Statement by the Prime Minister on the passing of Kim Rudd
March 13, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of former Member of Parliament Kim Rudd:
“It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of Kim Rudd, former Member of Parliament for Northumberland—Peterborough South.
“Kim was a thoughtful and tireless advocate for Canadians. During her time in Parliament, from 2015 to 2019, she was dedicated to serving her community and rural Canadians. She advanced progress on important issues – from affordable housing to rural broadband to health care. As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources, she stood up for Canadian energy workers and helped move forward on climate action.
“Her contributions to Canada extended well beyond her political life. Before entering politics, she served as President of the Cobourg Chamber of Commerce and President and owner of Willis College’s Cobourg campus. She was also a successful entrepreneur, and received an award as part of a RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards ceremony in recognition of her community leadership. As the co-founder of a child care centre in Cobourg, she was passionate about expanding child care and making it easier for parents to balance work with family.
“When we spoke last week, I was inspired by the optimism she felt toward our country. Kim truly believed in Canada and in Canadians – and her generosity left a positive impact on thousands.
“Kim is lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Tom Rudd; her daughter Alison Rudd and her wife Kathy Johnson; her daughter Stefanie Rudd and her husband Ziyad Sidawi; and her grandchildren Morgan Johnson, Avery Koehn, Hobie Johnson-Rudd and his wife Ridhi Sharma, and Amira Sidawi. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I offer my deepest condolences to her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and remarkable strength.”
March 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Commonwealth Day:
“Today, on Commonwealth Day, we join our fellow members of the Commonwealth from around the world to celebrate our shared values and advance our pursuit of a better future.
“As part of the Commonwealth, 56 countries – from the Americas to Europe, Africa, and Asia – work together on some of the world’s most pressing issues. Whether it is democracy and peace, climate change, education, or sustainable development, the Commonwealth works together, using our strength in diversity, to make life better for our people. That is what this year’s theme ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’, is all about.
“In an era of increasingly complex threats to peace and security, the global economy, and humanitarian crises, the need for the Commonwealth – and its values – is greater than ever. Together, we can tackle the challenges of tomorrow, while making sure that nations big and small have an equal voice on the world stage.
“Canada’s contributions to the Commonwealth include the Commonwealth of Learning, an organization based out of British Columbia, which uses innovation to make high-quality education readily available across the world.
“Canada looks forward to the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, in October – the first presided by His Majesty King Charles III as Head of the Commonwealth.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage Canadians to learn more about the work of the Commonwealth and our partnerships to build a better future for everyone.”
March 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, to discuss the situation in Haiti.
The leaders discussed the important role of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which Barbados is a member, in fostering inclusive political dialogue to advance Haitian-led solutions to the conflict. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation for the CARICOM-hosted dialogue with Haitian stakeholders on March 11, 2024. He discussed Canada’s plans to participate to help facilitate a political consensus toward free and fair elections and to restore democratic order in Haiti. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Mottley underscored the critical importance of reaching an inclusive political agreement.
The prime ministers expressed their grave concern over the deteriorating security and the humanitarian crisis in Haiti. They agreed on the urgency of deploying the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission to advance the Haitian National Police’s efforts to improve security conditions for civilians.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Mottley reaffirmed the strong bond between Canada and Barbados and agreed to remain in contact as the situation in Haiti continues to evolve.
Associated Links
- Canada-Barbados relations
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti
- Prime Minister and Caribbean leaders take next steps to fight climate change, grow strong economies, and strengthen regional security
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
March 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, to discuss the situation in Haiti.
The leaders underlined the importance of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission to restore stability in Haiti. Prime Minister Trudeau underlined that Canada remains committed to supporting the Haitian National Police and members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as they prepare to participate in the mission.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation for Jamaica’s agreement to host a dialogue with Haitian stakeholders on March 11, 2024. He discussed Canada’s plans to participate to help facilitate political consensus toward free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic order in Haiti. Prime Minister Holness expressed his gratitude for Canada’s strong and consistent support for peace and democracy in Haiti, including through participation in the dialogue.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to working with CARICOM, the United Nations, and other international partners to re-establish peace and security in Haiti.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Holness looked forward to making progress on shared priorities and remaining in regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Barbados relations
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti
- Prime Minister and Caribbean leaders take next steps to fight climate change, grow strong economies, and strengthen regional security
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness
March 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Ramadan:
“Tonight, at sundown, Muslim communities in Canada and around the world will mark the beginning of Ramadan.
