Statement by the Prime Minister on the 42nd anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
April 17, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 42nd anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is one of our country’s greatest accomplishments. Central to who we are as Canadians, the Charter represents freedom, democracy, and the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Forty-two years ago today, the Charter was adopted, and every year, we reaffirm its principles.
“The Charter guarantees our fundamental rights, affirming equality for all Canadians, regardless of race, age, or ability. The Charter protects rights relating to our use of both official languages. It ensures that we can express our thoughts or practise our religion in our own way. It preserves the right of everyone to be treated with respect and dignity – something that every Canadian deserves.
“On this occasion, we also celebrate the 42nd anniversary of Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, which recognizes and affirms Indigenous and Treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in Canada. Section 35 serves as the foundation of our ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, notably through the 2023-2028 Action Plan – our evergreen roadmap to achieving the objectives laid out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Together, we will continue to walk the path of reconciliation and work toward building a renewed and meaningful relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite everyone to learn more about the Charter and recognize our collective responsibility to help advance the values it enshrines. Together, we will help keep Canada the free and prosperous country we proudly call home.”
April 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Opposition Leader of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s support for democracy and human rights in Belarus. He condemned the continued detention of political prisoners by the Lukashenko regime as well as its continued attacks on freedom of the press, and recognized Ms. Tsikhanouskaya’s ongoing efforts to promote the democratic and human rights of the Belarusian people. The Prime Minister highlighted the sanctions Canada announced today, which target 21 individuals in response to the ongoing human rights violations in Belarus since the fraudulent presidential election of 2020.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya condemned the Lukashenko regime’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the reports of the regime’s complicity in Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children.
The Prime Minister and Ms. Tsikhanouskaya looked forward to continued co-operation in support of the rights and aspirations of the people of Belarus.
Associated Links
- Canada-Belarus relations
- Minister Joly announces sanctions in response to ongoing human rights violations in Belarus
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Belarusian Opposition Leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
April 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, will visit Canada from April 18 to 23, 2024. President Duda will travel to Vancouver and Esquimalt, British Columbia, as well as Edmonton, Alberta.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda will hold a bilateral meeting in Esquimalt to discuss their unwavering support to Ukraine and their shared commitment to transatlantic security ahead of the NATO Leaders’ Summit in Washington in July, as well as bilateral cooperation on energy security and clean energy.
Canada and Poland share a longstanding relationship built on the Polish-Canadian community and our shared values. President Duda’s visit to Canada will be an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and make life better for people on both sides of the Atlantic.
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“Canada and Poland are good friends and steadfast Allies. I look forward to welcoming President Duda to Canada and deepening the partnership between our two countries. Together, we will defend peace and security through NATO, remain resolute in support of Ukraine, and create good jobs and opportunity for people in Canada and in Poland.”
Quick Facts
- The Canada-Poland relationship has a strong historical foundation that is rooted in the deep personal ties to Poland maintained by the nearly one million strong Polish-Canadian community, making Canada one of the largest Polish diasporas in the world.
- This will be President Duda’s second visit to Canada, and the first visit by a Polish Head of State to Western Canada.
- Prime Minister Trudeau last met with President Duda on February 26, 2024, in Warsaw, after travelling to Kyiv to announce additional support for Ukraine, two years after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
- Canada was the first NATO country to ratify Poland’s accession to the Alliance, in 1998. Polish troops are deployed to the Canada-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia.
- The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) provides opportunities for people and businesses in Canada and Poland. In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between our two countries increased by more than 63 per cent compared to pre-CETA.
- Poland is Canada’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Poland reached $4.1 billion in 2023. Canada exported $1.2 billion to Poland, with $3 billion in imports.
Associated Links
- Canada-Poland relations
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of UkraineStatement by the Prime Minister to mark four years since the mass shooting in Nova Scotia
April 18, 2024
Ottawa, OntarioThe Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark four years since the mass shooting in Nova Scotia:
“Today, it is with deep sadness that Canadians remember the tragic events that took place across several communities in Nova Scotia four years ago. On April 18 and 19, 2020, a senseless attack unfolded over 13 horrible hours, taking the lives of 22 Canadians, including a woman and her unborn child, and injuring three others. This was the deadliest mass shooting in the history of our country.
“On this sombre day, we mourn the memory of those who were tragically taken from us. We also find strength in the spirit and resilience of the survivors, families of the victims, Nova Scotians, and all Canadians who were impacted by this tragedy.
“To all Nova Scotians: Canada stands with you today as we did four years ago. As we honour those we lost, we remember your strength, and the strength of all Canadians who came together in these darkest of times. We know we have more work ahead, and we will do whatever it takes to make Canada a safer, more inclusive, and more peaceful country for everyone.”
