Statement by the Prime Minister on Chinese New Year
February 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Chinese New Year:
“Today, Chinese communities here at home and around the world come together to celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome the Year of the Dragon.
“Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year signifies new beginnings. Over the next two weeks, families and friends will gather to share traditional meals, exchange gifts, and invite blessings for the year ahead. As one of the luckiest animals in the Chinese zodiac, the dragon offers hope for good luck and health over the next 12 months.
“The vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations reflect the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Chinese Canadian communities, passed down through generations. For all of us, they also offer an opportunity to recognize the ongoing contributions of more than 1.7 million Chinese Canadians who help make our country more inclusive and diverse.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all those celebrating good health, prosperity, and a very happy Chinese New Year.
“新年快樂! 新年快乐! Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Sun Nin Fai Lok!”
February 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Korean New Year:
“Today, Korean communities in Canada and around the world celebrate Seollal, the Lunar New Year, and welcome the Year of the Blue Dragon.
“On this special occasion, families and friends gather to pay their respects to elders and ancestors, perform rituals, play games, exchange gifts, and eat traditional foods like tteokguk – a rice cake soup that is believed to bring good luck. Symbolizing courage, strength, and hope, the dragon gives us all a renewed sense of optimism as we look to the year ahead.
“Seollal is also an opportunity to reflect on the important contributions that Korean Canadians have made – and continue to make – to our country. Canada is home to nearly 220,000 people of Korean heritage, who are deeply woven into our cultural fabric and help us build a more prosperous, diverse, and inclusive country.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish happiness and health to everyone celebrating Korean New Year and the start of the Year of the Blue Dragon.
“새해 복 많이 받으세요!
“Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!”
February 9, 2024
Greater Toronto Area, Ontario
Universal public health care is a core part of what it means to be Canadian. It is the idea that no matter where you live or what you earn, you will always be able to get the care you need. Unfortunately, our health care system has not been living up to expectations. From overwhelmed emergency rooms to surgery backlogs to health care workers under enormous strain – Canadians deserve immediate action to deliver better health care, when and where they need it. That is why the Government of Canada is making transformative investments to improve how provinces and territories deliver health care across the country.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, alongside the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced a new $3.1 billion agreement to improve health care in Ontario. This investment will help increase access to family doctors, reduce wait times, hire more health care workers, and ensure faster care for Canadians, including mental health care.
Under this agreement, Ontario will continue to deliver on its Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care and create new primary care teams to help more people connect to family doctors. With more family doctors, as well as nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers, health teams will ensure families can access timely, quality primary care. This will also help reduce backlogs for surgeries and wait times in emergency rooms while improving access to care for patients without a family doctor, especially in rural, remote, and underserved areas.
To fill health care shortages, Ontario will add hundreds of new family physicians and nurse practitioners, as well as thousands of new nurses and personal support workers. Enrollment in health care education programs will be expanded by over 700 spots – including over 70 in Northern Ontario. To keep building the talent for the future, Ontario will support students with tuition fees, help practising professionals gain new skills, and bring more health workers into the field.
The agreement will also make it easier for Canadian and internationally trained doctors and health professionals to practise in Ontario, so they spend less time dealing with red tape and more time helping patients in need. This includes removing barriers to foreign credential recognition, simplifying licensing processes, and increasing program access for highly educated and skilled health professionals. The Province will modernize digital infrastructure – from information reporting, to collection, to sharing. By expanding the availability of electronic health information and increasing the number of health care professionals who can securely access and share this information, health care will be more convenient, connected, and patient-centred.
Mental health is a central pillar of this important investment. Ontario will add five new Youth Wellness Hubs to the 22 that have opened since 2020, making it faster and easier for youth to connect to much needed mental health and substance use services in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The Province will also continue to expand its Structured Psychotherapy Program, helping thousands more Ontarians get timely help for depression or anxiety through free cognitive behavioural therapy and other related supports.
The federal and provincial governments will engage and work with Indigenous Peoples to address gaps and systemic inequities in Indigenous health care services and improve access to culturally safe care. Under the agreement, funds will go to Ontario’s Support for Indian Residential Schools Burials Funding program, which provides culturally safe mental health supports to Survivors of residential schools, families, and communities. As we move forward on the shared path of reconciliation, safe and timely health care is a priority for Indigenous communities.
