Statement by the Prime Minister on World Water Day
March 22, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Water Day:
“Water is our most precious natural resource. It keeps us healthy, helps grow our food, and fuels our economy. Today, as we mark World Water Day, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving and protecting clean water for generations to come.
“Canada is home to a fifth of the world’s fresh water. But as climate change increasingly threatens our waters, we need transformative action to protect them. That’s why, last year, we announced the creation of a new Canada Water Agency in Winnipeg and invested $650 million over 10 years in the Freshwater Action Plan to protect water quality and ecosystems across the country.
“In response to calls from First Nations, we introduced Bill C-61, the First Nations Clean Water Act, which aims to put in place enforceable safe drinking water protections, in line with the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are also working to help make sure all long-term drinking water advisories are lifted. Following substantial, necessary investments into First Nations communities, we’ve supported the lifting of 144 long-term drinking water advisories and over 270 short-term advisories.
“Safe drinking water is a human right, and ensuring access to it is part of Canada’s commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This year’s World Water Day theme, ‘Water for Peace’, reminds us of the need to unite around protecting and conserving water while expanding access for the 2.2 billion people around the world without access to safe drinking water.
“On World Water Day, I invite all Canadians to reflect on the importance of our most precious resource. It is our shared responsibility to protect and conserve our shared waters, and by working together, we can help ensure water security for all, now and into the future.”
March 22, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Purim:
“Tomorrow at sunset, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the start of Purim.
“Purim commemorates the story of Queen Esther and Mordechai, who helped the Jewish people escape certain death at the hands of Haman over two thousand years ago. On this occasion, Jewish communities will celebrate their enduring resilience, gathering to feast, give charity, and take part in readings of the Megillah – the Biblical Book of Esther – at their local synagogues.
“This year, Purim comes at a challenging time, following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, and the disturbing rise in antisemitism felt across the world, including right here in Canada. The Government of Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ brutal attacks, and we reaffirm our call for Hamas to immediately release all remaining hostages and lay down its arms.
“We also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring Jewish Canadians are safe and protected in Canada. Through the Security Infrastructure Program, we are helping counter hate and violence by investing in the security of communities targeted by hate-motivated crime, including antisemitism. Through programs like the Community Resilience Fund, we are working closely with local organizations to prevent violent extremism within our borders. And through the work of Canada’s new Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons, we are leading efforts at home and abroad to combat antisemitism and ensure the lessons of history are never forgotten.
“To Jewish Canadians, we see you. We hear you. And we will always stand up to protect your communities – because Canada is stronger thanks to you.
“The values of Purim – strength, resilience, and courage in the face of persecution – are more important than ever. Let’s work together to build a safer, more inclusive country for all Canadians. And let’s remember that diversity is our greatest strength.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish a happy Purim to everyone celebrating.
“!חג פורים שמח
“Chag Purim Sameach!”
March 21, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:
“Today, on this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer, kinder, and more inclusive Canada.
“Our efforts to combat systemic racism are spearheaded by Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. The Strategy takes a comprehensive, cross-government approach to remove barriers and make Canada more inclusive. As part of the Strategy, we are giving communities and organizations the tools they need to eliminate inequities and combat racism, including through funding, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on joint initiatives. We are also working to create our first-ever Action Plan on Combatting Hate to help address hate incidents, hate crimes, and violent extremism.
“Through the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Government of Canada’s 2023-2028 Action Plan, we are advancing our commitment to working with Indigenous partners to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration, including addressing injustices and combatting prejudice, racism, and discrimination against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
“Through the Black Entrepreneurship Program and the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, we’re supporting Black entrepreneurs and local community organizations. Furthermore, Canada is extending its efforts under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, to make sure Black Canadians have opportunities to reach their full potential.
“Diversity is our greatest strength. On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I invite everyone to learn more about what they can do to foster a more inclusive society, free of racism and hate. Let’s renew our commitment to build a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.”
March 20, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, will visit Montréal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario, on March 24 and 25, 2024.
