
December 13, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss the evolving situation in Haiti. They were joined by the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations in New York, Bob Rae, the Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America, Kirsten Hillman, and the Ambassador of Canada to Haiti, Sébastien Carrière. Ambassador Rae provided an overview of his recent diplomatic mission to Haiti.
The group was briefed on the security and humanitarian situation in Haiti, which remains fragile. Haitians continue to face gang violence and blockades, including indiscriminate attacks, sexual and gender-based violence, destruction of homes, and mass displacement. The ongoing insecurity continues to exacerbate a humanitarian crisis by limiting the flow of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essential goods. The group welcomed news that political dialogue amongst key Haitian stakeholders continues, including a recent call for consensus by the private sector.
The group discussed further steps to be taken by Canada and its partners to support the people of Haiti. Prime Minister Trudeau directed officials to continue exploring how Canada can respond to the multidimensional crisis in Haiti with partners and support a Haitian-led solution. As part of these efforts, Canada will embed a team within the Embassy of Canada in Haiti to better liaise and engage with Haitian security stakeholders. This will help prioritize local voices and enable Canada to be more responsive to the needs of Haitians. Canada will also continue to work to hold to account those who are responsible for the unrest, including through sanctions and other tools, and will continue to encourage partners to do the same.
The Prime Minister and ministers reiterated Canada’s commitment to further collaborating with regional and international partners to support Haiti’s security and stability, and to help facilitate a path toward free and fair elections.
Associated Links
- Canada-Haiti relations
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes a third meeting of the Incident Response Group to discuss the situation in Haiti
- Canada conducts diplomatic mission in Haiti
- Canada imposes sanctions against Haitian economic elites
- Canada imposes additional sanctions against Haitian political elites
December 13, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking the birthday of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan:
“Today, we celebrate the 86th birthday of His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of millions of Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world, including the 100,000 Shia Ismaili Muslims who call Canada home.
“His Highness is a global leader in the fight for equality who, through the Aga Khan Development Network, has partnered with Canada to reduce poverty around the world, advance gender equality, and improve access to health care and education internationally, including the Ottawa-based Global Centre for Pluralism and the Toronto-based Aga Khan museum – the first Islamic museum in North America.
“The Aga Khan, an honorary Canadian citizen, embodies Canada’s values of compassion, kindness and tolerance, and reflects our shared vision of a better, more equal, and more peaceful world. This special year, we marked the 50th anniversary of the arrival of thousands of Ismailis in Canada after they were expelled from Uganda. Since their arrival, they have become a vibrant part of Canada’s social and economic fabric and made our country a better place to live.
“Today, I join people around the world in wishing the Aga Khan a very happy birthday. We wish him good health and happiness on this special day and for years to come.
“Salgirah Khushiali Mubarak!”
December 12, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
We, the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7), met on 12 December, to reflect on progress of our cooperation under Germany’s Presidency to jointly address global challenges at a time of severe geopolitical crisis and critical moment for the world economy. We were joined by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This year in the face of Russia’s illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, we stood more united than ever, together with Ukraine and in unwavering commitment to our shared values, the rules-based multilateral order and international cooperation.
Today, we reaffirm our unwavering support for and solidarity with Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian war of aggression for as long as it takes. We condemn Russia’s continuous inhumane and brutal attacks targeting critical infrastructure, in particular energy and water facilities, and cities across Ukraine, and recall that indiscriminate attacks and attacks on the civilian population or civilian objects, constitute a war crime. We also condemn those who are facilitating Putin’s illegal war. We are determined to help Ukraine repair, restore and defend its critical energy and water infrastructure. We will help Ukraine in meeting its winter preparedness needs, will continue to support Ukraine’s civilian resilience, and will further enhance our efforts on this during the international conference to be held in Paris on 13 December. We are determined that Russia will ultimately need to pay for the restoration of critical infrastructure damaged or destroyed through its brutal war. There can be no impunity for war crimes and other atrocities. We will hold President Putin and those responsible to account in accordance with international law. We reiterate that Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric is unacceptable and that any use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons would be met with severe consequences.
Building on our commitments so far, we will continue to galvanise international support to help address Ukraine’s urgent short-term financing needs. We ask our Finance Ministers to convene shortly to discuss a joint approach for coordinated budget support in 2023. We affirm that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should be central to this effort.