This investment is part of the Government of Canada’s larger work to invest over $200 billion to improve health care, including funding through tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. The agreement with Ontario is the fifth agreement announced, after British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, and Nova Scotia. Through the agreement announced today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario will deliver better results for patients, support health care workers, and protect our health care system now and into the future.
Quotes
“Canadians value our universal public health care system, but recently this system hasn’t been living up to its promise. That’s why we’re signing agreements with provinces and territories to help ensure Canadians can access reliable, timely, and safe health care. Today’s agreement with Ontario will increase access to family doctors, reduce backlogs, increase the workforce, and make the health care system work better. Let’s give Canadians the quality health care they expect and deserve.”
“This new ten-year agreement will help support our ongoing work in Ontario to connect more people to convenient care close to home. Right across the province, we’re making historic investments in health care to build more hospitals, bring on more doctors and nurses, expand home and community care, and reduce wait times. We look forward to continuing working with our federal partners to ensure Ontarians get the health care they need and deserve.”
“Making sure everyone in Canada can get health care when they need it is a big promise and it’s something Canadians deserve. People are relying on all levels of government to work together and address the challenges in front of us. Reaching this agreement and action plan is a significant step in our collaboration with Ontario to take measurable action to improve our health care system. Together with all provinces and territories, we will continue working to achieve better health outcomes for everyone.”
“Today’s agreement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to making mental health and substance use services an integral part of our universal health care system. Through this agreement, Ontario will be able to deliver more integrated youth mental health and psychotherapy services to people throughout the province. We will continue to work together to ensure all Canadians have access to supports and services for their mental health and well-being – when they need them, wherever they need them.”
“Ontario is making historic investments to help improve the patient experience through Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care. As we continue to put our bold plan into action, today’s agreement will complement our ongoing work to ensuring Ontarians have unparalleled access to convenient care in their communities, no matter where they live.”
“This agreement will provide welcome support for our ongoing work to rebuild and modernize Ontario’s mental health and addictions system. We are improving the quality of services across the province, lowering barriers to access, and collaborating with partners to develop innovative and culturally appropriate solutions to close gaps in care. Our government is building a continuum of care that is based on treatment and recovery, and we will continue to make effective, evidence-based investments that connect more people to crucial mental health and addictions supports, closer to home.”
Quick Facts
- Today’s agreement reinforces Canada’s and Ontario’s commitment to protect Canadians’ access to health care based on need, not their ability to pay, as outlined in the Canada Health Act.
- Ontario’s three-year action plan can be found here. Progress on the Province’s initiatives and broader commitments under this new agreement will be measured against targets which the Province, together with the Canadian Institute for Health Information, will publicly report on annually.
- Budget 2023 outlined the Government of Canada’s plan to invest over $200 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories, to improve health care for Canadians. Within this funding, $25 billion is allocated through tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories to address the unique needs of their populations and geography in four shared health priorities:
- expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
- supporting health workers and reducing backlogs;
- increasing mental health and substance use support; and
- modernizing health care systems with health data and digital tools.
- All provinces and territories are already making considerable investments to advance progress in all four priority areas, and this new federal funding is complementing and expanding those efforts.
- As part of bilateral agreements, provinces and territories are asked to develop action plans that outline how funds will be spent and how progress will be measured to demonstrate to Canadians that improvements are occurring in Canada’s health care system.
- The government is also working with provinces and territories to implement a second bilateral agreement focused on helping Canadians age with dignity close to home, with access to home care or care in a safe long-term care facility.
- In addition to tailored bilateral agreements, the federal government is supporting provinces and territories through:
- Guaranteed Canada Health Transfer (CHT) increases of at least 5 per cent from 2023-24 to 2027-28 (amounting to $17.5 billion over 10 years in additional funding through the CHT); and
- A one-time CHT $2 billion top-up to address the urgent needs of emergency rooms and paediatric hospitals, which was delivered in June 2023.
- As part of its investment of over $200 billion over 10 years to improve health care for people in Canada, the Government of Canada is providing $2 billion for the new Indigenous Health Equity Fund to make further progress on Indigenous health priorities across the country.
- The federal government works collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous partners and communities to support improved access to high quality, culturally appropriate health services, greater Indigenous control of health services, and improved health outcomes. Each year, the government invests approximately $5 billion in Indigenous health.
- Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s recent announcement that up to $86 million will be provided to 15 organizations across the country to increase capacity for foreign credential recognition of approximately 6,600 internationally educated health care professionals. This investment will help ensure highly educated and skilled immigrants receive proper recognition for their international credentials in Canada.
- The Foreign Credential Recognition Program works with provinces, territories, regulatory bodies, and other organizations by funding projects to support faster and more efficient credential recognition systems with the goal of growing Canada’s economy, creating quality employment, and promoting a more sustainable health workforce.
Associated Links
- Working together to improve health care for Canadians
- The Government of Canada and Ontario Reach Agreement in Principle to Improve Health Services for Canadians
- Canada’s health care system
- Canada Health Transfer
- Canada Health Act
February 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, to congratulate him on his election and to discuss shared priorities.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s support for democracy and human rights in Guatemala and acknowledged the voice of the Guatemalan people in ensuring the transfer of powers following the recent presidential election.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed their shared commitment to advancing inclusive governance and Indigenous rights, as well as strengthening democratic institutions. They agreed to continue working together to grow the trade and investment relationship between Canada and Guatemala and to promote sustainable economic development that benefits local communities, particularly through responsible business conduct and investments in clean energy.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Arévalo looked forward to remaining in close and regular contact.
Associated Link
February 7, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Black Canadians have helped make Canada the country we love. From groundbreaking trailblazers in halls of fame and history books to unsung heroes in communities across the country, Black excellence is all around us. However, as we grow and become more diverse, Canada’s painful history of anti-Black racism continues to impact Black communities, preventing many from reaching their full potential. We can – and we must – do better.
That is why, in 2018, the Government of Canada endorsed the United Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2015 to 2024. The UN Decade helps us build inclusive programs to empower people of African descent and advance our work to combat racism, discrimination, and xenophobia faced by people of African descent in Canada and around the world. While the UN Decade ends this year, we are reaffirming our support to Black communities.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced an extension – until 2028 – of the federal government’s efforts, within these frameworks, to promote equality and empower Black Canadians. Using the frameworks of the UN Decade, this extension will support Black Canadians and strengthen their leadership in business, social justice, and community.
We have made transformative investments to empower Black communities across the country. Since endorsing the UN Decade in 2018, we have committed up to $860 million to Black-focused initiatives – from racial justice to entrepreneurship to economic dignity. Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, we have invested in more than 2,300 projects to grow charities and non-profit organizations, for Black Canadians, by Black Canadians. Last year, we selected the Foundation for Black Communities to manage the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. The Fund will provide long-term, sustainable funding to charities and non-profit organizations fighting anti-Black racism and improving social and economic well-being in predominantly Black communities. With the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping thousands of Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and succeed.
The principles of the UN Decade continue to guide Canada in its efforts to combat anti-Black racism and remove systemic barriers for marginalized communities. We will always be there for Black Canadians and make life better, fairer, and more inclusive for everyone.
Quotes
“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. By extending our efforts under the International Decade for People of African Descent in Canada, we are reaffirming our commitment to support Black Canadians. Using the frameworks set out by the UN, we will invest in Black-led programs, advance racial justice, and ensure Black Canadians have the opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential.”
“The UN Decade has been an important roadmap to help us recognize the distinct rights, culture, and accomplishments of the more than 1.5 million people of African descent living in Canada today. But just as the contributions of the Black diaspora to this country have endured for generations, so too must our commitment extend beyond the bounds of any single decade. I remain committed to supporting recognition, justice, and development for Black communities across Canada through 2028 and in the years beyond.”
Quick Facts
- In 2018, Canada endorsed the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2015 to 2024. In so doing, Canada became the first country belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to formally recognize the UN Decade.
- In 2019, Canada launched its Anti-Racism Strategy, a whole-of-government approach to combat systemic racism, including anti-Black racism, under the leadership of a new Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat. As part of the Strategy, we continue to provide resources to communities and organizations to eliminate inequities and tackle racism.
- Since 2019, more than $175 million has been invested through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) to celebrate, share knowledge, and build capacity in Canada’s vibrant Black Canadian communities. Most recently, Budget 2023 committed an additional $25 million for 2024-25, extending the program for an additional year and bringing the total commitment up to $200 million.
