Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Israel War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz
.jpg)
February 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet, to discuss the situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank.
The Prime Minister shared his concern around Israel’s planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the severe humanitarian implications for all civilians taking refuge in the area. The Prime Minister added that the protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law.
The Prime Minister unequivocally condemned Hamas and its brutal attacks against Israel, including the use of civilians as human shields, and underscored Canada’s position that Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for continued support from Israel in facilitating the exit of Canadians and their families from Gaza.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated the importance of renewing efforts and engaging all regional actors toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Gantz reaffirmed the strong relationship between Israel and Canada and agreed to remain in contact as the situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Canada-Israel 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
- Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Israel War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz
February 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The leaders agreed that the need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza has never been greater and that rapid, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians.
The Prime Minister and the President discussed their concerns around Israel’s planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the severe humanitarian implications for all civilians taking refuge in the area, including many Canadians and their families.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that the protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. The price of defeating Hamas should not be at the expense of Palestinian civilians.
The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the President’s support in securing the exit of foreign nationals from Gaza. He also thanked him for playing a key diplomatic role in ceasefire negotiations for the release of hostages, and for increasing the humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
The leaders exchanged on the importance of avoiding further escalation of this conflict in the region. They agreed on the need for a renewed path to ensure a two-state solution and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President el-Sisi agreed to remain in contact as the situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Canada-Egypt relations
- Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand
- 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
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
February 15, 2024
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, to discuss shared priorities.
The Prime Minister and the Premier spoke about the importance of fixing the health care system for Manitobans. They highlighted the two bilateral agreements signed today, totaling over $633 million in federal funding, to improve health care in Manitoba and support seniors age with dignity close to home, with access to home care or care in a safe long-term care facility.
The two leaders also discussed early learning and child care, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, opportunities to expand Manitoba’s low carbon economy, and partnerships under the Team Canada engagement strategy to promote Canada’s economic interests across the United States
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Kinew committed to continue working together on these and other important issues.
Associated Links
- More doctors, more nurses, shorter wait times in Manitoba
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew
February 15, 2024
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Together, the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba are working to bring the health care workers we need to the front lines so we can cut wait times and deliver the best possible care to Manitobans.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, alongside the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, announced over $633 million in funding to improve health care in Manitoba. Through the Working Together Agreement, the Government of Canada will provide close to $434 million to support Manitoba’s three-year action plan to improve health care, and approximately $199 million through the Aging with Dignity Agreement to support their five-year action plan to improve home, community, and long-term care for seniors.
Under the Working Together agreement, Manitoba will move forward with its commitments to fix the damage done to health care, starting with staffing shortages. The funding will support Manitoba’s goal to hire 400 more doctors, 300 more nurses, 200 paramedics, and 100 home care workers. These targeted investments will help to add more acute and medicine beds to Manitoba’s health care system, ease the pressure on crowded emergency rooms, and expand primary care options to families so they can spend more time doing what they love to do, and less time waiting for care.
Together, Canada and Manitoba are working to remove barriers for internationally trained doctors and health professionals to practise in Manitoba. This includes removing barriers to foreign credential recognition, simplifying licensing processes, and increasing program access to educated and skilled health professionals. Manitoba will make it easier for health workers to move within Canada so they spend less time dealing with red tape and more time helping patients in need.
Manitoba will hire more psychologists to help reduce wait times for counselling and double hospital spaces for those experiencing homelessness and needing comprehensive health care and treatment. Additionally, the Province will support addictions treatment services, peer support, and other community-based mental health initiatives.
Through the Aging with Dignity agreement, Manitoba will ensure all seniors are able to age with dignity and respect. The province will better support seniors who want to age at home, in community, or in personal care homes. To improve the quality of long-term care, the province will increase safety and standards and hire more long-term care workers to ensure clean, quality, and personalized care. Manitoba will also create a Seniors Advocate to act as an independent, strong voice for seniors and their families.
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 support Indigenous families through Granny’s House, a project that provides culturally safe, and community-led care to children and families. Funding will also support Indigenous-led treatment programs that provide culturally safe and relationship-based individualized care for youth. 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 through tailored bilateral agreements with provinces and territories as well as $5.4 billion for Aging with Dignity agreements. Through the agreements announced today, the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba will deliver better results for patients, support health workers, and protect our health care system now and into the future.
