Statement by the Prime Minister on the passing of the Honourable James K. Bartleman
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August 18, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of the Honourable James K. Bartleman:
“I join Canadians in mourning the passing of the former Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, James K. Bartleman.
“Mr. Bartleman grew up in Port Carling, Ontario, and proudly belonged to the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. A firm believer in the importance of social justice and equality, he dedicated his life to public service.
“Over the course of his career, Mr. Bartleman represented Canada abroad with his trademark professionalism and drive. He served as Ambassador of Canada to Cuba, Israel, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the European Union, as well as High Commissioner to South Africa and Australia. He also served as Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister and as Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet for Foreign and Defence Policy at the Privy Council Office.
“Mr. Bartleman later returned to his provincial roots and was appointed as the 27th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. As the first Indigenous person to hold this title, he championed the causes closest to his heart, such as eliminating systemic barriers for Indigenous youth and advocating to reduce the stigma around mental health.
“Mr. Bartleman’s legacy is one of inspiration. In addition to his dedication to public service, he also authored five non-fiction books and three novels. In his lifetime, he received 13 honorary degrees, the Arthur Kroeger College Award in Ethics in Public Affairs, the National Aboriginal Achievement Award, and was named Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario.
“On behalf of Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Mr. Bartleman’s loved ones and all Ontarians. Canada has lost a remarkable leader whose life was marked by an unwavering commitment to public service, education, and the betterment of our country.”
August 18, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency were established in 2017 and 2019, respectively, to keep Canadians safe and protect our values, rights, and freedoms.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Marty Klyne, Senator for Saskatchewan, to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. With this appointment, all seats on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians are now filled.
The Prime Minister also announced the following appointments to the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency:
- Jim Chu becomes a member for a term of five years, effective August 17, 2023.
- Colleen Swords becomes a member for a term of five years, effective August 17, 2023.
- The Honourable Marie-Lucie Morin, P.C., is reappointed as member for a term of one year, effective October 8, 2023.
With these changes, all seats on the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency are filled.
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“The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency play a critical role in ensuring the accountability and efficiency of our national security and intelligence community in keeping Canadians safe. I welcome the appointment and changes announced today, and am confident they will contribute to better protecting Canadians, our country’s institutions, and our democracy.”
Quick Facts
- Established in 2017, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians is made up of Members of Parliament from each party and Senators with top-secret security clearance mandated with reviewing national security and intelligence activities across the Government of Canada. The Committee provides the Prime Minister with an annual report, and special reports when needed.
- With today’s announcement, the members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians are:
- Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc Québécois
- Don Davies, NDP
- The Honourable Patricia (Pat) Duncan, Senate
- Iqra Khalid, Liberal
- The Honourable Marty Klyne, Senate
- The Honourable Frances Lankin, P.C., C.M., Senate
- Patricia Lattanzio, Liberal
- James Maloney, Liberal
- The Honourable David J. McGuinty, P.C., Liberal (Chair)
- Rob Morrison, Conservative
- Alex Ruff, M.S.C., C.D., Conservative
- Established in 2019, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency is made up of top independent experts mandated with strengthening independent scrutiny and national security accountability in Canada. The Agency independently reviews all Government of Canada national security and intelligence activities to ensure they are lawful, reasonable, and necessary, and provides recommendations to the Government of Canada. It also investigates public complaints regarding key national security agencies and activities.
- With today’s announcement, the members of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency are:
- Matthew Cassar
- Jim Chu
- The Honourable Marie Deschamps, C.C. (Chair)
- Craig Forcese (Vice-Chair)
- Dr. Foluke Laosebikan, Q.C.
- The Honourable Marie-Lucie Morin, P.C.
- Colleen Swords
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
- National Security and Intelligence Review Agency
August 19, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark 81 years since the Dieppe Raid:
“On this day in 1942, more than 5,000 Canadian navy, army, and air force personnel, joined by British and American troops, approached the German-occupied French towns of Dieppe, Puys, and Pourville to launch a large-scale raid against the Nazi troops guarding them.
