Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Israel War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz
March 18, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, 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. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his condemnation of Hamas and its brutal attacks against Israel. The Prime Minister and the Minister called for the immediate release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.
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 underscored the need to increase the volume of life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians and to ensure aid reaches all those in need, safely and without delay. He also stressed the need for continued support from Israel in facilitating the exit of Canadians and their families from Gaza.
Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the importance of renewing efforts toward a two-state solution to secure lasting peace in the region. He reiterated Canada’s support for the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, dignity, and security.
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 16, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark 10 years since Russia’s illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea:
“Ten years ago, Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine, a free and sovereign country. Through a brutal and illegal campaign, he tried to annex Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula. Today, as Russia attempts to seize more of Ukraine’s territory, we reaffirm our support to the Ukrainian people and their right to determine their own future.
“Russia’s invasion of Crimea was more than an attack on Ukraine – it was an attack on the rules-based international order and the shared values we hold dear as Canadians. Putin violated the United Nations Charter – the bedrock of our international system – and held a sham ‘referendum’ to try and legitimize his actions. What followed was mass oppression against those living in the region, particularly against the Crimean Tatars.
“Canada was there for Ukraine in 2014, and we’re still there for Ukraine today. We have imposed sweeping and comprehensive sanctions against Putin and his enablers. Under Operation UNIFIER, Canada has trained over 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers since 2015. We have provided billions of dollars in loans and military assistance as well as hundreds of millions of dollars in aid and assistance to help Ukraine defend itself. And just last month, we signed a historic new bilateral security co-operation agreement, committing over $3 billion in critical military and financial support to Ukraine for this year. Through Ukraine’s Crimea Platform, we are also making sure that the de-occupation of Crimea remains a key priority for the international community.
“Today is a reminder that Russia’s war against Ukraine did not start on February 24, 2022 – it started a decade ago. As Putin still tries to redraw the map as he pleases, we remain unequivocally clear: Ukraine’s territory will remain Ukraine’s, and we will stand with Ukrainians for as long as it takes.
“Slava Ukraini!”
March 15, 2024
Montréal, Quebec
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of Quebec, François Legault.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed asylum seekers, temporary immigration, health care funding, and strategic investments for Quebec’s economy.
The two leaders agreed that Quebec has done more than its share in welcoming asylum seekers. They also recognized the importance of continuing to work together so that current global migration flows have as little impact on Quebec as possible. Prime Minister Trudeau indicated that the Government of Canada will continue to ensure that the arrival of asylum seekers in Quebec is managed well and appropriately funded. He also highlighted measures that the federal government has put in place in this regard, such as a cap on the number of international students arriving in Canada and the partial reinstatement of visa requirements for Mexican nationals, which has already reduced the number of asylum seekers arriving in Quebec.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed immigration and the high volume of temporary residents in Quebec, including the need to reduce it to a reasonable level while ensuring the labour needs of the province and of Quebec businesses continue to be met. Prime Minister Trudeau also indicated his willingness to add French language requirements for certain categories of temporary immigration under the jurisdiction of the Government of Canada.
The leaders underlined their shared priorities on health care. They noted they were confident that, by March 31, their governments would reach agreements that respect Quebec’s jurisdiction and the priorities of Quebecers.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Legault also agreed on the importance of continuing to pursue strategic investments that encourage economic growth and job creation in Quebec. They agreed to continue working together to ensure that projects of importance for both governments could move forward.
Associated Links
- Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new international student permits issued to approximately 360,000 for 2024
- Updated travel information for Mexican citizens coming to Canada
- Working together to improve health care for Canadians
- Working together to improve health care in Canada: Overview
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Quebec Premier François Legault
March 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed the appointment of Shaila Anwar as the new Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments. This appointment, which is effective May 6, 2024, has been made in consultation with the Senate.
Ms. Anwar is a respected public servant with over 15 years of experience in the Senate. She has held various leadership roles in the Red Chamber, ranging from Principal Clerk, Deputy Principal Clerk, and Procedural Clerk of the Senate Committees Directorate. She is a well-respected expert in Canada’s parliamentary system and has most recently served as Clerk Assistant of the Committees of the Senate.
As the Senate’s chief administrative officer, Ms. Anwar will manage the Senate’s day-to-day operations and support all aspects of the legislative process, from the swearing-in of new senators to advising the Speaker on parliamentary procedure and interpretation of the rules. As Clerk of the Parliaments, she will also ensure the stewardship of some of Canada’s most important legal archives.
Quotes
“Ms. Anwar is an exceptional public servant with a deep understanding of the Senate and the legislative process. I am confident that, with her expertise and experience, she will make the Red Chamber work even better for Canadians.”
“Shaila Anwar has held leadership roles with increasing levels of responsibility in the Senate of Canada over the years, lending her knowledge and expertise to ensure the institution runs smoothly in the service of Canadians. I am confident that her deep understanding of Senate procedure and the legislative process will serve her well in this new role, to the benefit of all senators.”
Quick Facts
- The appointment to the position of Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments is made by the Governor in Council in accordance with paragraph 130(b) of the Public Service Employment Act.
- Ms. Anwar was selected for this role through the government’s open, transparent, and merit-based selection process.
Biographical Note
March 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia:
“Today, as we mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to stand up against hate, discrimination, and bigotry in all their forms.
“Sadly, Islamophobia is a lived experience for many Canadians. That’s why, last year, we appointed the first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby. As Special Representative, she is guiding our efforts against anti-Muslim bigotry, systemic racism, and racial discrimination. She is also helping ensure the diverse experiences of Muslim communities are reflected in government policies and programs. At the same time, we are renewing Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, informed by extensive engagement, including at the 2021 National Summit on Islamophobia.
“We are ensuring Canadians of all faiths can freely and safely practise their religion. We listened to the advice of communities to expand the Security Infrastructure Program, which provides funding to better protect communities from hate-motivated crimes and increase security at community centres, daycares, and places of worship.
“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. Canada has come a long way, but we have more to do. Today, and every day, let’s work together to build a more diverse, safe, and welcoming Canada for everyone.”