Quotes
“Canadians value universal public health care. That’s why we’re signing agreements with provinces and territories to make health care work better for Canadians. Today’s agreements with Manitoba will help hire more health workers, reduce wait times, support seniors, and make sure Canadians get the care they need, when they need it.”
“Fixing the health care staffing shortage is job number one for our government – that means more support for the bedside instead of the bureaucracy. We will work with the Government of Canada to hire more doctors and more nurses into our system, so we can start to cut wait times and deliver the best care possible for Manitobans.”
“Keeping public health care available to everyone is crucial for Canadians, and they trust us to work together to address challenges in our health care system. These agreements and action plans, reflecting Manitoba’s priorities, are a step in the right direction to improve access to care across the province. Working with all provinces and territories, we aim to make Canada’s health care system better for everyone.”
“Through collaborative efforts, we are working together to bridge the gap and make meaningful strides in mental health care provision. The aim is to ensure that residents in Manitoba have equitable access to a comprehensive and high-quality spectrum of mental health and well-being support services. By investing in these initiatives, they are aspiring to meet the evolving needs of their communities and contribute to the overall mental health and resilience of the people they serve.”
“Manitoba families and seniors deserve quality care, close to home. Today’s announcement will open new beds throughout our system, put more doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals at the bedside, reduce wait times, and improve the culture in health care throughout our province.”
“These investments will reduce wait times and help more Manitoba families and kids get the mental health care they need. It’s a key part of our plan to improve mental health services to ensure Manitobans are supported and well in their communities.”
Quick Facts
- Today’s agreements reinforce Canada’s and Manitoba’s commitment to protect Canadians’ access to health care based on need, not their ability to pay, as outlined in the Canada Health Act.
- Manitoba’s three-year, Working Together action plan can be found here and Aging with Dignity action plan here. Progress on the Province’s initiatives and broader commitments under this new agreement will be measured against targets which the Province will publicly report on annually.
- The federal government works collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous Peoples 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 federal government invests approximately $5 billion in Indigenous health.
- Under the Working Together agreement, Manitoba will use funds to support Indigenous families through Granny’s House, a project that provides culturally safe, and community-led care to children and families. Funding will also support Indigenous-led treatment programs that provide culturally safe and relationship-based individualized care for youth.
- Under Aging with Dignity agreement, Manitoba will:
- increase the safety and wellness of seniors by developing a hearing aid program and increasing services to victims of elder abuse;
- improve access to community supports including the establishment of a safe and healthy home for seniors program that supports home modification grants, and the expansion of dementia supports to reduce wait times from three weeks to 48 hours for their First Link program;
- improve health services by increasing the number of clients to 1,700 per year in the Self and Family Managed Care program and by expanding palliative care services reaching 600 clients per year;
- support long-term care safety and standards, including increased infection prevention and control measures to support resident safety; and
- increase the quality of long-term care through staffing expansion to increase the hours of direct care each resident receives.
- Budget 2023 outlined the Government of Canada’s plan to invest close to $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.
- 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. This agreement includes the remaining $2.4 billion ($600 million per year from 2023-24 to 2026-27) to improve access to home and community care from Budget 2017; and the $3 billion ($600 million per year from 2023-24 to 2027-28) for long-term care from Budget 2021 to apply standards of care in long-term care facilities and help support workforce stability.
- The agreements with Manitoba mark the third jurisdiction to have announced both Working Together and Aging with Dignity agreements, following British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, have announced Working Together agreements.
- 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.
- In addition to tailored bilateral agreements, the federal government is supporting provinces and territories through:
- Guaranteed Canada Health Transfer (CHT) increases of at least five 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 close to $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.
- 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 the capacity for foreign credential recognition of approximately 6,600 internationally educated health care professionals. This investment through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program will help ensure highly educated and skilled immigrants receive proper recognition for their international credentials in Canada.
Associated Links
February 14, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.
We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic. About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area, including many of our citizens and their families. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go.
There is growing international consensus. Israel must listen to its friends and it must listen to the international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.
An immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently needed. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza has never been greater. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians. The International Court of Justice has been clear: Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court’s decisions on provisional measures are binding.
