Statement by the Prime Minister on the selection of the new premier of the Northwest Territories
December 8, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the selection of R.J. Simpson as the new premier of the Northwest Territories:
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“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate R.J. Simpson, who was selected to serve as the new premier of the Northwest Territories by the Members of the Legislative Assembly.
“I look forward to working with Premier Simpson and the territorial government to keep delivering on what matters to the people of the Northwest Territories. This includes continuing to support the territory and local communities following devastating wildfires this summer, accelerating work to fight climate change, creating good jobs, driving economic growth, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, investing in critical infrastructure, and building more homes, faster.
“By working together, we can build strong, healthy, and resilient communities for today, and a bright future for years to come.
“I thank Caroline Cochrane for her service to the Northwest Territories and to Canada as Premier over the last four years, and I wish her the best in her future endeavours.”
December 8, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Leonard Marchand, a judge of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, as the new Chief Justice of British Columbia and Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon.
Chief Justice Marchand replaces the Honourable Robert J. Bauman, who retired effective October 1, 2023.
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“The Honourable Leonard Marchand is a highly respected member of British Columbia and Canada’s legal community. As he takes on his new role as Chief Justice of British Columbia and Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon, I wish him continued success. I know he brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue to serve the people of British Columbia and the Yukon 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
December 7, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have been the guardians of the land, waters, and ice for millennia, and across the country, Indigenous Peoples are leading large-scale efforts to conserve and steward these spaces. By supporting these initiatives, and working together on a shared path of reconciliation, we will continue to protect nature, strengthen communities, and grow local economies with good jobs and opportunities for generations to come.
One year ago, on the margins of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal, Quebec, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced up to $800 million to support four Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. This long-term, multi-partner funding approach, through the innovative Project Finance for Permanence model, is designed to bring together government, community, and philanthropic support to protect nature while supporting local economic growth based on conservation and sustainable resource use. These Indigenous-led conservation models will protect some of Canada’s most diverse and sensitive ecosystems, including projects in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, and Ontario. Taken together, these initiatives will protect up to one million square kilometres of land and waters in Canada.
Today, the Prime Minister joined partners in highlighting important progress made over the past year on advancing these landmark Indigenous-led projects, including:
- The signing of an Agreement in Principle for the Qikiqtani Project Finance for Permanence in eastern Nunavut to create one of the largest networks of Inuit-led protected areas worldwide. Using Inuit knowledge and practices, this initiative would empower local communities to manage almost one million square kilometres of lands and waters in the region, while creating good jobs and new opportunities;
- The signing of a historic Framework Agreement between 26 partners to the Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence – one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Once completed, this agreement could contribute at least 2.5 per cent toward Canada’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of our lands and waters by 2030;
- The endorsing of the Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan for the Great Bear Sea by 17 First Nations, as well as the governments of Canada and British Columbia. This initiative will help protect the Northern Shelf Bioregion, preserving local waters and ocean life, including endangered whales, ancient corals, salmon, and sea birds; and
- The ongoing work in partnership with the Mushkegowuk Council to conserve the Omushkego Homelands – a significant part of the boreal forest and the Hudson’s Bay Lowlands, in Ontario and Nunavut – while advancing local economic growth.
These Indigenous-led projects are a gift to Canada and to our shared future, and we remain committed to a whole-of-government approach – and to working with all partners, including provinces and territories – to further advance successful negotiations over the coming months. As committed to at COP15, the Government of Canada has provided funding for their long-term success through a model that also leverages philanthropic support. By working together in partnership, we can build a new model for stewardship in these regions; a model that helps them thrive now and long into the future, and protects land, water, and ice for generations to come.
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“Protecting nature and walking forward on the shared path of reconciliation can and must go together. A year ago, as the world gathered in Montréal for COP15, I stood with representatives from Indigenous-led conservation projects in the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Nunavut, and Ontario, and committed that the federal government would be there as their partner. In the year since, together, we have made real progress, advancing projects that will not only protect huge amounts of nature, but will also create local growth and opportunities. Today and always, Canada will be there as a partner to support communities’ visions of a strong, healthy future for generations to come.”
“Our Nations have proven that Indigenous-led conservation, backed by durable finance, delivers real returns for nature, for the economy, and for communities. We are pleased to be working with Canada and British Columbia to deliver the Great Bear Sea PFP – a ground-breaking initiative that will protect our coasts, create jobs, rebuild abundant and sustainable commercial fisheries, and strengthen coastal communities.”
