November 2, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Switzerland, Alain Berset.
The leaders discussed pressing geopolitical issues. They unequivocally condemned the brutal terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas against Israel and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. The leaders expressed concern over escalation in the region and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They agreed on the need for urgent and unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians. The leaders called for the humane treatment and immediate release of all hostages being held by Hamas. They also discussed the importance of continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion, including through sanctions.
In the context of the current geopolitical climate, the Prime Minister and the President discussed the importance of protecting democracy and emphasized the need to uphold and respect the rule of law.
The leaders highlighted shared priorities, such as strengthening local content in their countries’ respective broadcasting systems, including through regulations for online platforms.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President Berset on an outstanding political career, as he reaches the end of his mandate.
The two leaders recognized the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Switzerland, and looked forward to future opportunities to continue to build on these relations.
Associated Links
- Canada-Switzerland relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
November 2, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced he will travel to Washington, D.C. on November 3, 2023, to participate in the inaugural Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) Leaders’ Summit, hosted by the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden.
During the Leaders’ Summit, the Prime Minister and other APEP leaders will focus on key areas of mutual interest, including strengthening our respective economies and trade relations, increasing collective stability and resilience, creating good-quality jobs, and growing the middle-class, as well as attracting responsible and sustainable investments that will bolster our supply chains for the next generation. The Summit will be an opportunity to address the economic opportunities and challenges of migration in our hemisphere.
In his discussions with fellow APEP partners, Prime Minister Trudeau will underscore the importance of taking ambitious action on climate change, creating good jobs, and accelerating the development of clean energy technologies. He will highlight Canada’s role as a leader on climate change, as well as a strategic partner to advance growth and prosperity in the hemisphere. Importantly, the Prime Minister will showcase Canadian businesses and investment opportunities in the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean.
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“There is no better time to work together toward achieving a prosperous, strong, and resilient future for our hemisphere. That is why I look forward to working with APEP leaders at the Leaders’ Summit to advance important issues such as sustainable economic growth, climate adaptation and mitigation, and expand trade and investment ties in the region.”
Quick Facts
- The APEP Leaders’ Summit is a historic initiative that creates a framework for regional co-operation to foster competitiveness, resilience, shared prosperity, and inclusive and sustainable investment. It aims to unleash the Western hemisphere’s full economic potential including boosting competitiveness, building more resilient regional supply chains, creating quality jobs, combating climate change, and reinvigorating our hemisphere’s economic institutions.
- The 12 APEP member countries are:
- Barbados
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Mexico
- Panama
- Peru
- United States
- Uruguay
- The Canada-United States partnership is forged by our shared geography, values, interests, deep personal connections, and strong economic ties. Canada and the United States enjoy the largest trade relationship in the world.
- Canada has longstanding ties and robust relationships with Caribbean countries, including our partnership on development challenges and regional security. We share values including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law with our Commonwealth, Francophonie, and other partners.
- Canada shares many connections with countries and peoples of Latin America, including people-to-people ties, shared values, trade and investment, student exchanges, and tourism.
Related Product
Associated Links
- Canada and the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity
- Canada and the Inter-American Development Bank Group
- Canada-United States relations
- Canada-Mexico relations
- Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean
November 1, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the first Lebanese Heritage Month:
“Today, we celebrate the beginning of the very first Lebanese Heritage Month, a time to recognize and honour the contributions of Lebanese Canadians to the country we proudly call home.
“Since the 1800s, when the first Lebanese immigrants came to Canada, to today, with hundreds of thousands of Lebanese Canadians residing in communities from coast to coast to coast, this vibrant diaspora has formed an integral piece of Canada’s rich cultural mosaic. Their contributions have made – and continue to make – our country more diverse, prosperous, and inclusive.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to learn more about the contributions of Lebanese Canadians to our culture, our economy, and our communities. From sharing Lebanon’s national cuisine, to celebrating with traditional music and dancing, to making an impact in the fields of science and medicine, Lebanese Canadians help make Canada the country we love.
“To everyone celebrating, I wish you all a very happy first Lebanese Heritage Month.”
