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September 17, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Gender Equality Week:
“Today, Canadians mark the beginning of Gender Equality Week, which runs until September 23. This week, we celebrate the progress made in advancing gender equality, recognize the significant achievements of women and gender-diverse people, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable, just, and inclusive Canada.
“When everyone has equal rights and access to opportunities, we all benefit. This year’s theme, ‘United for Gender Equality: Stronger Together’, reminds us that Canadians must stand together as we continue to work toward a future where people of all genders – women, men, and gender-diverse people – are equal and can achieve their full potential.
“Here in Canada, we have made great strides in advancing gender equality, but we know there is more work to be done. That’s why we have reached $10-a-day regulated child care on average for families in nearly half of the provinces and territories, and we have cut fees at least in half in all other jurisdictions. Our plan has helped boost women’s participation in the workforce to a record high. We also continue our work to address and eradicate gender-based violence through our National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, which aims to address the root causes and provide better supports for victims, survivors, and their families.
“We know the fight for gender equality goes beyond our borders. That’s why the Government of Canada continues to promote and defend the interests of women, girls, and gender-diverse people abroad through its Feminist International Assistance Policy, which, among other actions, seeks to amplify their voices and leadership and enhance their access to sexual and reproductive health care.
“This Gender Equality Week, let’s celebrate how far we’ve come, recognize the work that remains to be done, and recommit to building a future with equal opportunities for everyone. I encourage all Canadians to use the hashtag #GenderEqualityWeek and share what they are doing to build a fairer Canada.”
September 16, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a new team of parliamentary secretaries.
Bringing a wealth of experience, skills, and perspectives to their roles, these parliamentary secretaries will act as an important link between ministers and Parliament to make progress on some of the most important issues facing Canada and Canadians today. This includes putting more money back in the pockets of families, building more homes and driving down the cost of housing, creating good middle-class jobs, strengthening health care, fighting climate change, and building an economy that works for everyone.
With both new and returning members, the parliamentary secretary team now includes:
- Jenica Atwin as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
- Vance Badawey as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport
- Jaime Battiste as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
- Rachel Bendayan as Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
- Chris Bittle as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
- Élisabeth Brière as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
- Paul Chiang as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
- Julie Dabrusin as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
- Pam Damoff as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs)
- Francis Drouin as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Terry Duguid as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water
- Greg Fergus as Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
- Darren Fisher as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
- Peter Fragiskatos as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
- Lisa Hepfner as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
- Yvonne Jones as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern Affairs and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence (Northern Defence)
- Mike Kelloway as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
- Iqra Khalid as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue
- Annie Koutrakis as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
- Irek Kusmierczyk as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
- Marie-France Lalonde as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
- Kevin Lamoureux as Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
- Stéphane Lauzon as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizens’ Services
- James Maloney as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
- Bryan May as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Taleeb Noormohamed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage
- Jennifer O’Connell as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs (Cybersecurity)
- Rob Oliphant as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Sherry Romanado as Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness
- Darrell Samson as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Randeep Sarai as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
- Marc G. Serré as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Official Languages
- Terry Sheehan as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and Seniors
- Maninder Sidhu as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
- Charles Sousa as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement
- Ryan Turnbull as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
- Anita Vandenbeld as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development
- Adam van Koeverden as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Sport and Physical Activity
- Sameer Zuberi as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
Quote
“This summer, we heard from Canadians about the issues that matter most to them. From putting more money back in the pockets of families, to building more homes, faster, and helping stabilize grocery prices, we are taking real and serious action. As the House returns this Monday, I know this team is ready to work hard to continue delivering real progress for Canadians.”
Quick Facts
- Parliamentary secretaries are chosen by the Prime Minister to assist ministers.
- The responsibilities of parliamentary secretaries generally fall into two broad categories: House of Commons business and department-related duties.
- Parliamentary secretaries are not members of Cabinet and do not play a formal role in the Cabinet decision-making process. They support their ministers, but overall responsibility and accountability remains with the minister.
- In 2016, the government released the Guide for Parliamentary Secretaries, designed to help members of this team succeed and provide them with key information about their role within Canada’s system of responsible parliamentary government.