“We have stewarded our Homelands for millennia, and we will do the same for generations yet to come. Without our lands and waters, we do not exist as a People. Conserving our Homelands is also a gift to the world. The lands and waters that have sustained the Omushkego have cooled and continue to cool the planet, keeping us all safe from even worse impacts of climate change. In the spirit of wahkohtowin – the relationships that we all have to each other and to Mother Earth – we welcome working in a whole-of-government approach with leaders of both the province and the federal government to deliver on a vision for our region. A vision of conservation and also, where Nations agree, of access to the minerals critical to the green transition the world needs.”
“Our vision is for every community in the Qikiqtani region to permanently participate in the stewardship and monitoring of our lands and waters through increasing local food security while passing Inuit knowledge between generations. Through the partnerships we are building, we can see that our vision of Inuit-led conservation can be realized. We look forward to securing final agreements that will confirm relationships and resources that will allow Qikiqtani Inuit the ability to deliver our vision in each community across our region.”
“Many partners have come together around a shared vision for supporting Indigenous-led conservation in the Northwest Territories. After the devastating 2023 wildfires, it was inspiring to see 26 signatories come together this fall to support conservation, community well-being, capacity building, stewardship, reconciliation, and cultural revitalization. When finalized, the Northwest Territories PFP will create one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Investments that match the scale of our shared vision will enable transformative benefits for years to come.”
Quick Facts
- Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) provides a multi-partner investment and sustainable financing for large-scale conservation and sustainable development.
- These Indigenous-led PFP projects bring together Indigenous organizations, governments, and the philanthropic community to identify shared goals for protecting nature and ultimately halting biodiversity loss while advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- The federal contribution of up to $800 million in funding announced last year is helping leverage third-party investments to contribute toward Canada’s conservation targets and advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
- Grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge, and local perspectives, Canada is committed to working with partners to conserve 25 per cent of lands and waters by 2025, and 30 per cent by 2030.
- The Government of Canada has made historic investments in Indigenous-led conservation initiatives, including through initiatives like the Indigenous Guardians program.
- In December 2022, Canada welcomed the world to Montréal, Quebec, for the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, where we renewed the call for ambitious action to protect nature. At the Conference, Canada played a leading role in adopting the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, a historic international agreement with over 190 countries to help protect nature and reverse biodiversity loss around the world.
Associated Links
- Canada reaches historic milestone on Indigenous-led land conservation in the Northwest Territories
- Protecting more nature in partnership with Indigenous Peoples
- Canada welcomes the world for COP15 to protect nature
- Indigenous environmental leadership, funding, and initiatives
- Project Finance for Permanence: Support for Indigenous-led conservation initiatives
- Qikiqtani Regional Conservation Approach
December 7, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the start of Hanukkah:
“At sunset today, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights.
“Hanukkah, which takes place over eight nights, is an enduring reminder of the power of light, hope, and determination, even in the face of darkness and tremendous adversity. During this time, friends and families gather to light the candles of the Hanukkiah one by one, pray, and practice traditions that have been a part of Jewish life for generations. It’s also a time to reflect on the strength and perseverance of the Jewish people.
“In the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel earlier this fall and a disturbing increase in antisemitism around the world, including in our own communities, the values of strength, resilience, and perseverance at the heart of Hanukkah are more important than ever. These acts of antisemitism are completely unacceptable and have no place in Canada or anywhere in the world. Each of us, Jewish and non-Jewish Canadians alike, must stand together against this hate.
“The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting antisemitism and hate in all its forms. Earlier this fall, we appointed Deborah Lyons as Canada’s new Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. Ms. Lyons will lead our ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism and will work with partners to preserve the memory of the Holocaust so that younger generations know the truth about what happened – and how antisemitism continues today. Through measures such as the expanded Security Infrastructure Program, we are helping protect community centres, day schools, and places of worship – because no one in Canada should feel unsafe to practise their religion.
“Hanukkah is also an opportunity to recognize the immense contributions that Jewish Canadians have made – and continue to make – to Canada. The lit Hanukkiah by the window is a tradition to share and spread light. A tradition that reaffirms the freedom to express and practise the Jewish faith but also to share the light with others. This is what it means to be Jewish – this is what it means to be Canadian.
“The Government of Canada will always stand with the Jewish community, and we will continue to work to ensure that Canada is always a country where Jewish Canadians can proudly and openly live Jewish lives. Together, we will build a safer, more inclusive future for everyone.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish everyone celebrating a happy, blessed, and peaceful Hanukkah.
“Chag Hanukkah Sameach.”
