Prime Minister announces a change in the senior ranks of the public service
October 27, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following change in the senior ranks of the public service:
Jimi Onalik, currently Deputy Minister of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs and Secretary to Cabinet, Government of Nunavut, becomes President of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, effective November 20, 2023.
Biographical Note
October 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada.
Chief Justice Moreau’s esteemed judicial career includes 29 years on the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. In 2017, she was appointed Chief Justice of that court. Prior to becoming a judge, Chief Justice Moreau practised criminal law, constitutional law, and civil litigation in Edmonton, Alberta. Throughout her career, she has been extensively involved in judicial education, administration, and ethics, both in Canada and internationally.
Following today’s announcement, members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights will participate in a special committee hearing, on November 2, 2023, to learn more about how and why Chief Justice Moreau was selected. They will hear from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Arif Virani, and the Chairperson of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments, the Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan.
A question-and-answer session will then be held with the nominee, as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to openness, transparency, and accountability. The session will be attended by members of the House of Commons Standing Committee, members of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, and a member of the Green Party of Canada. The session will be moderated by Érik Labelle Eastaugh, Dean at the Faculty of Law of the Université de Moncton.
This nomination aims to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Russell Brown.
Quote
“I am pleased to announce the nomination of the Honourable Mary T. Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada, following an open and non-partisan selection process. I am confident that her impressive judicial career and dedication to fairness and excellence will make Chief Justice Moreau an invaluable addition to our country’s highest court.”
Quick Facts
- The process to select a candidate to fill this Supreme Court of Canada vacancy was launched on June 20, 2023.
- From the applications received, the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments identified jurists of the highest calibre who were functionally bilingual and met the eligibility requirements for a Western Canada or Northern Canada seat, according to the convention of regional representation in Canada’s highest court. They then submitted a shortlist to the Prime Minister for consideration.
- In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new process for Supreme Court of Canada judicial appointments. It included the creation of an independent and non-partisan advisory board to identify qualified and suitable candidates for appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada.
- The Supreme Court of Canada consists of nine judges, including a Chief Justice. They are all appointed by the Governor in Council and must have been either a judge of a superior court or a member of at least 10 years’ standing of the bar of a province or territory.
Biographical Note
Associated Links
- Candidate questionnaire filled out by the Honourable Mary T. Moreau
- Prime Minister opens the process to select the next justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
- Prime Minister announces Independent Advisory Board to help select the next Supreme Court Justice
- Supreme Court of Canada appointment process
- Frequently asked questions
- Supreme Court of Canada
October 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
As global market forces and inflation continue to hit Canadians, too many families are feeling the pressure on their monthly bills. Already, the Government of Canada has taken action on affordable child care, home retrofits, grocery prices, and more. And we are now taking an ambitious next step with a new energy affordability package.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the government is moving ahead with doubling the pollution price rebate (Climate Action Incentive Payment) rural top-up rate, increasing it from 10 to 20 per cent of the baseline amount starting in April 2024. People who live in rural communities face unique realities, and this measure will help put even more money back in the pockets of families dealing with higher energy costs because they live outside a large city.
Given the pressures faced by households and small businesses that use oil heating, the Prime Minister also announced that the government is moving ahead with a temporary, three-year pause to the federal price on pollution (fuel charge) on deliveries of heating oil in all jurisdictions where the federal fuel charge is in effect. This pause would begin 14 days from today. While the fuel charge is already returned to consumers through the pollution price rebate, this temporary pause would save a household that uses heating oil $250 at the current rate, on average, while the federal government works with provinces to roll out heat pumps and phase out oil for heating over the longer term.
Additionally, the federal government will work with provinces and territories to help people save money over the longer term by making it easier to switch to an electric heat pump to heat their homes. The Prime Minister announced the following new measures that will be piloted first in Atlantic Canada:
- An upfront payment of $250 for low- to median-income households, which will be available to those who heat their homes with oil and sign up for a heat pump through a joint federal-provincial government program.
- A strengthened Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program that will partner with provinces and territories to increase from $10,000 to $15,000 the amount of federal funding eligible homeowners can receive for installing a heat pump, adding up to an additional $5,000 in grant funding to match provincial and territorial contributions via co-delivery arrangements. This would make the average heat pump free for lower income households as we continue to minimize upfront costs and make federal programs even easier to access for all households.
On average, homeowners who switch from oil to cold-climate heat pumps to heat and cool their homes save up to $2,500 per year on home energy bills.
Families are feeling the pressure on monthly bills. This new energy affordability package, along with the work the federal government is doing on everything from child care to housing, will get people the support they need and deserve.
Quote
“Today’s announcement is good news for Atlantic Canadians, rural Canadians, and people across the country. We are putting more money back in your pocket and making it easier for you to find affordable, long-term solutions to heat your home. These measures will help make a real difference.”
Quick Facts
- The pollution price rebate (Climate Action Incentive Payment or CAIP) is how the proceeds of pollution pricing are returned directly to families in provinces where the federal system applies. The quarterly CAIP currently includes a 10 per cent top-up for residents of small and rural communities, which, per today’s announcement, would be increased to 20 per cent as of April 2024.
- The federal fuel charge is implemented by the Government of Canada in provinces and territories that request it or that do not have a carbon pricing system that meets the federal benchmark. All direct proceeds from the fuel charge are returned to the jurisdiction where they were collected. Through the pollution price rebate, eight out of 10 families in backstop provinces receive more money back than they pay into the system.
- The temporary fuel charge pause for deliveries of light fuel oil for use exclusively to provide heat to a home or building would be provided for the next three fuel charge years in the jurisdictions where the federal fuel charge applies (Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon), up to March 31, 2027. The fuel charge would apply again to these deliveries as of April 1, 2027.