We firmly support efforts to secure Ukraine’s immediate financial stability and its recovery and reconstruction towards a sustainable, prosperous and democratic future, in line with its European path. We will build on the outcomes of the International Expert Conference on the Recovery, Reconstruction and Modernisation of Ukraine held on 25 October in Berlin, as well as at the Ukraine Recovery Conference on 21-22 June 2023 in London. In particular, with a view to supporting Ukraine’s repair, recovery and reconstruction, together with Ukraine and our international partners and in close coordination with relevant International Organisations and International Financial Institutions, we will establish a multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform. Through this platform, we will coordinate existing mechanisms to provide ongoing short- and long-term support – with particular responsibility of the Finance Track for short-term financial support –, coordinate further international funding and expertise, and encourage Ukraine’s reform agenda as well as private sector led growth. We will also set up a Secretariat for the Platform. We will each designate a senior government representative to oversee the set-up of the platform and ongoing coordination efforts, and ask them to convene as soon as possible in January 2023.
With a view to a viable post-war peace settlement, we remain ready to reach arrangements together with Ukraine and interested countries and institutions on sustained security and other commitments to help Ukraine defend itself, secure its free and democratic future, and deter future Russian aggression in line with its rights enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN Charter).
We will continue to coordinate efforts to meet Ukraine’s urgent requirements for military and defense equipment with an immediate focus on providing Ukraine with air defense systems and capabilities.
We also reiterate our strong condemnation of Russia’s continued seizure and militarisation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, the abduction and reported abuse of Ukrainian personnel, and the willful destabilisation of its operations. We support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) efforts to establish a Safety and Security Zone.
Russia’s war of aggression must end. To date, we have not seen evidence that Russia is committed to sustainable peace efforts. Russia can end this war immediately by ceasing its attacks against Ukraine and completely and unconditionally withdrawing its forces from the territory of Ukraine. We welcome and support President Zelenskyy’s initiative for a just peace.
We remain committed to our unprecedented coordinated sanctions measures in response to Russia’s war of aggression. We will maintain and intensify economic pressure on Russia and those who evade and undermine our restrictive measures. We will continue to shield vulnerable countries that are severely impacted by the repercussions of Russia’s war of aggression and its weaponisation of energy and food.
We reaffirm our intention to phase out Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products from our domestic markets. During the week of 5 December 2022, the price cap on seaborne Russian crude oil entered into force in our respective jurisdictions, delivering on our commitment to limit Russia from profiting from its war of aggression against Ukraine, to support stability in global energy markets and to minimise negative economic spillovers of Russia’s war of aggression, especially on low- and middle-income countries. We encourage third countries that seek to import seaborne Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum products to leverage the price cap. We reiterate our decision that the price cap on Russian origin petroleum products will enter into force on 5 February 2023.
Russia's war in Ukraine is exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy, with direct impacts on the cost of living of people in our own countries, and on the world's most vulnerable. We will continue to use all available policy tools to maintain global financial, macroeconomic and price stability and long-term fiscal sustainability, while providing targeted support to those most in need and working collaboratively to strengthen our collective economic security to external shocks and wider risks. We will make public investments and structural reforms to promote long term growth. We will further coordinate to respond to the urgent needs of most vulnerable countries and will encourage private investment in developing and emerging markets as a key enabler of sustainable economic pathways.
We will keep up our ambition to address global food insecurity, including through the Global Alliance for Food Security (GAFS). We will keep supporting the delivery of grain and fertilisers to vulnerable countries in need and welcome the recent operations led by the World Food Programme (WFP) on this front. We welcome the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) alongside further efforts to bring Ukrainian food to the world, namely the European Union’s Solidarity Lanes and the Grain from Ukraine Initiative.
Reaffirming our steadfast commitment to implement the Paris Agreement and the outcomes of COP26 and COP27, we commit to urgent, ambitious, and inclusive climate action in this decade to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. We reaffirm our commitment to reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050. To that end, and building on our statement adopted in June in Elmau, we endorse the Climate Club’s terms of reference as established by the Climate Club Task Force and hereby establish an open and cooperative international Climate Club. Focusing in particular on the decarbonisation of industries, we will thereby contribute to unlocking green growth. We invite international partners to join the Climate Club and to participate in the further elaboration of its concept and structure. In doing so, we will continue working closely together with relevant International Organisations and stakeholders. We ask the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in tandem with the International Energy Agency (IEA), to host an interim secretariat working together with other International Organisations.