- Black-led community organizations have already received funding from the SBCCI to support capacity building, operational management, the purchase of equipment, and renovations.
- The Government of Canada has invested up to $265 million in the Black Entrepreneurship Program to support thousands of Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country. The program is an important step forward in building the foundation for long-term, lasting change and making a real difference in the lives of Black entrepreneurs across the country for years to come.
- The development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy is part of the federal government’s response to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination that has led to the over-representation of Black communities in the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime.
- In recognition of the UN Decade, Budget 2021 committed up to $200 million to establish the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. In March 2023, the Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC) – a national Black-led and Black-serving organization – was named to administer the Fund. The FFBC issued its first call for proposals in December 2023.
- The Government of Canada has also invested $10 million in the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund to support the mental health of Black individuals and communities, with the aim of supporting more culturally focused knowledge, capacity, and programs that address mental health and its determinants for Black Canadians. Since 2018, the Fund has supported 23 community and Black-led projects across Canada.
- The Government of Canada honours Canadians of African descent through its annual Black History Month campaign.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister announces that the Government of Canada will officially recognize the International Decade for People of African Descent
- Statement by the Prime Minister on Black History Month
February 7, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of the former President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera:
“I was saddened to learn of the tragic death of Sebastián Piñera, the former President of Chile.
“A passionate advocate for progress and prosperity, President Piñera began his political career in 1989, serving as a senator until 1998. His dedication to public service led to his election as President of Chile in 2010, a role he served in until 2014, and again for a second term from 2018 to 2022.
“President Piñera was deeply committed to Chile’s growth, its future, and democratic values. He worked to strengthen Chile’s economy, attract foreign investment, and create opportunities for people and businesses. Whenever President Piñera and I spoke, his pride in his country – and its people – always shone through.
“President Piñera first visited Canada while he was a student, and he grew to admire our country. He travelled to Canada on an official State Visit in 2013 and remained a close ally, committed to strengthening relations between our two countries.
“My condolences to the Chilean people, the President's family and friends, and to all those who are mourning his sudden passing. Chile has lost a dedicated leader and Canada has lost a friend.”
February 6, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Luxon on his appointment as the 42nd Prime Minister of New Zealand. Both leaders reaffirmed the close friendship and strong collaboration between Canada and New Zealand. They also stressed the importance of continued economic growth that benefits everyone.
The leaders discussed areas to deepen co-operation, particularly as Five Eye partners, including efforts related to promoting peace and security and upholding the rules-based international order.
The prime ministers raised concerns with key global issues, such as the situation in the Middle East – including in the Red Sea – and discussed efforts toward de-escalation. They also spoke about co-operation in support of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada’s ongoing work to advance meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, accelerate the clean energy transition, and reinforce supply chain resilience.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Luxon agreed to maintain close collaboration in support of shared priorities and to remain in regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-New Zealand relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister welcoming the new Prime Minister of New Zealand
- 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
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
February 5, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.
The two leaders discussed ongoing work toward the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. In particular, they stressed the importance of continued efforts toward disarmament and demobilization.
Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s continued support for stability in Ethiopia and the prosperity of its people. The leaders discussed steps for the peaceful resolution of internal conflicts, including the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to those most vulnerable.
The prime ministers underlined the value of regional co-operation, including on transit and trade. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the need to ensure such co-operation secures agreement of all relevant parties.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Abiy agreed to remain in close contact and to work together to support efforts toward peace, stability, and sustainable development in Ethiopia and across the region.
Associated Links
- Canada-Ethiopia relations
- Canada and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Joint Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed
February 7, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed Canada’s concern over increasing tensions between
The two leaders expressed their deep concerns over the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. They agreed on 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 Gaza.
The leaders also discussed the regional security implications of the conflict, the importance of avoiding an escalation, and ongoing efforts toward de-escalation. They reiterated support for urgent international efforts toward a sustainable ceasefire.
Prime Minister Trudeau and caretaker Prime Minister Mikati highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries and the ongoing contributions of Lebanese Canadians to Canada’s national fabric. They agreed to remain in contact as the situation continues to evolve in the Middle East.
Associated Links
- Canada-Lebanon relations
- Canada provides additional humanitarian assistance in Gaza
- 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