- Heat pumps are one of the best ways for homeowners to get off heating oil – saving money on energy bills and fighting climate change in the process. When compared with other electric home heating sources, they are also two to three times more efficient.
- Introduced in 2022, the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program helps low- to median-income households that are currently heating their homes with oil to move to electric heat pumps. By switching, homeowners can receive funding toward the purchase and installation of a new, cold-climate heat pump, save thousands of dollars annually on heating bills, and help cut pollution.
Associated Links
- Climate Action Incentive Payment
- Fuel charge
- Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program
- Why use a cold climate air source heat pump?
October 25, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of the Honourable Ian Shugart:
“Today, it is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of the Honourable Ian Shugart, a sitting Senator and a former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet.
“Senator Shugart dedicated his life to the service of our country. His outstanding career in the public service spanned over four decades, including roles as Deputy Minister at Environment and Climate Change Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, and Global Affairs Canada, where his commitment to bettering the lives of Canadians always shone through.
“Even in the face of unprecedented global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Shugart was a pillar of stability. From 2019 to 2021, his steady leadership and sound advice as Head of the Public Service helped ensure that the Government of Canada was able to support Canadians when they needed it most. In recognition of his service, he was appointed as a Privy Councillor. His legacy as Clerk endures in his Call to Action, which continues to guide us as we work to break down barriers to equity and inclusion across government by making our public service more representative of the country it serves.
“Senator Shugart’s commitment to making Canada a better place for everyone never wavered. In 2022, he was appointed to the Senate, where he served until now, advancing the priorities of Canadians while managing health challenges.
“As we mourn the loss of a great Canadian, we also celebrate his life and his tireless service to Canada. Senator Shugart was a role model for public servants, and indeed an inspiration for all Canadians. I owe him a great deal, and my thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
October 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on United Nations Day:
“In the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community recognized that true peace depends on dialogue, negotiation, and co-operation. On this day in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was born from a mutual commitment to create a better future for everyone, and it continues to serve as the bedrock of the rules-based international order. As we mark United Nations Day, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the ideals of peace, prosperity, and the rule of law that the UN stands for, and we reiterate the importance of the UN as a pillar of stability in an increasingly unstable world.
“As a founding member of the UN, our steadfast commitment to its objectives has helped forge our national identity. Over 125,000 Canadians have participated in close to a hundred peacekeeping efforts around the world. Today, we continue to play a leadership role in important UN initiatives, such as the Vancouver Principles, which focus on preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers in places where peacekeeping missions operate, and the Elsie Initiative, which promotes women’s meaningful participation in peace operations.
“Canada is taking concrete action to advance the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and as a Co-chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates Group, I will continue to promote a more peaceful, just, and inclusive future. Last month, while at the UN General Assembly in New York City, I announced over $125 million to support projects in line with the SDGs, as well as $78 million in support for key UN programs, such as the UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women, and the UNFPA. In April 2024, Canada will also welcome the world to Ottawa, Ontario, where it will host the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, under the UNEP, to develop a new global agreement on plastic pollution and create a greener, cleaner planet.
“The UN is a forum to discuss and debate the most pressing global issues. Its institutions and programs play a critical role in helping vulnerable populations. Canada is committed to working with its UN partners to protect human rights, advance gender equality, strengthen the rule of law, address food insecurity in emerging economies and developing nations, and help those who need it most.
“On this United Nations Day, we recommit ourselves to the principles enshrined in the UN’s founding charter – the ‘equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small’. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to learn more about the UN’s mission and to recognize the importance of working together to build a better world for everyone.”
October 22, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to, and solidarity with, Israel in the face of Hamas’ brutal attack against Israel, and the need for Israel to defend itself in accordance with international law.
The Prime Minister and the President agreed on the need for the immediate release of the hostages held in Gaza. They also agreed on the need to address antisemitism in all its forms.
The Prime Minister expressed his concerns with the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to find a solution for peace. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.
The leaders reaffirmed the strong bond between Israel and Canada and agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops.
Associated Links
- Canada-Israel relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Canada provides additional funding for humanitarian assistance in Gaza Strip and neighbouring area
October 22, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking nine years since the attack at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill:
“Nine years ago today, a terrorist attack at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, claimed one life and injured several others, inflicting a deep wound on our country, on all Canadians, and on the values we hold dear.
“On this day, I join Canadians across the country in honouring Corporal Nathan Cirillo, a sentry guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, who was killed two days earlier in a separate attack in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. We remember them as brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces who devoted themselves to their country, and we offer our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and colleagues.
“On this sombre anniversary, we also pay tribute to the first responders who risked their lives to respond to these attacks and help keep Canadians safe, as well as the bystanders who acted quickly and selflessly in the face of danger to help the victims.
“There is no place for hate or violence in Canada, and the attacks that took place nine years ago are a stark reminder that Canadians only grow closer and more united when responding to tragedy. Together, let us continue to counter hate by promoting the values of freedom, peace, and inclusion that make our country stronger.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage Canadians to take a moment today to mourn the two brave soldiers we lost and to thank our brave service members, who dedicate each day to making Canada the country we know and love.”
October 22, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated in a call hosted by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas, alongside the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak.
The leaders reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself against terrorism and called for adherence to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians. They welcomed the release of two hostages and called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. They committed to close coordination to support their nationals in the region, in particular those wishing to leave Gaza.
The leaders welcomed the announcement of the first humanitarian convoys to reach Palestinians in need in Gaza and committed to continue coordinating with partners in the region to ensure sustained and safe access to food, water, medical care, and other assistance. They committed to continue close diplomatic coordination, including with key partners in the region, to prevent the conflict from spreading, preserve stability in the Middle East, and work toward a political solution and durable peace.
Associated Links