Recalling our commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, we will work intensively towards a successful outcome at Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15, in particular the adoption of an ambitious and effective global biodiversity framework, with clear and measurable targets and its prompt and swift implementation. In this regard we are committed to mobilising resources from all sources and to substantially increasing our national and international funding for nature by 2025 to support the implementation of an ambitious global framework. We encourage countries beyond the G7 to join us in this endeavor.
Accelerating our contributions to the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) to make our global partners a better offer on sustainable, inclusive, climate-resilient, and quality infrastructure investment, we welcome the progress on the Just Energy Transitions Partnerships (JETP) with South Africa and Indonesia as flagship projects for multilateral cooperation, just energy transition and sustainable investment and look forward to swiftly concluding negotiations on a JETP with Vietnam, as well as to making further progress with India and Senegal. We will intensify our cooperation within a PGII working group to deliver on our joint ambition to mobilise up to 600 billion dollars by 2027, and on JETPs, we will coordinate through the JETP working group.
Reaffirming our full commitment to realise gender equality and to consistently mainstream gender equality into all policy areas, we welcome the key recommendations by the Gender Equality Advisory Council (GEAC) and look forward to receiving the GEAC’s full report by the end of the year. We thank this year’s GEAC for its important work, reiterate our intention to convene the GEAC as a standing feature of all G7 Presidencies, and look forward to further strengthening it.
This year, we have achieved progress to improve the global health architecture with the World Health Organization (WHO) at its core, our capacity to prevent, prepare for and respond to future global health emergencies and to achieve universal health coverage, especially through the G7 Pact for Pandemic Readiness endorsed in Elmau. We welcome the successful Seventh Replenishment of the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). We will step up our efforts on training and qualifying health workforce as well as strengthening surveillance capacities to detect outbreaks and variants as early as possible by integrating the One Health approach. We will continue to support science to develop safe and effective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
Under the German Presidency, we, the G7, together with other international partners, have demonstrated our resolve to jointly addressing both major systemic challenges and immediate crises of our time. Our commitments and actions pave the way for progress towards an equitable world. As we look to the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima under the Japanese Presidency, and in our support to the Indian G20 Presidency, we stand strong, united and absolutely committed to rebuilding a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
December 12, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of the Honourable Jim Carr:
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I learned today of the passing of Jim Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, former cabinet minister, and a close friend of mine. His passion, tenacity, integrity, humour, and commitment to the Prairies were second to none.
“A dedicated Parliamentarian, Jim started his career in politics in 1988, when he became the elected representative for Fort Rouge in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. He was elected to the House of Commons in 2015 and served in various roles while in federal public office, including as Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of International Trade Diversification, and most recently as Special Representative for the Prairies. Jim previously worked as a musician and a journalist. He was a respected business and community leader, an active volunteer, and the recipient of many awards and accolades, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of Manitoba.
“Jim’s love for public service shone through until the very end of his life: just last week, his private member’s bill 'Building a Green Prairie Economy' passed through the House of Commons. While he fought multiple myeloma and kidney failure, he was also fighting for a bill that would help build a better, healthier future. He knew it was not about his future. It was about ours, about his kids’ and his grandkids’ futures. It was about preserving the Prairie way of life for them: where there are good, secure jobs and thriving local economies. The bill recognizes the power of our resources, both natural and human, that will drive the transition to a clean future with Canada’s Prairies at the helm.
“When the bill passed, Jim was in the House of Commons, where he stood and spoke to the power of partnership: ‘[Democracy] is always rooted in strengthening the national fabric, woven as it is from those many threads that make Canada the envy of the world,’ he said. Jim was a bridge-builder. He sought to unite people – from all sides of the House of Commons, from all regions of our country, and from all backgrounds and experiences. The bill has partnership at the very heart of it – a core value of his that he brought to his work in Parliament every day.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our most sincere condolences to Jim’s family and friends, as we mourn his passing. His contributions to our country, and his commitment to fighting for Winnipeggers, Manitobans, and all Canadians, will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing.”
December 12, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met virtually with G7 Leaders. This was the final meeting hosted by Germany as G7 President and served as an opportunity to pass the Presidency to Japan for 2023. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was also in attendance. He thanked G7 Leaders for their support to Ukraine and outlined his vision for peace in the region.