We are clear that a sustainable ceasefire is necessary to finding a path towards securing lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Any ceasefire cannot be one sided. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately. We again unequivocally condemn Hamas for its terror attacks on Israel on October 7.
Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace and security. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain steadfast in their commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.
February 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Flag of Canada Day:
“Today, we celebrate the 59th anniversary of one of our country’s greatest symbols – the National Flag of Canada.
“On February 15, 1965, the maple leaf was raised on Parliament Hill for the first time. Decades later, the symbol remains central to our identity – embodying the values of peace, diversity, and unity that define us as Canadians.
“The maple leaf is both a symbol of our progress and a testament to our commitment to reaching new heights. The flag has been launched into space and brought to the highest point on earth. It has flown at ports, airports, schools, and libraries across the country and at Canada’s diplomatic missions around the world.
“The maple leaf also symbolizes the values of kindness, empathy, and hard work we share as Canadians. From doctors and innovators to the Canadian Armed Forces and first responders, the maple leaf represents our abiding faith in progress, prosperity, and a better tomorrow.
“In many ways, the maple leaf is the promise of Canada. The promise that every generation can reach even higher than the last. On this National Flag of Canada Day, let’s work to secure the promise of the flag, embody its values, and build a better, more prosperous future, together.”
February 14, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein to discuss peace and security in the Middle East. He was joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, and the Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen.
The Prime Minister and His Majesty King Abdullah II discussed their concerns around the planned offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and the severe humanitarian implications for all civilians taking refuge in the area, including many Canadians and their families.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his condemnation of Hamas and its brutal attacks against Israel and reiterated his call for the immediate release of all hostages. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of protecting Palestinian civilians and the need for increased and sustained humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.
The two leaders agreed on the need for a sustainable and lasting ceasefire. The Prime Minister also underscored that this cannot be one-sided, and that Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields and lay down its arms. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for the right of Israelis, Palestinians, and all in the region to live in peace, dignity, and security, without fear.
As the start of the holy month of Ramadan is approaching, the Prime Minister and the King stressed the importance of preserving the historical status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed the importance of renewing efforts toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region and reiterated that settlements and settler violence in the West Bank are serious obstacles to this end.
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 Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the King for his commitment to securing peace in the region and highlighted the enduring partnership between Canada and Jordan.
Prime Minister Trudeau and His Majesty King Abdullah II agreed to remain in contact as the situation continues to evolve.
Associated Links
- Canada-Jordan relations
- His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan to visit Canada
- 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 13, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz.
The leaders discussed the ongoing situation in the Middle East. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his continued support for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. He also stated that a sustainable ceasefire is needed to ensure lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians, but underscored that this cannot be one-sided, and that Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields and lay down its arms. He reiterated that Hamas cannot play a role in the future governance of Gaza.
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor also conveyed concern about reports of a planned Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted the severe humanitarian implications for those taking refuge in the area, including many Canadians and their families.
Prime Minister Trudeau also emphasized his deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for increased and sustained humanitarian assistance to innocent Palestinian civilians.
The Prime Minister and the Chancellor reiterated their support for a two-state solution. They discussed the regional situation and stressed the importance of ensuring that the current conflict does not escalate further, including in neighbouring countries.
The two leaders underscored their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. They also discussed the importance of establishing long-term security commitments and co-operating on efforts to address the global impacts of the war.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Chancellor Scholz highlighted the strong relationship between Canada and Germany. They agreed to remain in regular contact and maintain close collaboration in support of shared priorities, including to address geopolitical issues.
Associated Links
- Canada-Germany 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 meets with Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz
February 13, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed Manuelle Oudar as an independent senator to fill a vacancy in the Senate for Quebec.
A dedicated lawyer and advocate for justice, Manuelle Oudar is a respected leader whose career in Quebec’s public service spans more than three decades. She is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec government’s Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail and remains active in her community as a speaker and a mentor to young professionals and leaders starting their careers.
Quote
“Ms. Oudar is an accomplished administrator, and her experience in a variety of fields will bring an important perspective to the Senate. I am confident that she will continue to be a strong voice for Quebec and for Canadians from coast to coast to coast in her new role as senator.”
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 81 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.
