Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
April 27, 2023
New York City, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.
The prime ministers convened a meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates group on the margins of the Global Citizen NOW Summit. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the United Nations (UN) SDGs, as co-chairs of the Secretary-General’s SDG Advocates group.
They recognized that developing countries, and particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, have limited access to the financing they need as they confront unprecedented overlapping crises. To this end, the two prime ministers reiterated their commitment to working together to improve access to affordable and flexible financing for low- and medium-income countries, to address today’s global challenges.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Mottley expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Haiti and the importance of helping to address the urgent needs of the Haitian people. They emphasized the critical role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in supporting an inclusive political dialogue and recommitted to working together to alleviate the pressing political, security, and humanitarian crises.
The two leaders looked forward to continuing their close collaboration on advancing the SDGs, climate action, access to financing, and other issues of shared interests in the lead up to the 2023 SDG Summit in September 2023.
Associated Links
- Canada-Barbados relations
- Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
- Prime Minister strengthens ties with the Caribbean, announces new support for the Haitian people
- 2023 SDG Summit
April 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day:
“Today, we join Israelis, Jewish communities, and others in Canada and across the world to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.
“Canada is proud to have been one of the first countries to recognize Israel when it was founded in 1948, and our countries formally established diplomatic relations the following year. We have since cultivated a strong bilateral friendship rooted in deep ties between our people and shared commitment to democratic values. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we reaffirm the ties that unite our two countries, and we recognize Israel’s significant contributions to the world, in areas ranging from science and innovation to culture and the arts.
“The history of the Jewish people is one of resilience and triumph. Their story, from centuries of persecution to the establishment of the state we celebrate today, is an inspiration for people around the globe, particularly here in Canada. With some 400,000 people, the Canada’s Jewish community is an integral part of our country’s cultural fabric, and its ongoing contributions help make our society more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant.
“As we mark Israel Independence Day, the Government of Canada reaffirms its commitment to speaking out and fighting antisemitism and hatred in all their forms, wherever and whenever they occur, including through the work of the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, the Honourable Irwin Cotler. We will continue to support and promote the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which we adopted in 2019 as part of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. Today, we also condemn the spate of attacks on civilians in recent weeks. We will continue to stand for the right of Israel and its neighbours to coexist in peace – a pillar of Canada’s Middle East Policy since 1948 – and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting a two-state solution in which Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace, security, and dignity.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Israelis, Jewish communities across Canada, and all those celebrating this important milestone, a Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!”
April 25, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, regarding the situation in Sudan.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his deep concern about the ongoing conflict, the impact on civilians – including vulnerable populations – and the risks to regional stability. He highlighted his concern that conflict jeopardized Sudan’s efforts to establish civilian rule.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing mediation efforts. They urged all parties to cease hostilities, to participate in the mediation efforts supported by regional partners encouraging peaceful dialogue and lasting peace, and to return to the negotiation table to establish a civilian government.
The Prime Minister thanked Chairperson Faki for his personal involvement in the efforts to end the violence. He underscored that Canada values the leadership of the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in Eastern Africa (IGAD), and other players who seek to restore peace. He offered Canada’s support in pursuing a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Prime Minister Trudeau and African Union Commission Chairperson Faki agreed to remain in contact.
Related Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat
- Canada-Sudan relations
- Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa
- African Union
April 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. They were joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and the German Federal Minister of Education and Research, Bettina Stark-Watzinger.
Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed President Steinmeier and his delegation to Canada. The Prime Minister and the President discussed the objectives of the visit and agreed, as allies, on the importance of advancing collaborations that strengthen the resilience of our economies, communities, democracies, and environment.
The Prime Minister and the President emphasized the strength and importance of the relations between Canada and Germany in addressing global challenges such as the high cost of living, the transition toward low-carbon economies, and energy security. The two leaders welcomed the positive momentum created by Germany’s ratification of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) for bilateral trade and investment, and discussed the advancement made on joint collaborations since Chancellor Scholz’s visit in October 2022, including the announcement of Volkswagen’s first overseas electric vehicle battery plant in Canada. Building on Germany’s longstanding engagement in Arctic scientific research, the leaders also discussed potential avenues for deepened cooperation in that area.
