Joint Statement from Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni
March 2, 2024
Toronto, Ontario
We, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni, met today in Toronto, Ontario, to reaffirm the profound friendship and the shared values that bind Canada and Italy and to discuss our shared interests, including to deliver sustainable prosperity for our citizens in a complex global environment.
We believe in the need to build the resilience of countries to manage global challenges. Canada and Italy can work strategically towards this goal.
As trading nations, Canada and Italy understand the importance of an effective rules-based order, and the benefits that derive from predictable, transparent, and accessible business environments. We welcome our strong and growing economic partnership that generates sustainable economic growth, jobs, and innovation in both our countries.
Canada and Italy enjoy a strong trade and investment relationship, with economies that are complementary and that benefit from the strength of small and medium sized enterprises. Italy is Canada’s 2nd largest trading partner in the European Union, with two-way trade reaching a record high of $15.8 billion in 2023. We also acknowledge the benefits to our relationship that come from a community of 1.6 million Canadians of Italian descent, who actively contribute to each of our landscapes.
Today, we have agreed to further deepen our political, economic, and strategic ties and elevate our already excellent bilateral relationship by committing to establish the Canada-Italy Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation. This Roadmap will set out ambitious, concrete plans to collaborate, over the next 3-5 years, in priority areas, including energy security and the shift to a sustainable energy future, climate change and biodiversity, migration, sustainable economic growth, and research and innovation, including on artificial intelligence.
Through closer ties and strategic alignment, th
is joint Roadmap will lay the foundation for a renewed and more energized partnership that will contribute to the prosperity of both Canada and Italy, and help us work together to advance shared goals on the global stage. We look forward to reviewing progress on the development of the Roadmap at our next meeting in Italy in June.Today, we also discussed Italy’s G7 Presidency priorities and our joint commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and advancing our common objectives. As Italy holds the G7 Presidency in 2024, followed by Canada’s Presidency in 2025, we will work closely together to advance G7 priorities, including upholding the rules-based international order, grounded on the UN charter; protecting international peace and security; and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will also work to advance common priorities on economic and supply chain resilience; governance of artificial intelligence and digital technology; environment, climate action and clean energy; and health and food security. We also look forward to continued discussions within the G7 on addressing irregular migration.
Canada and Italy will work together to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, including through development financing. We are both committed to supporting inclusive growth and sustainable economic development in collaboration with our African partners. Canada welcomes Italy’s focus on Africa during its G7 Presidency and the objectives and priorities of the Mattei Plan announced at the recent Italy-Africa Summit.
As NATO Allies, G7, G20 and UN partners, we work in close partnership to address unprecedented global security, political and economic challenges and crises, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts and instability in Gaza and across the Middle East and the Red Sea. Canada and Italy continue to support a free and open Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous, secure, and based on the rule of law.
February 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney:
“I learned with great sadness today of the death of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, former Prime Minister of Canada.
“Mr. Mulroney loved Canada. After a distinguished business and legal career, he became Prime Minister in 1984 and made significant progress on important issues here at home and around the world. He negotiated the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement and, later, the expanded North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States and Mexico. He worked hard to build bridges between French and English Canada. He was at the forefront of environmental issues, helping secure an air quality agreement with the United States to reduce acid rain, championing the first Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and creating several new national parks. And he exemplified Canadian values, standing up against apartheid in South Africa.
“After leaving office, Mr. Mulroney continued to lead an active life, serving on corporate boards and becoming chair of Quebecor Inc. and Forbes Global Business and Finance. He was also a senior partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, a Montréal-based international law firm, for almost 30 years. Mr. Mulroney never stopped working for Canadians, and he always sought to make this country an even better place to call home.
“For his many accomplishments, Mr. Mulroney received numerous honours and awards, including the Order of Canada, the Ordre national du Québec, and the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service. A globally respected and recognized leader, Mr. Mulroney was also awarded some of the highest recognitions from governments around the world.
“As we mourn his passing and keep his family and friends in our thoughts, let us also acknowledge – and celebrate – Mr. Mulroney’s role in building the modern, dynamic, and prosperous country we all know today.”
February 29, 2024
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Right now, in communities across the country, building affordable housing is too hard. That’s why the federal government is working with municipalities to break down barriers and build more homes, faster so Canadians – whether they are just starting out, growing their families, or aging in security – can find a place to call home, at a price they can afford.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the federal government has reached an agreement with the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario, to fast-track over 600 new housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 6,500 homes over the next decade and help meet the demand in Thunder Bay.
