Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
August 26, 2023
Edmonton, Alberta
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Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Mayor of Edmonton, Amarjeet Sohi, to discuss shared priorities.
The Prime Minister and the Mayor discussed the importance of Indigenous-led housing in Edmonton, and how the city could best direct funding from the $4 billion that will be made available through the upcoming Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy. They also discussed affordable housing and Edmonton’s broader housing needs, and talked about how federal funding can help bridge the housing gap for people in the city, the province, and across the country.
The two leaders agreed that all orders of government must work together on reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, public transit, net-zero emissions, homelessness, substance abuse, and supporting mental health.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Sohi looked forward to remaining in close contact and committed to continue the effective partnership between the Government of Canada and the City of Edmonton.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
- Engagement on an Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing StrategyPrime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane
August 26, 2023
Edmonton, AlbertaToday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of the Northwest Territories, Caroline Cochrane, during his visit to Edmonton, Alberta.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Cochrane discussed climate change and the ongoing wildfire situation in the Northwest Territories as well as what the Government of Canada is doing to help the people of the territory and all Canadians at this difficult time. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to help in battling the fires and supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The two leaders discussed shared efforts to control the wildfires and support residents who have been displaced, including the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel, the Canadian Coast Guard, and firefighters from across the country. They also talked about plans for the safe return of evacuated residents when possible.
The Prime Minister and the Premier spoke about the territory’s planned application under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, and about investments in infrastructure, telecommunications, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. They committed to working together to expedite Employment Insurance (EI) supports for people impacted.
The two leaders expressed their gratitude to first responders and the governments of Alberta and Manitoba for their support in sheltering evacuees.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Cochrane agreed to remain in contact as the wildfire situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Wildfires
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss wildfire situation across the country
- Government of Canada providing assistance to the Northwest Territories in response to wildfires
- The Government of Canada is supporting Canadians through the 2023 wildfire season
- Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
August 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Ukrainian Independence Day:
“Today, we join the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities in Canada and around the world to mark the 32nd anniversary of Ukrainian independence.
“On this day in 1991, Ukraine declared its independence, solidifying its rightful place in the international system as a free and sovereign nation. Canada was the first Western country to recognize this fact, and our countries have been close friends and strong partners ever since. Today, as the people of Ukraine continue to defend their country against Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable war of aggression, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with them as they fight for our shared values of peace, freedom, and democracy. When I was in Kyiv this past June, I delivered this message of support from Canadians to the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian people are the tip of the spear that is determining the future of the 21st century, and Canada will support them for as long as it takes.
“Together with our allies and partners, Canada will continue to do everything possible to support Ukraine until its territorial integrity is re-established. Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Canada has committed more than $8.9 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine, including financial, military, humanitarian, security, and stabilization aid, as well as development assistance. We have also trained more than 37,000 members of Ukraine’s security forces through Operation UNIFIER, and welcomed more than 170,000 Ukrainians fleeing Putin’s violence, providing them with the support they need to adjust to life away from home.
“The bond between our peoples is unbreakable. Canada is proudly home to 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent, which is the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the Western world. Ukrainian Canadians form an invaluable piece of our country’s cultural mosaic, and their contributions, past and present, make Canada the country we love.
“Today, we are reminded of the courage, determination, and resilience of the people of Ukraine as they fight bravely against authoritarian aggression. To all Ukrainians: you are not alone in this fight. Canada will always stand with you as you defend your freedoms, independence, and democracy.
“Slava Ukraini!”
August 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of Canada’s first Commissioner of Official Languages, Keith Spicer:
“It is with a heavy heart that I join Canadians in mourning the passing of Canada’s first Commissioner of Official Languages, Keith Spicer.
“Raised in a unilingual English Canadian family in Toronto, Ontario, Mr. Spicer dedicated his life to promoting bilingualism and advocating for French in Canadian institutions and media. A respected academic and public servant, he started his career teaching at the University of Ottawa in the early 1960s and was a researcher on bilingualism and biculturalism.
“In 1970, M. Spicer was appointed as Canada’s first Commissioner of Official Languages. In this role, he advocated for equality between English and French in our institutions, based on the values of respect, inclusion, and dignity. With his visionary leadership, negotiation skills, and frank honesty, he helped the Official Languages Act gain acceptance among the Canadian public and advocated for the rights of French-speaking minorities everywhere in Canada. Years later, he chaired the Citizen’s Forum on Canada’s Future, through which 700,000 Canadians were consulted to help shape the political and social future of our country.
“An Officer of the Order of Canada, Mr. Spicer was also an accomplished journalist and television host as well as the former editor of the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. In 1989, he was appointed Chair of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, before moving to Paris, France, in 1996, where he remained an active lecturer and writer.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Spicer’s family and friends. His tireless work over decades helped shape Canada’s linguistic landscape as we know it – a torch we continue to hold high as we work to achieve substantive equality of English and French in Canada.”
August 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Prime Minister congratulated the President on the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and extended his best wishes to Ukrainians, who remain an inspiration to Canadians and people around the world as they continue to defend their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The two leaders discussed Ukraine’s military, financial, and humanitarian needs, now and into the future. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable aggression, as well as for President Zelenskyy’s ongoing diplomatic efforts toward a just and sustainable peace.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy emphasized the unbreakable bond between Canada and Ukraine, and they reaffirmed their intention to remain in close and regular contact.