Prime Minister announces changes to the parliamentary secretary team
January 30, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes to the parliamentary secretary team:
- Élisabeth Brière becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, in addition to her role as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
- Anthony Housefather becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board
- Yasir Naqvi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
In their new roles, Ms. Brière, Mr. Housefather, and Mr. Naqvi will support their respective cabinet ministers to make progress on the priorities that matter most to Canadians. They will help advance new legislation, engage directly with Canadians on key initiatives, and represent the government at home and abroad. Their appointments are effective immediately.
The Prime Minister also announced the appointment of Mona Fortier as Deputy Government Whip. In this role, she will work with the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Steven MacKinnon, and the Chief Government Whip, Ruby Sahota, to advance the government’s commitments in the House of Commons and ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament, Members’ offices, and service to constituents.
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“We are squarely focused on growing the middle class and building a better future. We’ve delivered action to build more homes, create good jobs, and help Canadians get ahead, but there is more to do. I know this team is ready to work hard for Canadians and deliver on their priorities.”
Quick Facts
- Parliamentary secretaries are chosen by the Prime Minister to assist ministers.
- The responsibilities of parliamentary secretaries generally fall into two broad categories: House of Commons business and department-related duties.
- Parliamentary secretaries are not members of Cabinet and do not play a formal role in the Cabinet decision-making process. They support their ministers, but overall responsibility and accountability remains with the minister.
Associated Links
January 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman, His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
The Prime Minister and the Sultan discussed the situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. The Prime Minister underscored Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution, reiterated his call for the immediate release of all hostages, and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
The two leaders shared their deep concerns with the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, and Prime Minister Trudeau committed to providing further support. They stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring humanitarian access to the affected areas, and protecting civilians. The leaders also discussed the regional security implications of the conflict and efforts toward de-escalation.
The Prime Minister thanked the Sultan for his efforts to de-escalate the conflict in the region.
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 remain in contact as the situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Canada-Oman relations
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip
January 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the public service:
Catherine Blewett, currently Deputy Minister of Economic Development and, concurrently, President of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, becomes Secretary of the Treasury Board, effective February 6, 2024.
Mala Khanna, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, becomes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Governance), Privy Council Office, effective February 12, 2024.
Dominic Rochon, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Transport, becomes Chief Information Officer of Canada, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, effective February 12, 2024.
The Prime Minister also congratulated Graham Flack, Secretary of the Treasury Board, on his retirement from the public service. He thanked him for his dedication and service to Canadians throughout his career and wished him all the best in the future.
Biographical Notes
January 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia:
“Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzedine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti. Their lives were tragically lost seven years ago today when a gunman opened fire at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy.
“They were sons, brothers, fathers, and friends – proud Muslims, Quebecers, and Canadians. But they were targeted simply because they were Muslim. On January 29 every year, we pay tribute to the victims we lost to this heinous act of hate. We also stand in solidarity with our Muslim friends and neighbours and reaffirm our commitment to combatting Islamophobia.
“Today, we also express solidarity with the survivors and the 13 others who were injured, the families and friends who lost a loved one, the first responders who risked their lives to rescue others, and the communities of Quebec City and across Canada whose lives have been changed forever.
“This attack was not an isolated incident – it was a painful reminder of the consequences of Islamophobia, hate, and violent extremism. In recent months, Canada’s Muslim communities across the country have experienced a disturbing rise in hate speech, discrimination, and Islamophobia. This is absolutely unacceptable, and we will continue to take action so that Canadians can feel safe and secure in their homes, communities, and places of worship. This includes our ongoing work with Canada’s Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, to advance equity, inclusion, and diversity, and to tackle Islamophobia and hate wherever they occur. We have also increased investments in the Security Infrastructure Program to support communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes, with additional funding to enhance the security at community gathering spaces, including places of worship.