October 31, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed the following individuals as independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate:
- Joan Kingston, for New Brunswick
- John McNair, for New Brunswick
- Krista Ross, for New Brunswick
- Réjean Aucoin, for Nova Scotia
- Rodger Cuzner, for Nova Scotia
Joan Kingston is a registered nurse and a former member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. During her career in health care and provincial politics, she has been an active advocate for nurses and for community and women’s health. She was most recently a consultant with the University of New Brunswick’s Faculty of Nursing.
John McNair is a lawyer who believes in giving back to his community. He has served on the boards of several non-profits and charitable organizations in the province. He worked until recently as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary to Service New Brunswick and its predecessor corporation, a role he had held since 2009.
Krista Ross is an established business and community leader. She is a former business owner who has worked with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce for 20 years and has supported New Brunswick business and community development as a board member of several local and provincial non-profit organizations.
Réjean Aucoin, a lawyer of over thirty years, is a member of the Acadian community of Chéticamp and has been deeply involved in community development across Nova Scotia. He is a proud francophone leader and the founder and past president of the Association des juristes d’expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse.
Rodger Cuzner is a former parliamentarian. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 2000, and represented his home province of Nova Scotia for 19 years while serving in various roles, including Parliamentary Secretary to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Most recently, he served as Consul General of Canada in Boston, United States of America, from 2020 to 2023.
Quote
“I am pleased to welcome Joan Kingston, John McNair, Krista Ross, Réjean Aucoin, and Rodger Cuzner as Parliament’s newest independent senators. I am confident that, with diverse leadership experience and impressive track records serving their communities, they will be strong voices for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Upper House. I look forward to working with them and with all senators as we continue to build a better future for all Canadians.”
Quick Facts
- The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate not only defends regional interests, it also creates a space for the voices of historically underrepresented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and women.
- With today’s announcement, there have been 75 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- In 2016, the selection process for senators was opened to all Canadians. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
- Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Senate Appointments Process – Questions and Answers
- Senate of Canada
October 31, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.
The leaders unequivocally condemned Hamas’ attack against Israel and expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni expressed deep concern over escalation in the region and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They agreed on the need for urgent and unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians. The leaders called for the humane treatment and immediate release of all hostages being held by Hamas.
The prime ministers emphasized the importance of close coordination and partnerships to respond to pressing global challenges. They discussed opportunities to work together, particularly during Italy’s G7 Presidency in 2024 and Canada’s subsequent G7 Presidency in 2025.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni looked forward to further collaboration and agreed to stay in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Statement by the Prime Minister on attacks against Israel
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Canada and the G7
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni
October 30, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada will welcome European Union (EU) leaders to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, for the 19th Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit, which will run from November 23 to 24, 2023. Prime Minister Trudeau will host the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The Summit will be an opportunity to underscore the already strong ties between Canada and the EU and will allow leaders to discuss ways to build on this relationship.
During the Summit, the leaders will discuss progress on key commitments established during the 2021 Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit in Belgium, including creating jobs and opportunities and building the middle class; fighting climate change and halting biodiversity loss; increasing collaboration on technology, research, and innovation; and building sustainable and resilient economies for future generations. The leaders will also reaffirm their support for strengthening trade under the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
In his discussions with EU leaders, Prime Minister Trudeau will also highlight Canada and the EU’s shared commitment to promote democracy, human rights, clean energy, gender equality, and the rule of law to create a better, more equitable world.
Quote
“The Canada-EU relationship is more important than ever. I look forward to meeting with President Michel and President von der Leyen to discuss how we can address the most pressing challenges of our time. Together, we will work to grow the middle class, improve quality of life, and build clean economies on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Quick Facts
- The Leaders’ Summits between the Prime Minister of Canada and the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission are mandated by the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).
- The last Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit was in Brussels, Belgium, on June 14, 2021.
- This will be the first official visit to Canada of President Charles Michel as President of the European Council and the second official visit to Canada of President Ursula von der Leyen’s as President of the European Commission.
- The Canada-EU relationship is the oldest formal relationship the EU has with any industrialized country, dating back to 1959.
- Canada is one of the EU’s official Strategic Partners and our present-day relations with the EU are framed by two agreements.
- The Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).
- The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
- In 2022, trade in Canada-EU combined goods and services reached a value of $147.0 billion.
- The city of St. John’s is home to North America’s closest port to European markets. The region’s Port of Argentia serves as North America’s first port of entry to European offshore wind developers.
Associated Links
- Canada and the European Union
- Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA)
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- The European Union