Associated Links
September 16, 2023
Montréal, Quebec
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, on the margins of the 2023 Global Progress Action Summit in Montréal, Quebec.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Støre reaffirmed the close relationship between Canada and Norway, based on shared values, interests, and priorities, such as shepherding the economy to make life more affordable for Canadians and Norwegians, and fighting against climate change. They discussed the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge as a good example of working together to cut emissions and fight climate change.
They also emphasized the importance of working together to make democracies stronger and more resilient, and discussed shared priorities for engagement with emerging and developing economies.
The leaders exchanged views on protecting global peace and security, and underscored their commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes. Prime Minister Trudeau noted the importance of Arctic security, and reiterated Canada’s support for Norway’s role as Chair of the Arctic Council.
The prime ministers agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to ongoing collaboration.
Associated Links
- Canada-Norway relations
- Canada and the Arctic Council
- The Global Carbon Pricing Challenge
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Støre
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
September 15, 2023
Toronto, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during the President’s visit to Canada to mark the 70th anniversary of the arrival of the first significant wave of Portuguese immigrants to the country.
The leaders underscored the rich history between their countries, anchored in shared values and dynamic people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Trudeau recognized the unique contributions of Portuguese communities to Canada’s cultural fabric.
The Prime Minister and the President reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, as well as their mutual commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked President Rebelo de Sousa for Portugal’s support to Canada in battling wildfires this summer. The leaders discussed the importance of continued bilateral collaboration to address the impacts of climate change, emphasizing ways in which Canada and Portugal can work together to protect the environment and advance the development of clean energy.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of co-operation on ocean protection and the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. They highlighted opportunities to collaborate in other areas of mutual interest, such as trade, investment, innovation, and security and defence. Prime Minister Trudeau conveyed his appreciation for Portugal’s strong and early support for the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has helped strengthen trade between the two countries and create opportunities for people and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Prime Minister and the President highlighted Canada and Portugal’s respective engagement in the Indo-Pacific, noting their shared interest in being active and engaged partners in the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Rebelo de Sousa reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together to advance shared priorities for Canada and Portugal, and they looked forward to future opportunities to connect.
Associated Links
- Canada-Portugal relations
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada and Portugal Pledge Cooperation on Fighting Wildland Fires and Protecting Communities
- Blue Economy Strategy
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
September 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Rosh Hashanah:
“Tonight, at sunset, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
“Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time of deep reflection within the Jewish faith. It is the first of the High Holidays, the 10 ‘Days of Awe’ that end with Yom Kippur, inviting families and loved ones to renew their sense of belonging, unity, and hope.
“To celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Jewish communities across Canada will pray, listen to the sound of the shofar, share traditional meals and sweet foods, and exchange best wishes for the year ahead.
“For everyone in Canada, Rosh Hashanah is an opportunity to recognize the ongoing contributions of Jewish Canadian communities to building a strong, diverse, and inclusive country.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah a healthy, prosperous, and peaceful New Year.
“Shana Tova U’metuka!”
September 15, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Democracy:
“Today, we join our allies and partners around the world to mark the International Day of Democracy, and to reaffirm our commitment to promoting and protecting our shared democratic values, including openness, inclusiveness, and respect for human rights.
“This year’s theme, ‘Empowering the Next Generation’, recognizes and amplifies the voices of young leaders, who are championing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges we face today, including climate change. Young people have the greatest stake in shaping the future, and their voices are essential as we work together to address these shared global challenges. That is why the Government of Canada continues to seek their advice and perspectives.
“Canada will continue to protect and promote democracy and human rights around the world. Despite rising threats to democracy, including Russia’s unjustifiable war against Ukraine, we will keep standing with all those who stand up to defend their country from authoritarianism and protect democracy, as well as our shared values.
“Canada has one of the world’s strongest and most stable democracies. This didn’t happen by accident, and it won’t endure without effort. We are not immune to the threats democracy is facing elsewhere in the world – rising levels of disinformation, foreign actors trying to influence the results of our elections, and extremism. On this International Day of Democracy, I encourage Canadians to reflect on the democratic values that bring us together and make Canada the country we are proud to call home. We will always protect and promote these values so we can leave our children and grandchildren a more prosperous and peaceful world.”