Under the Housing Accelerator Fund, this agreement will provide $20.7 million to build more homes that Canadians can afford. It will create more housing options in the city, including more multi-unit and affordable housing projects – with up to four homes per lot. The City will turn vacant and underused property downtown into new housing. That means more homes near transit, schools, parks, and opportunity. The City will re-zone commercial areas, fast-track development approvals, and put incentives and grants in place to get more housing projects off the ground. The City will also create a dedicated team to recommend systemic changes and work with non-profit organizations, community organizations, advocacy groups, and home builders to reduce construction costs. Together, these initiatives are going to significantly improve the way affordable housing is built and delivered in Thunder Bay.
Stable, reliable, and affordable housing is also a fundamental part of our commitment to advancing reconciliation. As part of the agreement, Thunder Bay will explore ways to better support the housing needs of Indigenous communities – including helping us co-develop and implement Canada’s Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is helping cut red tape and fast-track the construction of over 650,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
The Government of Canada is supporting the middle class – and housing is key to that work. Our plan to double the rate of housing construction over the next decade will help build the housing supply we need. We are working with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to build more homes for Canadians, faster, and make life better for everyone.
Quotes
“The status quo on home-building in this country isn’t working. We need to build more homes and make sure they’re affordable – and we need to do it faster. That’s what today’s announcement in Thunder Bay is all about. Let’s get more homes built at prices Canadians can afford.”
“We are excited and proud to announce this partnership with Thunder Bay today. By creating financial incentives for new affordable housing projects, encouraging more homes, and promoting residential development of underused lands, the City will ensure that Thunder Bay has more of the kinds of homes we need to tackle the housing crisis. We will continue working with cities, towns, mayors, and all levels of government to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.”
“The City of Thunder Bay is all in on new housing and is working hard to set the stage for new housing development. Our focus is in line with the federal government’s goal of building as many homes as possible, as quickly as possible. We have adopted most of the top 10 Housing Accelerator Fund best practices, incentivizing a broad range of housing development. Thunder Bay welcomes this partnership with the federal government and is prepared for the growth which aligns with our strategic plan enacted by Council.”
Quick Facts
- The City of Thunder Bay’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement will encourage mixed use development and unlock a significant area for residential development by allowing housing on underutilized and vacant commercial sites. The City will also accelerate housing through a vacant-industrial-land-
assessment-and-conversion program, which will consider residential developments on former industrial lands. - The Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27. It is designed to help cities, towns, and Indigenous governments unlock new housing supply through innovative approaches and fast-track at least 100,000 permitted new homes over the first three years.
- With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada has signed 61 agreements since the launch of the Housing Accelerator Fund. Combined, these agreements will fast-track an estimated total of over 650,000 housing units over the next decade.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
- Since the creation of the NHS, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of almost 152,000 units and the repair of over 241,000. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
- Since 2015, the government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home.
Associated Links
- Housing Accelerator Fund
- Housing Accelerator Fund – Building more homes, faster
- Making housing more affordable for Canadians
- National Housing Strategy
February 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Konrad von Finckenstein as Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. In accordance with the Parliament of Canada Act, the nomination was tabled in the House of Commons. The appointment was approved with unanimous consent.
Mr. von Finckenstein is a respected legal expert and public servant with extensive and diverse experience in law, policy, and communications. For over four decades, he has served Canadians, including as a judge of the Federal Court and as Commissioner of the Competition Bureau. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada and served as interim Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner.
As Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Mr. von Finckenstein will continue his work to prevent conflicts between private interests and the public duties of appointed and elected officials.
Quote
“Mr. von Finckenstein has dedicated his life to public service. I am confident that his extensive and diverse experience will help uphold the integrity of Canada’s democratic institutions.”
Quick Facts
- The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner is an Agent of Parliament appointed for a term of seven years. They are completely independent of the government of the day and report directly to Parliament, through the Speaker of the House of Commons.
- The Commissioner administers the Conflict of Interest Act, which sets out clear conflict of interest and post-employment rules applicable to public office holders. They are also responsible for administering the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons. More information on their mandate is available here.
- The Governor in Council appoints the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner after consultation with the leader of every recognized party in the House of Commons and approval of the appointment by resolution of that House.