Together, G7 Leaders discussed the importance of continuing to support the Ukrainian people and government, and remaining united against Russian aggression. They welcomed the creation of the new Donor Coordination Platform to coordinate support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, and agreed to continue providing military, financial, and diplomatic support to Ukraine. As an example of Canada’s effective support to Ukraine, the Prime Minister spoke about Canada’s Ukraine Sovereignty Bond, which raised $500 million from individuals and institutions.
On climate change, the Leaders welcomed the establishment of the Climate Club, and reiterated the importance of inclusive and ambitious climate action at the G7. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment toward an ambitious outcome at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, which Canada is hosting until December 19.
The Leaders also spoke about the progress made on a number of other G7 priorities in the last year, including on infrastructure, energy, food security, health, pandemic preparedness, and gender equality, including maintaining momentum on the Gender Equality Advisory Council established by Canada in 2018. They recognized the importance of engaging with the Global South in order to continue to make progress on these and other issues of common interest. The Prime Minister raised the situation in Iran – noting support for protestors, especially women – and stressed the importance of targeted sanctions. He noted the upcoming anniversary of the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752. Canada remains committed to holding Iran accountable for its horrific actions, in accordance with international law. The Prime Minister also raised the situation in Haiti.
The Leaders were unanimous in thanking Germany for its strong leadership throughout its G7 Presidency, which demonstrated the value of the G7 and the power of coordinated action, and they welcomed Japan’s leadership in 2023.
Associated Links
- Canada and the G7
- G7 Leaders’ Statement
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada welcomes the world for COP15 to protect nature
- Sanctions: Grave breach of international peace and security in Haiti
December 10, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Human Rights Day:
“Defending human rights and democracy has always been, and will continue to be, a priority for Canada – both here at home and around the world. Today, on Human Rights Day, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they are or where they live.
“Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which enshrines our common belief that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. This year’s theme, ‘Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All’ invites us to continue working together to ensure no one is left behind.
“Canada continues to play an active role in global human rights efforts, and will always denounce abuses no matter where they occur. Just yesterday, we took further action against the Russian, Iranian, and Myanmar regimes for trampling on people’s fundamental rights. These measures impose restrictions against a total of 67 individuals and 9 entities that are complicit in human rights violations around the world, and they build on the work Canada has already done with our international partners to promote justice and maintain pressure on perpetrators of violence, oppression, and brutality.
“Here at home, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects the rights and freedoms that define who we are as Canadians. For 40 years, the Charter has allowed us to express our individuality and celebrate our differences.
“We recognize though, that there is still more work to do to build a country where everyone has equal opportunity to succeed. This year, we banned so-called conversion therapy, a cruel, harmful, and degrading practice with no scientific basis that has caused lasting pain and trauma for 2SLGBTQI+ communities. We also launched Canada’s first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, a whole-of-government approach to achieving a future where everyone in Canada is truly free to be who they are and to love who they love.
“We are also working with Indigenous partners to deliver lasting solutions to the issues facing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and to ensure the recognition, protection, and fulfilment of their inherent human rights. The ongoing work to implement in close collaboration with Indigenous partners the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act directly advances this commitment. This also includes working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to reform child and family services and ensure Indigenous children can remain with their families in their communities, to provide access to affordable housing, and to create safe spaces for Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ peoples, and their families. The government and Inuit leaders also endorsed the historic Inuit Nunangat Policy to guarantee Inuit self-determination. The policy is intended to guide the design, development and delivery of all new or renewed federal policies, programs, services and initiatives that apply in Inuit Nunangat or benefit Inuit. We remain fully committed to implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People to build a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples and advance reconciliation based on the affirmation of rights, respect, and partnership.
“The discussion around human rights, dignity, and freedom must include gender equality and the empowerment of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples in all their diversity. Women everywhere should have autonomy over their bodies. In Canada, we all have the right to make choices for our own bodies, and we are working to strengthen access to safe and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services for everyone across the country. Yet, even in 2022, gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a human rights concern in our country. That is why we worked with provincial and territorial governments to endorse the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence this past fall. This Action Plan will provide concrete solutions to make progress toward ending GBV in Canada once and for all.
“On this Human Rights Day, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work still to be done, here in Canada and around the world, to ensure everyone’s inherent and inalienable human rights are protected. Together, we will build a better, safer future for everyone.”