September 14, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to New York City, United States of America, from September 19 to 21, 2023, to participate in the 78th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. He will work closely with our global partners to build a better world for everyone, including by advocating for ambitious climate action, global security, democracy, human rights, and access to health care.
As Co-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates group, the Prime Minister will speak at the SDG Summit, where he will reiterate Canada’s leadership and commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – the global framework for achieving an equal, peaceful, and prosperous future – at home and abroad.
To drive global action on climate change and build a clean, healthy world for future generations, the Prime Minister will convene leaders at a Global Carbon Pricing Challenge event to demonstrate the powerful role that pollution pricing can play in helping achieve our climate goals, while making life more affordable for people. The Prime Minister will also advance ocean-based climate action and ocean protection that supports sustainable livelihoods for coastal and Indigenous communities at the Ocean Panel leaders’ meeting.
Prime Minister Trudeau will also continue to position Canada as a reliable and consistent advocate for developing countries’ needs and priorities during his participation in the High-level Dialogue on Financing for Development to assess progress on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda. He will emphasize the importance of working together to reform the financial architecture and improve access to financing for emerging economies and developing countries in the wake of the pandemic and in the face of concurrent global crises like the impacts of climate change.
While in New York, the Prime Minister will host a discussion to identify ways in which the international community can provide concrete support for Haitian-led solutions to the ongoing crisis and help foster sustainable development. The event will be an important platform to strengthen and enhance international coordination efforts in Haiti as political instability, high levels of insecurity and armed violence, extreme inflation, and the cholera outbreak continue to worsen the ongoing crisis in the country.
The Prime Minister will meet with partners from around the world to strengthen ties, advance key shared priorities, and reiterate support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable war of aggression.
Quote
“When it comes to addressing the global challenges of our time, like climate change and conflict that is driving up inflation and the cost of living, it is critical that we work together. I look forward making real progress with international partners at the United Nations to build a better world, fight climate change, protect our oceans, and defend democracy now and into the future.”
Quick Facts
- The Canadian delegation to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly will include Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen, and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault.
- Canada has been active at the UN since its creation in 1945 and played a key role in drafting the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations.
- Today, Canada continues to support the UN by actively participating in the organization’s activities and providing financial support.
- Canada is the eighth-largest contributor to the UN with an annual assessed contribution to the UN system of CAD $370 million, including CAD $199 million for peacekeeping.
- In May 2020, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Jamaica, alongside the Secretary-General of the United Nations, launched the Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond Initiative, a series of leader-level meetings to develop concrete solutions for developing countries facing challenges accessing financing to respond to situations like climate-related disasters.
- In 2015, Canada joined all UN Member States in adopting ambitious goals for sustainable development, as outlined in Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda centres on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encompassing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Taken together, the SDGs aim to improve the lives of all people, while protecting the planet.
- Moving Forward Together: Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy, builds upon 30 actions and 5 core principles to create and foster an enabling environment for ongoing dialogue and participation to encourage Canadians to take action to realize the SDGs for everyone.
- In 2021, Canada launched the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge to expand the use of pollution pricing by strengthening existing systems and supporting emerging ones. The Challenge also serves as a forum for dialogue and coordination to make pricing systems more effective and compatible and to support other countries in adopting carbon pricing and cutting emissions on the path to net-zero by 2050.
- The High-level Debate (HLD) on Financing for Development takes place every four years to assess progress on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (2015) and provide leadership on how to accelerate implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. In September 2019, Canada and Ghana co-facilitated the UN’s first HLD on Financing for Development.
- Over the past decade, Canada has been at the forefront of financing for development discussions at the UN. Canada has co-chaired the UN Group of Friends of SDG Financing since 2016. In May 2020, the Prime Ministers of Canada and Jamaica, alongside the Secretary-General of the United Nations, launched the Financing for Development in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond Initiative.
- In 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau was named co-chair of the UN SDG Advocates group by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley. SDG Advocates work to raise global awareness of the SDGs and the need for accelerated action by using their respective platforms. Advocates include academics, politicians, artists, musicians and more, from around the world.
Associated Links
- Canada and the United Nations
- United Nations – Sustainable Development
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- Global Carbon Pricing Challenge