The two leaders expressed concern over the conflict in Sudan and agreed on the need for close collaboration, including with partners in the region. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Steinmeier strongly condemned Russia’s ongoing illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine and underlined their shared commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes. Prime Minister Trudeau commended Germany’s leadership and unwavering support for Ukraine, including its considerable military assistance. The Prime Minister and President also discussed cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region and underscored the importance of ongoing transatlantic unity.
Prime Minister Trudeau wished President Steinmeier a successful visit to Canada, including on his engagements in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Yellowknife and Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories.
Associated Links
- Canada-Germany relations
- Volkswagen’s new electric vehicle battery plan will create thousands of new jobs
- President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier to visit Canada
- Prime Minister concludes a successful visit by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
April 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, also known as Medz Yeghern:
“Today, we join Armenian communities in Canada and around the world to mark Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. We reflect on the atrocities committed against the Armenian people between 1915 and 1923, and we remember those who lost their lives and all those who endured unspeakable suffering.
“We also stand in solidarity with the descendants of the victims and all those who continue to live with the intergenerational trauma of this unthinkable tragedy. Their strength and resilience remind us of our collective responsibility to stand up against hatred in all its forms – whenever and wherever it occurs. Everyone deserves to live a life free of stigma, persecution, and discrimination.
“In Canada, April is Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation and Prevention Month. This is a time for Canadians to remember all victims of genocide around the world, denounce the hatred that leads to these tragedies, and reflect on how we can prevent them from happening again. Canada will always stand up against injustice, intolerance, and xenophobia, and we will continue to promote peace and justice for everyone.
“As we commemorate Armenian Genocide Memorial Day, I invite all Canadians to learn about this dark chapter in human history, pay tribute to the victims, and stand in solidarity with the Armenian community, including Canadians of Armenian heritage who continue to help make Canada the strong and inclusive country we know. Through learning and dialogue, we can make sure such atrocities never happen again and we can build a world free from prejudice.”
April 22, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Earth Day:
“Today, on Earth Day, we join people around the world to celebrate our planet and renew our unwavering commitment to protecting it.
“Canadians take pride in the natural beauty of our country, from our coastlines – the longest in the world – to mountain ranges, vast stretches of prairie, and swathes of Arctic tundra. Canadians recognize that we have a responsibility to protect our iconic lands and waters, and that is why the Government of Canada has stepped up our ambition to do just that – both at home and abroad.
“Since 2015, we have taken historic action to protect nature here at home. We have established new national parks, including Rouge National Urban Park, Canada’s first national urban park, conservation areas, marine conservation areas, and Indigenous-protected and conserved areas to ensure that people can enjoy our pristine landscapes today and for generations to come. And we are doing all this work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, who have been the stewards and caretakers of these lands since time immemorial. This includes programs like Indigenous Guardians, which support Indigenous Peoples in protecting and conserving their traditional lands, and help us learn from their deep connection with nature.
“Just last December, we welcomed the world to Montréal, Quebec, for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity – it was the largest-ever conference of its kind. At COP15, Canada played a leading role in adopting the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, a historic international agreement with over 190 countries signing on to help protect nature and reverse biodiversity loss around the world.
“To build a clean, healthy future, we know we have to take action on climate change. Through our Emissions Reduction Plan, we are taking bold action to cut pollution and build a clean economy with good, middle-class jobs for Canadians. Our plan is already working, with companies from around the world making historic investments in Canada – a reliable supplier of clean energy and clean technology – and creating and securing thousands of good jobs across the country.
“On this Earth Day, we are reminded that just as we share our planet, we also share the responsibility to protect it. I invite all Canadians to spend time in the nature we are fortunate to have right in our backyards as we recommit – today and every day – to protecting the Earth for generations to come.”