“Over the coming weeks, family and friends will come together to pray and give back to others through kindness and generosity. At sundown, they will gather for iftar – the traditional meal shared after a long day of fasting. No matter where it’s observed, Ramadan provides an opportunity to honour the values of compassion, gratitude, and family.
“For all of us, this is also an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions that Muslim Canadians have made – and continue to make – to our country. Nearly 1.8 million Muslims call Canada home, and our country is more prosperous because of them.
“This year, the sacred month comes at a particularly challenging time, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold. Canada reaffirms our call for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and the safe, unimpeded access to humanitarian relief for civilians.
“As Muslim communities observe Ramadan with kindness and compassion, we are reminded of our collective duty to stand against Islamophobia, racism, and hate in all their forms, wherever and whenever they occur.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish Muslim communities across Canada a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.
“رمضان مبارك
“Ramadan Mubarak.”
March 9, 2024
Montréal, Quebec
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet.
The Prime Minister and the Minister discussed the situation in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. They called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages and called on the international community to continue applying pressure to secure their release. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his unequivocal condemnation of Hamas and its brutal attacks against Israel.
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. He added that the protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of increasing the volume of life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians, stressing the need for it to reach all of those in need, safely and without delay, as well as ensuring supplies do not reach Hamas.
Prime Minister Trudeau also thanked Minister Gantz for Israel’s support in enabling the departure of hundreds of Canadians from Gaza and stressed the need for continued support from Israel in facilitating the exit of the remaining Canadians and their extended families.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated Canada’s support for the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in security, peace, and stability, and Canada’s longstanding support for a two-state solution. The Prime Minister and the Minister reaffirmed the strong bond between Canada and Israel and agreed to remain in contact as the situation continues to evolve.
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
March 9, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, will travel to Matanuska-Susitna Valley, United States of America, from March 9 to 12, 2024, to attend the Arctic Winter Games.
While in Alaska, the Governor General will cheer on athletes, participate in cultural activities, meet with Indigenous leaders, and promote the importance of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples around the world.
With approximately 2,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants, the Arctic Winter Games is one of the largest multi-sport cultural events in the region. From modern sports, traditional Arctic sports, and the Dene games to workshops, performances, visual art displays, and education programs – a variety of events highlighting the diverse cultures of the North will be on display.
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“Her Excellency’s attendance at the Arctic Winter Games will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Indigenous cultures and promote inclusivity and reconciliation. I congratulate all athletes on their accomplishments, and I wish everyone the best of luck as they showcase their skills and talents.”
Quick Facts
- A biennial multi-sport and cultural event hosted by contingents in the Arctic region, the Arctic Winter Games promote cultural exchange and understanding among the diverse Indigenous populations of the Arctic. The 2024 Arctic Winter Games run from March 10 to 16. Learn more about the Games here.
- The first Arctic Winter Games took place in 1970 in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.
- The Government of Canada supports Canadian athletes travelling to participate in the Arctic Winter Games.
- Canadian participants represent five regions – the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Northern Alberta, Nunavut, and Nunavik. The Games also include athletes from Alaska, United States of America; Greenland, Denmark; and the Sápmi region spanning across Finland, Sweden, and Norway.
- The Governor General undertakes official international travel at the request of the Prime Minister and in support of the Government of Canada’s international foreign policy, diplomatic, and trade objectives.
Associated Links
March 13, 2024
Calgary, Alberta
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed shared priorities related to affordability, housing, and health care. They recognized the importance of governments working together to address the pressing challenges that Canadians, including Albertans, are facing today.
The two leaders discussed affordability, including the significant progress that has been made to reduce child care costs in the province. The Prime Minister raised the recent launch of the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which will provide dental health coverage for up to nine million Canadians by 2025. He highlighted the new Canada Carbon Rebate amounts, which put more money back in the pockets of Albertan families than they pay under the federal backstop. Albertan families will receive up to $1,800 this year, and Albertan families in rural communities will receive up to $2,160. For Albertan families, this is an average net benefit of over $700 a year. The Prime Minister also raised with the Premier the importance of protecting the rights and ensuring the security of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians in the face of rising hatred and discrimination.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed opportunities to encourage clean growth in the province, in partnership with Indigenous communities, and recognized that addressing climate change is a shared responsibility. They touched on a number of important investments the federal and provincial governments are making to grow Alberta’s economy, decarbonize key economic sectors, and create jobs for Albertans. They noted how this work can contribute to advancing reconciliation.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Smith agreed to continue working together on these and other important issues.