December 6, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan.
The Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s support for the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear. The leaders discussed the need for a path toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the disturbing rise in Islamophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Arab discrimination, highlighting the impact it is having on Muslim, Jewish, and Arab communities in Canada and around the world.
The leaders agreed to work together and remain in close contact as the situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Canada-Jordan relations
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan
December 6, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:
“On this National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, we remember the 14 young women who were senselessly murdered and the 13 others who were injured at the École Polytechnique de Montréal. Today, we pay tribute to their lives that were tragically cut short simply because they were women, and we reaffirm our commitment to eliminate gender-based violence.
“As we remember the victims of this hateful, cowardly act, we are also reminded that, for many women, girls, and gender-diverse people in Canada and around the world, the violent misogyny that led to this tragedy still exists. The risk of violence is even higher for Indigenous women and girls, racialized women, women living in rural and remote areas, people in 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and women with disabilities. That is why we have and continue to strengthen our laws and ensure supports for victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
“Through the Gender-Based Violence Strategy, we are delivering crucial community-based and trauma-informed support for victims, survivors, and their families. Last year, we launched the It’s Not Just campaign to help young people recognize, build awareness of, and end gender-based violence.
“We are also working with provinces and territories across Canada to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – which sets a framework to have a Canada free of gender-based violence, with supports for victims, survivors, and their families. We have already announced bilateral agreements with Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, the Yukon, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick – ensuring supports are readily available and accessible across the country. There is also more work to do to put an end to the ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous families, Survivors, leaders, and partners, as well as with provinces and territories, to implement the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan and the Federal Pathway to make our communities safer.
“We are also taking transformative action to strengthen gun control measures and address the alarming role of firearms in domestic and gender-based violence. We banned over 1,500 models of assault-style firearms and their variants, including the weapon used at the École Polytechnique. We implemented a national handgun freeze, restricting the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns, and through Bill C-21, we can implement some of the strongest measures in Canadian history to tackle gun violence and keep our communities safe.
“As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, I encourage Canadians to honour the victims and survivors of the École Polytechnique massacre. You can wear a white ribbon, attend a vigil in your community, or observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. Together, we can and must put an end to gender-based violence and build a safer, more inclusive future, where everyone can reach their full potential.”
December 4, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Governor Newsom for their conversation last month, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in San Francisco, United States of America, where they covered a broad range of subjects, including Canada’s Online News Act.
The Prime Minister and the Governor discussed the successful agreement Canada reached with Google last week. The multinational technology company will contribute $100 million in financial support annually, indexed to inflation, for a wide range of news businesses across the country, including independent news businesses and those from Indigenous and official-language minority communities.
With Canada and California as recognized leaders on innovation, the Prime Minister and the Governor exchanged views on support for journalism and its role in strong, healthy democracies.
The Prime Minister and the Governor also discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The two leaders agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to further collaboration on issues of importance to Canadians and Californians alike.
Associated Links
- Canada-United States relations
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Governor of California Gavin Newsom
- Creating opportunities for Canadians and advancing collaboration with APEC partners
- The Online News Act
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
December 4, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of the Yukon, Ranj Pillai, to discuss shared priorities as part of this year’s Yukon Days, an annual series of trilateral meetings held in Ottawa.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed how all orders of government can continue working together to make life more affordable for Canadians, strengthen our public health care system, and build more homes, faster. The two leaders also spoke about how the Government of Canada and the Government of the Yukon can continue to invest in critical infrastructure and safe and affordable homes for Yukoners.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed their governments’ efforts to drive clean economic growth in the territory, including progress toward clean electricity projects that will allow the Yukon to develop its critical minerals and enhance energy security. The two leaders highlighted their commitment to ensuring that investments in the clean economy are developed in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and benefit Indigenous communities. The Prime Minister and the Premier noted the role that the tourism sector plays in helping fuel economic growth in the Yukon.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Pillai reiterated their strong commitment to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and acknowledged the 50th anniversary of Together Today for our Children Tomorrow, a document that helped reshape relationships between the Government of Canada, the Government of the Yukon, and Yukon First Nations.
The two leaders discussed the importance of the Arctic region to Canadian security. The Prime Minister underlined the federal government’s deep commitment to supporting the health, security, and prosperity of the Arctic while defending Canadian sovereignty and upholding regional security.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Pillai agreed to remain in close contact and to continue working together on issues of importance to Yukoners.
Associated Links
- The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy
- Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Premier of the Yukon Ranj Pillai
