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October 14, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip:
“Canada is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. We are working closely with allies and partners in the region to do everything we can to support affected Canadian citizens, including assistance departing from Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel as quickly and safely as possible.
“The rapid and unimpeded access of relief via a humanitarian corridor is essential to address the urgent needs of civilians in Gaza. International law, including humanitarian and human rights law, must be respected and civilians, journalists, humanitarian workers, and medical personnel must be protected. The loss of civilian life is deeply disturbing, and our heartfelt condolences are with all those whose families and communities have been affected. Canadians and people around the world must be steadfast in our support for the protection of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian.
“Canada will continue to support civilians of Gaza facing urgent humanitarian needs. Our initial commitment of $10 million in humanitarian assistance to trusted partners will provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, and protection services to those affected by the crisis in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel, none of which will go to Hamas. We will continue to coordinate closely with our international partners, including through the current visit to the region by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly.
“Terrorism is always indefensible, and nothing can justify Hamas’ acts of terror and the killing, maiming, and abduction of Israeli civilians. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people nor their legitimate aspirations. Canada fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law. We continue to call for the immediate release of all hostages and demand that they be treated in accordance with international law.
“Canada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear.”
Canadians in or around the affected area should constantly consult our updated Travel Advice and Advisories and sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
For emergency consular assistance, Canadians can contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- by calling +1 613-996-8885
- by text message at +1 613-686-3658
- via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881
- via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad
- via Signal at +1 613-909-8087
- by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca
October 13, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss the situation in the Middle East, Canadian consular support, and the ongoing assisted departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members from the region.
The Prime Minister unequivocally condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel and reiterated Canada’s full support for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, noting that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their legitimate aspirations. The Prime Minister highlighted Canada’s initial commitment of $10 million in humanitarian assistance to help trusted partners provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, and protection services to those affected by the crisis in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.
The Prime Minister and ministers considered the latest developments, shared their profound concern for the loss of Israeli and Palestinian civilian life, and underscored the importance of Canada’s close engagement with partners and allies in the international community, including those in the region. The Prime Minister also reinforced the importance of ensuring the safety of all Canadians.
Associated Links
- Canada-Israel relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel
- Government of Canada helping Canadians affected by crisis in Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss Hamas’ attacks against Israel
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu
October 12, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Joan Marie Aylward as the new Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ms. Aylward is a career nurse who served as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly for seven years, during which time she held several ministerial portfolios and worked on issues ranging from public health to employment. Most recently, Ms. Aylward was Vice-Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board. She is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
The Prime Minister thanked the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Judy Foote, for her service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and to Canada. As the first female Lieutenant Governor for the province, Ms. Foote brought passion, energy, and an unwavering dedication to serving Canadians during her historic mandate.
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“Joan Marie Aylward has spent her career caring for and serving her community and Canadians. I am confident that she will continue to serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador in her new role with characteristic selflessness, dedication, and enthusiasm.”
Quick Facts
- Lieutenant Governors are the personal representatives of His Majesty The King of Canada in their respective provinces. They fulfill the roles and functions of the Crown, including granting Royal Assent to provincial laws.
- Lieutenant Governors are appointed by the Governor General of Canada on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They serve terms of at least five years.
Biographical Note
October 11, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl:
“On the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of girls in Canada and around the world, and recognize their limitless potential to shape our society for the better as the leaders of today and tomorrow.
“Around the world, women and girls are leading the charge toward a more equal, inclusive, just, and peaceful world, but they continue to face systemic barriers to reaching their potential. Sadly, these barriers have been further exacerbated by global crises, including conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impacts of climate change. The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl, ‘Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being’, reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure girls are supported with the conditions and tools they need to succeed as changemakers and leaders in their communities.
“Canada is committed to supporting the empowerment of women and girls so they can thrive and lead. We continue to advance global efforts toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including by advancing gender equality, supporting women and girls’ health and safety, and improving access to safe, inclusive, and quality education. Guided by the Feminist International Assistance Policy, we are supporting women’s rights organizations around the world, including over 2,900 organizations in 2022-23 alone. Their work is critical in helping to end child, early, and forced marriage, improving comprehensive sexuality education, and supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, among other priorities. Through the renewal and expansion of the Women’s Voice and Leadership Program, which we announced last spring, we continue to support global efforts to advance the rights of women and girls and promote gender equality.
“On the International Day of the Girl, I encourage all Canadians to join the conversation around girls’ rights by using the hashtag #DayOfTheGirl on social media. Together, we can create a world where girls’ voices – in all their diversity – are heard, where their talents, ideas, and hard work are valued, and where their dreams and potential are realized.”
October 10, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable D. Blair Nixon, a judge of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, as the new Associate Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary.
Associate Chief Justice Nixon replaces Associate Chief Justice John D. Rooke, who retired effective December 16, 2022.
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“I wish the Honourable D. Blair Nixon every success as he takes on his new role as Associate Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. He is a respected member of the legal community and has extensive experience in many areas of the law. I am confident Associate Chief Justice Nixon will be a great asset to Albertans.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
October 10, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Robert Leurer, a judge of the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan, as the new Chief Justice of Saskatchewan.
Chief Justice Leurer replaces the Honourable Robert G. Richards, who retired effective August 31, 2023.
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“The Honourable Robert Leurer is a highly respected member of Saskatchewan and Canada’s legal community. As he takes on his new role as Chief Justice of Saskatchewan, I wish him continued success. I know he brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue to serve the people of Saskatchewan well.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
October 10, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Mental Health Day:
“Today, on World Mental Health Day, we recognize the importance of mental health and the value of timely access to quality mental health care for people in Canada and around the world.
“Mental health is health. Right now, a growing number of people are experiencing mental health challenges, like depression and anxiety. One in five people in Canada are living with mental illness, and one in three people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. That is why this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, ‘Mental health is a universal human right’, is so important – it reminds us that everyone, everywhere should have access to high-quality mental health care.
“The federal government continues to work with partners across the country to improve access to mental health services. We are investing close to $200 billion to improve health care for Canadians, which includes funding to provinces and territories through tailored bilateral agreements with a focus on increasing mental health and substance use supports across the country. We are also developing national standards to ensure all Canadians have equitable access to services, no matter where they live. And with the launch of the new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline next month, we will help save lives through improved access to suicide prevention supports, which will be available to Canadians whenever and wherever in Canada they need it.
“When it comes to mental health, no one should have to fight their battle alone. On #WorldMentalHealthDay, I encourage Canadians to openly talk about mental health, so we can end the stigma and improve mental health care for everyone.”
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Talk Suicide Canada at 1‑833‑456‑4566 – lines are open 24/7/365. Additional resources can also be accessed through the Wellness Together Canada portal.
October 9, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Thanksgiving:
“Today, as we mark Thanksgiving, Canadians across the country will gather with friends and family to celebrate the abundance of harvest season and send our gratitude to the people who helped us when we needed it most this past year.
“This year, Canadians had each other’s backs, like we always do in tough times. As we saw firsthand the increasingly disruptive impacts of climate change, from devastating floods, to hurricanes, to wildfires, we also saw what we can do when we come together as a country. Today, we thank the countless first responders who risked their lives to save others. We recognize the kindness and selflessness of Canadians who stepped up to take in evacuees and provide them with food and shelter. Today, we pay tribute to these heroes, whose efforts exemplify the best of what it means to be Canadian.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.”