As NATO Allies and steadfast partners, the visit will be an opportunity to deepen the friendship between Canada and Greece.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Mitsotakis will advance co-operation in shared interests, including trade and investment, climate action, and creating good, middle-class jobs. The leaders will also explore ways to tackle regional and global challenges, like supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s unprovoked war, defending the rules-based international order, and promoting democracy around the world.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ visit will build on the close relationship between Canada and Greece, built on common values and the close ties between our people.
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“Canada and Greece are partners, Allies, and friends. When we work together, we create good jobs, grow trade and investment, take climate action, and protect democracies. I look forward to welcoming Prime Minister Mitsotakis to Canada and advancing our work to make life better for Canadians and Greeks alike.”
Quick Facts
- This will be Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ first official visit to Canada since his election as Prime Minister of Greece in 2019.
- Canada and Greece are like-minded on key global and regional issues and work closely together in a range of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, NATO, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the World Trade Organization, and La Francophonie.
- An estimated 270,000 Canadians are of Greek descent.
- In 2023, two-way bilateral trade in goods with Greece reached a record $585 million.
- Canada and Greece have maintained diplomatic relations for over 80 years.
Associated Links
- Canada-Greece relations
- Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis
March 20, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of La Francophonie:
“Today, on the International Day of La Francophonie (in French only), we join Francophones and Francophiles around the world in celebrating the French language and rich Francophone cultures in all their diversity.
“Canada's two official languages, like the cultures and values they reflect, are the common ground that helps people from diverse backgrounds feel at home in our country. French is the official language of nearly one quarter of Canadians and a precious advantage, helping us work with Francophone partners around the world and making our ties with them stronger. That’s why French must be protected.
“The Government of Canada is committed to strengthening the French language across the country. In our Action Plan for Official Languages 2023–2028, we outlined a number of priorities to achieve this goal, including increasing Francophone immigration, supporting official language minority communities, and promoting French second-language learning. Last year, we reached a historic step when royal assent was given to Bill C-13, the modernization of the Official Languages Act, which was put forward by the federal government to protect and promote French across the country. In addition, the new Policy on Francophone Immigration that we unveiled in January 2024 will support the economic development and vitality of Francophone minority communities. Last June, we also announced a two-year expansion of the Francophone Mobility program, which helps Canadian employers recruit French-speaking foreign workers. And culture is also an important part of our strategy, from doubling the Community Cultural Action Fund to supporting the development of arts and culture in Francophone minority communities across Canada.
“As a founding member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and its second-largest donor, Canada is proud to take concrete actions to promote French, including in the cultural, economic, scientific, and digital spheres; support gender equality; and advance democratic values and human rights. A number of Canadians have held important positions within the OIF, including former Member of Parliament Caroline St-Hilaire, who is helping build a vibrant future for La Francophonie as the OIF’s Administrator since her appointment to this role last year.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage Canadians to take part in activities taking place today across the country. I also invite you to share the hashtags #Francophoniedelavenir, #
March 19, 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 latest developments in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the humanitarian implications for Israel’s planned military offensive in the city of Rafah.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Minister Gantz for Israel’s support in enabling the departure of hundreds of Canadians from Gaza. He stressed the need for Israel’s continued support in facilitating the exit of the remaining Canadians and their extended families.
The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s support for the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, dignity, and security. He also expressed Canada’s longstanding support for a two-state solution to secure a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau condemned the disturbing rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia. The two leaders exchanged views on the impact the conflict is having on Muslim, Jewish, and Arab communities in Canada and around the world.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Gantz 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 19, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nowruz:
“Today, communities in Canada and around the world celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
“Nowruz, meaning ‘new day’ in Farsi, represents the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. Family and friends come together around the haft-sin table, read poetry, and share festive meals. Nowruz is a time to reflect on the past year and look to the future with hope and optimism.
“To the Iranian, Afghan, Ismaili, Kurdish, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Azerbaijani, Tajik, Central Asian, and many other communities celebrating Nowruz: thank you for the contributions you have made – and continue to make – to our country. From your leadership in fields like medicine, art, entrepreneurship, and politics to your advocacy for human rights, equity, and justice, you help build a more kind, compassionate, and inclusive Canada for everyone.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish everyone celebrating Nowruz a joyful, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
“Har Ruz etan Nowruz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.”
.هر روزتان نوروز، نوروزتان پیروز