Associated Links
- $10-a-day child care for families in Alberta
- Getting Canadians the dental care they need
- Canada Carbon Rebate amounts for 2024-25
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
March 13, 2024
Calgary, Alberta
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Kenya, William Ruto, about the situation in Haiti.
The leaders welcomed the news of a political agreement among Haitian stakeholders to move forward with the appointment of a provisional council and a transitional government. They stressed the importance of restoring democratic order in Haiti.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his appreciation for Kenya’s leadership of the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to restore stability in Haiti. The Prime Minister and the President discussed the latest developments and shared their deep concerns over the security and humanitarian crises, reiterating their commitment to supporting the people of Haiti and the MSS mission.
Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted that Canada will contribute $80.5 million to the MSS mission and noted Canada’s ongoing efforts to support Caribbean Community (CARICOM) members as they prepare to participate in the mission. The leaders underlined the need for additional international partners to step up and provide much-needed support for the mission.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Ruto reaffirmed the strong bond between Canada and Kenya and agreed to remain in close contact as the situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Haiti Ariel Henry
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in High-Level Meeting on Haiti convened by CARICOM Heads of Government
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss the situation in Haiti
March 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss the ongoing situation in Haiti. The Government of Canada remains fully engaged on these issues and is committed to the safety and security of Canada’s embassy personnel and of all Canadians in Haiti.
The Prime Minister and ministers considered the latest developments, shared their profound concern for the security and humanitarian crises unfolding, and underscored the importance of Canada’s close engagement with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations, and other international partners to re-establish peace and security in Haiti.
The Prime Minister looked forward to Canada’s participation in the CARICOM-hosted dialogue with Haitian stakeholders later in the day. He emphasized the importance of urgently reaching an inclusive political agreement toward free and fair elections to restore democratic order in Haiti. The Prime Minister underscored that any such agreement must be Haitian-led.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the urgency of deploying the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to improve security conditions for civilians. He highlighted Canada’s commitment to contribute $80.5 million to the MSS mission as well as efforts to support CARICOM as they prepare to participate in the mission. The Prime Minister underlined the need for additional international partners to provide support for the mission.
The Prime Minister and ministers reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting a path forward in addressing the humanitarian crisis and working toward peace and democracy in Haiti.
Associated Links
- Canada-Haiti relations
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness
March 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, to discuss the situation in Haiti.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his concern over the ongoing humanitarian, security, and political crises in Haiti. He reiterated the critical need for an inclusive political agreement among Haitian stakeholders to create the conditions for free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic order in Haiti. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s longstanding support for Haitian-led solutions to the crises the country is facing.
Prime Minister Trudeau conveyed Canada’s ongoing commitment to work closely with Haiti and other regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to support Haiti’s stability and sustainable development.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Henry reaffirmed the strong bond between Canada and Haiti.
Associated Links
- Canada-Haiti relations
- Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss the situation in Haiti
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Haiti Ariel Henry
March 12, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated virtually in the High-Level Meeting on Haiti convened by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government and hosted by Jamaica.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Trudeau urged Haitian stakeholders to come to a political agreement that paves the way toward free and fair elections and the restoration of democratic order in Haiti. He expressed his appreciation for CARICOM’s ongoing leadership in convening Haitian stakeholders to facilitate political consensus toward Haitian-led solutions that would serve the people of Haiti.
The Prime Minister highlighted Canada’s ongoing efforts to support Haiti and CARICOM countries as they prepare to address the crisis.
He also underscored Canada’s ongoing commitment to Haiti and the Haitian people, who have experienced difficult years and now face a growing security and humanitarian crisis. He called on additional international partners to step up and provide much-needed support. Prime Minister Trudeau referenced his earlier discussion with Prime Minister Henry and recognized his contributions.
Associated Links
- Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
- Canada announces $123 million in funding to improve security in Haiti
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Haiti Ariel Henry
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss the situation in Haiti