“Additionally, we are taking transformative action to keep dangerous weapons out of our communities. To date, we have banned 2,000 makes and models of assault-style firearms and their variants, expanded background checks, and prohibited the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns. And last month, Bill C-21 became law – bringing into force some of the strongest measures in Canadian history to tackle gun violence and keep our communities safe.
“Today, we honour the memory of those who were taken too soon at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec, and we reaffirm our commitment to standing with Muslim communities in the face of racism, hate, and discrimination. Canada’s strength lies in its diversity. Together, let us continue to build a Canada that is safe, inclusive, and prosperous for everyone.”
January 28, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that a by-election will be held on March 4, 2024, in the electoral district of Durham, in Ontario.
January 28, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed Mohammad Al Zaibak as an independent senator to fill a vacancy in the Senate for Ontario.
Mohammad Al Zaibak is an entrepreneur with expertise in corporate governance, international business, and diverse technology industries. Beyond his professional experience, he has shown a deep commitment to improving social development and promoting diversity. He has been a proud community leader, with roles supporting organizations such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He also co-founded Lifeline Syria, a humanitarian organization helping Syrian refugees resettle to Canada.
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“I welcome the appointment of Mohammad Al Zaibak as Parliament’s newest independent senator. His business and philanthropic experience, along with his community leadership in diversity and inclusion, will only make the Senate better. I look forward to working with him and all senators to grow the middle class and build a strong future for everyone.”
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.
- 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.
- With today’s announcement, there have been 80 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- 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 Note
Associated Links
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Senate Appointments Process – Questions and Answers
- Senate of Canada
February 1, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister and the King expressed deep concern over the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They stressed the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring humanitarian access to the affected areas, and protecting civilians.
Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s humanitarian support to Palestinians including through the recent announcement of an additional $40 million in funding to address urgent needs stemming from the ongoing crisis in the Gaza.
The Prime Minister re-iterated the need for a path to secure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, underscoring Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution, and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
The two leaders also discussed the regional security implications of the conflict and ongoing efforts toward de-escalation.
Prime Minister Trudeau and His Majesty King Abdullah II agreed to remain in close contact as the situation continues to evolve.
Associated Links
- Canada-Jordan relations
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan
February 1, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Black History Month:
“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month. This month, we honour the achievements of Black Canadians, past and present, celebrate Black culture, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more diverse, welcoming Canada for everyone.
“The theme of this year’s Black History Month, ‘Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build’, encourages us to share the stories of Black Canadians. Black Canadian history is Canadian history. From groundbreaking trailblazers in halls of fame and history books to unsung heroes in communities across the country, Black excellence is all around us. We celebrate Stephanie Bernard, the founder of the Nunavut Black History Society and a community leader advancing Black-Canadian arts, and culture. We celebrate Abraham Beverley Walker, the first Canadian-born Black lawyer and first Black New Brunswicker to publish a magazine. Black Canadians have played a pivotal role in making Canada the diverse, prosperous, and compassionate place we know and love.
“Canada’s painful history of anti-Black racism continues to impact communities across the country. We can – and we must – do better. In 2018, we officially recognized the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent. This initiative, centred on recognition, justice, development, and fighting discrimination, helps us build frameworks to empower Black communities and advance our work to combat racism, discrimination, and xenophobia faced by those of African descent.
“We’ve also strengthened our supports to Black-led organizations here at home. Since 2019, through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, we have invested in more than 2,300 projects to grow Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and non-profit organizations. Last year, we selected the Foundation for Black Communities to manage the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. The Fund supports charities and non-profit organizations in fighting anti-Black racism and improving social and economic well-being in predominantly Black communities. With the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and succeed – now and into the future.
“Canada has undoubtedly come a long way. But so long as inequality and injustice still exist in our society, our work is far from done. So, this month, and every month, let us celebrate Black heritage, honour the extraordinary stories of Black Canadians, and build a better, fairer future – for the stories yet to be written.
“Happy Black History Month, Canada.”
