Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:
“Building a fair, inclusive, and accessible world starts with action right here at home. Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we recommit ourselves to working toward a future free of barriers, where all persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and respect, and are provided with equal opportunities to thrive.
“One in four Canadians have a disability – many with disabilities that are not visible. Canadians of working age with a disability are nearly twice as likely to be living on a low income. That is unacceptable – and that is why, last year, we launched the historic Disability Inclusion Action Plan, a blueprint for change to make Canada more inclusive and to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. With concrete programs, policies, and critical investments, the plan will help those with disabilities get financial security, find and keep a good job, and be able to fully participate in their communities.
“We are working on the Canada Disability Benefit, which will provide direct support to low-income, working-age Canadians with disabilities. Disabilities are diverse in nature – there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and that is why Canadians can share their unique perspectives using the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Online Engagement Tool. We also created the Disability Inclusion Business Council, to prioritize accessible and inclusive workplaces and to ensure that employees with disabilities can fully participate on the job. We will continue to work in partnership with disability communities, provinces and territories, and organizations across Canada to make Canada more accessible and to ensure that no one is left behind.
“This idea – of leaving no one behind – is also at the heart of Canada’s role in promoting a more just and inclusive world. Disability rights are human rights, and Canada will continue to take ambitious action to champion disability rights at international forums, including the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
“We are committed to ensuring persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to fully participate, succeed, and get ahead. Today, and every day, I encourage Canadians to learn more about how they can promote inclusion and equality in their own communities, and across the country. Let’s continue working together to make our country better and more inclusive for everyone.”
December 1, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World AIDS Day:
“On World AIDS Day, we show our solidarity with people living with HIV and AIDS, in Canada and around the world. We remember the loved ones we have lost and renew our commitment to ending this epidemic. We also recognize the efforts of activists – particularly from 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, and Afro-Caribbean communities – who tirelessly work to raise awareness, increase access to treatment, and break down the stigma.
“Thanks to medical research and expertise, there have been extraordinary strides in HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Early detection and treatment now allow people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives.
“The Government of Canada has taken action to respond to the impacts of HIV and AIDS here at home. Our five-year action plan on sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections has helped improve access to HIV treatment and care, prevent new cases, and reduce transmission.
“Through our Community Action Fund and our Harm Reduction Fund, we are providing supports to communities disproportionately vulnerable to and impacted by transmission and infections. We have also supported community groups to help distribute HIV self-test kits across Canada. Through our community-based approach to prevention, we are ensuring that people living with HIV in Canada have the resources, services, and supports they need to stay safe and healthy, now and into the future.
“HIV and AIDS disproportionately impact the most vulnerable. Existing non-disclosure criminal law over-criminalizes and stigmatizes people living with HIV and AIDS, discouraging them from seeking treatment and testing. That is why Canada is proud to have been the first country to endorse the global declaration on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), which recognizes that those living with HIV who take proper precautions can lead long, healthy lives without the fear of passing HIV to their sexual partner. We are also reviewing the scope of the criminal law on the non-disclosure of HIV, informed by current scientific evidence, to help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV, while continuing to protect the public and support victims.
“Canadians deserve access to quality health treatment, care, and support, including HIV prevention and treatment. We are making progress, but there is much more to do. Today, I invite everyone to learn more about HIV as we continue to meet this global challenge. On World AIDS Day, we recommit to working together to end this epidemic and its stigma, protect those who are affected, and build a world where everyone is able to lead authentic and happy lives.”
November 29, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the nomination of Marie-Chantal Girard as the next President of the Public Service Commission of Canada.
Ms. Girard is an accomplished administrator with experience serving Canadians regionally, nationally, and internationally. For over two decades, she has worked to design and implement policies to better the lives of Canadians, including by supporting socio-economic development, advancing pay equity, fostering good labour relations, and promoting fairness for equity-seeking groups. She is currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Pensions and Benefits, Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
As President of the Public Service Commission of Canada, Ms. Girard would help promote and safeguard a merit-based, representative, and non-partisan public service that serves all Canadians.
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“Ms. Girard has a proven track record of dedicated public service and people-focused policy development. I am confident that her extensive experience would be a valuable asset to help uphold the integrity of the public service that Canadians deserve.”
Quick Facts
- As set out in the Public Service Employment Act, this appointment must be approved by resolution of the House of Commons and the Senate.
- The Public Service Commission of Canada fulfills its mandate by:
- supporting federal departments and agencies in hiring qualified individuals into and within the public service;
- overseeing and ensuring the integrity of public service hiring;
- protecting the non-partisan nature of the public service while respecting employees’ rights to participate in political activities; and
- delivering recruitment programs and assessment services.
- The federal public service is Canada’s largest employer, with almost 288,000 employees serving as climate scientists, nurses in Northern regions, fisheries officers, policy advisors, and in thousands of other roles that shape our country. The federal government depends on a qualified and diverse public service that reflects the range of backgrounds and worldviews making up Canadian society.
- As an independent agency, the Public Service Commission of Canada reports its results to Parliament.
Biographical Note
Associated Link
November 27, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:
“Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and a revered spiritual leader.
“On this important occasion, families and friends will gather to reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings of equality, and the values of unity, selflessness, and compassion that he upheld. These important values continue to guide Sikh Canadians today, and can serve as an inspiration for all Canadians as we strive to build a better future for all.
“Canada is home to one of the largest Sikh communities across the world. The anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is an opportunity for all of us to recognize the many contributions of Sikh Canadians to Canada’s culture, community, and economy, making our country stronger and more vibrant.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
“Happy Gurpurab!”
November 26, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the formation of a new government in New Zealand:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Christopher Luxon on his appointment as Prime Minister and on the formation of a new government in New Zealand.
“I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Luxon to make progress on the issues that matter most to Canadians and New Zealanders alike, from responding to global challenges, including Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine, the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the impacts of climate change, to bringing down the cost of living and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Our two countries will continue to collaborate to create good middle-class jobs, expand trade and economic opportunity, and build reliable supply chains, including through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). As Canada assumes the role of CPTPP Commission Chair in 2024, we look forward to building on New Zealand’s leadership in 2023.
“Canada and New Zealand are close, like-minded partners who believe in the importance of the rules-based international order and the rule of law. Our relationship is based on strong ties between our communities, common values, and shared priorities. We also work closely together as members of the Five Eyes, the United Nations, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Commonwealth. I am confident we will continue to deepen our bilateral relationship in the years to come, as we work to build a more prosperous future for people in both countries and around the world.
“I thank outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins for his partnership over the past year, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