“The operation was designed to test the German forces’ defence capabilities and to gather key intelligence, but the raid on Dieppe turned to tragedy when the enemy pinned the troops down with sustained machine gun, mortar, and artillery fire. After nine hours of excruciating combat, over 900 Canadians had lost their lives, with thousands more wounded or taken prisoner. Less than half of those involved in this assault made it back home to England in the aftermath. While the Dieppe raid marked the bloodiest day of the Second World War for our country, the lessons learned during this operation helped pave the way for the Allied victory.
“On this solemn anniversary, as we remember the brave Canadians who sacrificed their lives on the beaches of Dieppe 81 years ago, we remain inspired by their courage, resilience, and commitment to upholding freedom, peace, and democracy. We also take this opportunity to honour the many servicewomen and men who have lost their lives on the battlefield, and we thank all our veterans for their service to Canada and to the world.
“Lest we forget.”
August 17, 2023
British Columbia, Canada
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss wildfires and extreme weather across the country.
The Group discussed the devastating impact of the over 5,500 wildfires that have ravaged provinces and territories across Canada this year. They were briefed specifically on the latest developments in the Northwest Territories, where more than 21,000 square kilometres have burned, over 230 wildfires continue to burn, and thousands of residents have been forced to leave their homes. The approximately 20,000 residents of the territorial capital of Yellowknife have been ordered to evacuate the city by Friday at noon.
Ministers and senior officials provided an update on the federal support currently being deployed in the Northwest Territories, including Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police personnel as well as aircraft, logistics, planning and coordination, and other resources. The Prime Minister thanked all federal officials who have been assisting with the emergency response and evacuation process.
The Prime Minister, ministers, and officials discussed ongoing safety issues related to public infrastructure, including roads and telecommunications, and the actions needed to mitigate the impacts of the wildfires on communities and infrastructure to keep people safe, including as part of evacuation efforts. The Prime Minister asked ministers to work with partners in the telecommunication sector to ensure that essential services remain available for Canadians impacted.
The Prime Minister and ministers also stressed that there would be no tolerance for opportunistic price escalation, including airfare and essential goods for those impacted by the wildfires.
The Group highlighted the important work being delivered by the Government Operations Centre, which continues to work closely with federal and territorial partners to coordinate the federal response to the situation as it evolves.
They encouraged residents to continue following evacuation orders and the advice of officials and first responders.
The Prime Minister and all ministers agreed on the importance of continuing to provide whatever support is needed to impacted provinces and territories, to protect the health, safety, and security of all Canadians. They also expressed that their thoughts are with all impacted residents, and they expressed their gratitude to the courageous women and men fighting the wildfires across the country.
Associated Links
- Wildfires
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane
- 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
August 16, 2023
British Columbia, Canada
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Premier of the Northwest Territories, Caroline Cochrane.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Cochrane discussed the current wildfire situation, including the territorial state of emergency, the threat to those in Yellowknife, and the Evacuation Orders in place for Fort Smith, Enterprise, Jean Marie River, Hay River, K’atl’odeeche First Nation, and the surrounding area. Currently, there are over 230 wildfires burning in the Northwest Territories, and thousands of residents have fled their homes while more than 20,000 square kilometres have burned.
The two leaders also discussed what the Government of Canada is doing to address the immediate needs of the Northwest Territories and reviewed areas of federal support, including the provision of Canadian Armed Forces personnel, aircraft, logistics, planning and coordination, and other resources.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s commitment to provide ongoing assistance to the territory and affected communities.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Cochrane agreed to remain in close contact as the wildfire situation in the Northwest Territories develops.
Associated Links
- Wildfires
- 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
August 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Acadian Day:
“On National Acadian Day, we celebrate the unique traditions, heritage, and culture of the Acadian people, one of the oldest francophone communities in Canada, and recognize their rich contributions to our national identity.
“Through centuries of immense courage and determination in the face of persecution, the Acadian people have demonstrated admirable strength, courage, and resilience. Today, the thriving Acadian community continues to inspire countless people, in Canada and around the world.
“August 15 has been a day of celebration for Acadians since the first National Acadian Convention, which took place in 1881. Today, tintamarre parades are held across Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and New Brunswick, and locals and visitors alike will be invited to share traditional Acadian food, enjoy the work of Acadian artists and artisans, and take part in historical tours.
“To support Acadians and other French-speaking communities across Canada, the Government of Canada recently unveiled the Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028. Along with our changes to modernize the Official Languages Act, this will promote substantive equality between Canada’s official languages and help preserve the role of French as a pillar of Canadian identity. Next year, the Government of Canada will support the Congrès mondial acadien 2024, in the regions of Clare and Argyle in Nova Scotia. This celebration of Acadians and their global diaspora will highlight the vitality of Acadian heritage to the world.
“Acadians contribute significantly to a strong, diverse, and inclusive Canada. Today, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about their culture, traditions, and achievements, and to join the celebratory events that will take place across the country. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all those celebrating, at home and around the world, a happy National Acadian Day.”
August 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on India’s Independence Day:
“Today, I join the people of India and Indo-Canadian communities across the country to celebrate India’s Independence Day.
“The Canada-India relationship is based on strong and longstanding ties between our people. Canada is home to one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, with nearly 1.4 million people of Indian descent living in our communities from coast to coast to coast. These communities are an integral part of Canada’s national identity, and today we recognize their valuable contributions, past and present, that have made our country stronger, more prosperous, and more inclusive.
“As the world’s largest democracy, India is – and will continue to be – a key partner for Canada in the promotion of our shared values of democracy, pluralism, and progress. We are committed to building on this rich history of collaboration, including under India’s presidency of the G20 this year. Looking ahead, as Canada strengthens its presence in the region under its Indo-Pacific Strategy, we will continue to work together to preserve the rules-based international order, promote multilateralism, and grow our economic ties to benefit people in both our countries as well as the region at large.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating India’s Independence Day.”
August 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Liberation Day of Korea:
“Today, we join the people of Korea and the vibrant Korean diasporas in Canada and around the world to mark the 78th National Liberation Day of Korea.
“Liberation Day, also known as Gwangbokjeol (Restoration of Light Day), marks the liberation of the Korean Peninsula in 1945 after 35 years of occupation. This occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Korean people, which allowed for the Republic of Korea to become the beacon of democracy and progress it is today.
“Canada is home to one of the largest Korean diasporas in the world, with over 220,000 Korean Canadians living from coast to coast to coast. Our growing bilateral relationship is rooted in these warm, longstanding ties between our people, which I experienced firsthand during my visit to Korea last May.
“This year, Canada and Korea celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. In that time, Korea has become a key partner for Canada, as evidenced by the establishment of the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. Our countries are committed to continue standing together in the defence of peace, human rights, and the rules-based international order, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to learn more about the liberation of Korea, and to recognize the many contributions Korean Canadians have made, and continue to make, to our country. I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating National Liberation Day of Korea here in Canada and around the world.”
August 14, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will hold a Cabinet retreat in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, from August 21 to 23, 2023.
The retreat will be an opportunity for Cabinet ministers to keep building a strong economy and a strong future. As Canadians continue to feel the impacts of global inflation, the retreat will focus on making life more affordable, growing the economy, building more housing, improving health care, fighting climate change, and more.
The Government of Canada will continue to work with all orders of government, Indigenous Peoples, international partners, businesses, and other stakeholders to make progress on the issues that matter most to Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
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“This summer, we continued to listen to Canadians in their communities across the country about what matters to them. I hear people loud and clear when they tell me life is getting too expensive, we need more affordable housing, wait times to get the medical care they need are too long, and they’re concerned about the impacts of climate change in their communities – from hurricanes and floods to wildfires. I look forward to working together with our new team to keep making real progress on those issues and build a better future for all Canadians.”
Associated Link
August 14, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Pakistan’s Independence Day:
“Today, we join Pakistani communities across Canada and around the world in celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day.
“Canada and Pakistan are long-standing partners with deep ties between our people. Today, Canada is home to over 300,000 Canadians of Pakistani origin who are deeply woven into our country’s fabric and make our country a more prosperous, diverse, and inclusive place.
“Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1947 – shortly after Pakistan achieved independence – our two countries have collaborated on key international priorities, including peacekeeping, fighting climate change, and promoting regional security and stability. We will continue to work with Pakistan on our shared priorities, such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, promoting democracy, protecting human rights, and advancing gender equality.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day.”
