May 21, 2024
Philadelphia, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, in Philadelphia, to discuss shared priorities, including labour rights, economic prosperity, and climate action.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Governor Shapiro underscored the deep economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties that unite Canada and Pennsylvania. In 2023, two-way trade between our country and the state exceeded US$27 billion, and Canadian-owned companies employed over 30,300 workers in Pennsylvania. Today, Pennsylvania sells more goods to Canada than to its next four largest foreign markets combined.
The Prime Minister and the Governor emphasized the urgent need for accelerating climate action and transitioning to clean energy sources. They agreed on the importance of investing in green infrastructure, promoting renewable energy development, and creating good-paying jobs in the emerging clean economy.
The two leaders welcomed opportunities for continued collaboration between the Government of Canada and Pennsylvania to further their shared goals of economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social progress for all.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Governor Shapiro agreed to remain in close contact.
Associated Links
May 21, 2024
Philadelphia, United States of America
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded a successful visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of Team Canada’s work to promote the Canada-U.S. relationship, advance opportunities to grow cross-border trade, and deliver fairness for every generation.
In Philadelphia, the Prime Minister participated in the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Quadrennial North American Convention, where he delivered remarks highlighting the strong partnership between Canada and the U.S. as well as the crucial work of labour unions – including in the health care sector – to protect workers’ rights, create stability, defend good middle-class jobs, and build dynamic economies on both sides of the border.
At the Convention, Prime Minister Trudeau joined the Vice-President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, to meet with union representatives and discuss the important contributions of organized labour, exemplified by our cross-border unions.
The two leaders discussed how Canada and the U.S. can further strengthen our close relationship and work together in areas of mutual interest. This includes increasing trade and investment, scaling up our cross-border supply chains, supporting our manufacturing sectors, and accelerating the transition to net-zero. This is part of our shared commitment to build a better, fairer, and more prosperous future for Canadians and Americans alike.
The Prime Minister also met with the Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, to discuss the importance of the Canada-Pennsylvania relationship. The leaders highlighted Canada and Pennsylvania’s rich ties: Pennsylvania is home to a large number of Canadians, and in 2023, Canadian-owned companies employed 30,300 workers in the state. Canada also has an extensive footprint in Pennsylvania, with US$13.6 billion in exports to the state every year.
Additionally, Prime Minister Trudeau participated in a roundtable with U.S. business leaders to showcase Canada as an important partner and excellent investment destination and to discuss opportunities for future commercial, investment, and trade collaboration.
While in Philadelphia, the Prime Minister, alongside other world leaders and representatives from industry, academia, and civil society, took part virtually in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Seoul Summit. During the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada’s leadership and investments in AI, including through a $2.4 billion package of measures announced in Budget 2024. He also joined a joint Leaders’ declaration on AI governance – the Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative and Inclusive AI – that will serve as a roadmap to advance AI safety around the world, including through an international network of AI Safety Institutes. As part of the Budget 2024 measures on AI, the federal government announced an investment of $50 million to create a Canadian AI Safety Institute to further the safe development and deployment of AI, joining the United Kingdom, the U.S., and Japan that have set up similar institutes. Leading up to the Summit, Canada and the United Kingdom also negotiated a joint ministerial statement on AI safety to deepen their collaboration in that field.
Quotes
“Canada and the U.S. have the world’s most successful partnership. Team Canada is working with our American partners to deepen these ties, grow our economies, keep our air clean, create good-paying jobs, and build a better, fairer future. Together, we’re putting our people on both sides of the border at the forefront of opportunity.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada continues to play a leading role on the global governance and responsible use of AI. From our role championing the creation of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), to pioneering a national AI strategy, to being among the first to propose a legislative framework to regulate AI, we will continue engaging with the global community to shape the international discourse to build trust around this transformational technology.”
— The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick Facts
- While in Philadelphia, the Prime Minister also met with leaders of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
- The SEIU is a labour union that represents some 2 million individuals. It includes SEIU-Healthcare, which represents roughly 60,000 health care workers in Ontario.
- Announced by the Prime Minister last January, the government’s renewed Team Canada engagement strategy with the U.S. brings together experts and leaders in business, labour, and academia, along with provincial and territorial partners, to deepen Canada’s relationship with our closest ally. Modelled off of the successful U.S. engagement strategy Canada led just a few years ago, this new engagement strategy is helping to advance opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities across the country.
- Canada and the U.S. share one of the largest trading relationships in the world, which supports millions of good jobs on both sides of the border. The two countries also share the longest and most secure border in the world, over which nearly $3.6 billion worth of goods and services cross daily.
- With over $1.3 trillion in bilateral trade in goods and services in 2023, Canada was the U.S.’ largest trading partner that year. Canada-U.S. trade is built on long-standing binational supply chains, whereby approximately 79 per cent of Canadian goods exported to the U.S. are incorporated into U.S. supply chains.
- More than 2.2 million jobs in Canada depend on exports to the U.S., and more than 7.8 million jobs in the U.S. are related to trade with Canada.
- According to U.S. data, majority-owned Canadian companies operating in the U.S. employ over 866,000 workers.
- In 2023, Pennsylvania imported US$13.6 billion in merchandise from Canada and exported US$14.3 billion in merchandise to Canada. The state’s economy depends on imports of Canadian crude oil, wood pulp, lumber, and various metals. In 2023, Canadian-owned companies employed 30,300 workers in the state.
- Held over two days, the AI Seoul Summit is co-chaired by the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak.
- At the Summit, Canada’s leadership in AI was represented by:
- Yoshua Bengio, Founder and Scientific Director, Mila; Scientific Director, IVADO; and Full Professor, Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, Université de Montréal.
- Tony Gaffney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
- Aidan Gomez, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cohere.
- In Budget 2024, the federal government announced a $2.4 billion package of measures to secure Canada’s AI advantage. These investments include:
- $2 billion to build and provide access to computing capabilities and technological infrastructure for Canada’s world-leading AI researchers, start-ups, and scale-ups.
- $200 million through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies to help AI start-ups bring new technologies to market and accelerate the adoption of AI in critical sectors, such as agriculture, clean technology, health care, and manufacturing.
- $100 million for the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) AI Assist Program to help small and medium-sized businesses scale up and increase productivity by building and deploying new AI solutions.
- $50 million for the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program to support skills training for workers potentially impacted by AI, such as those in creative industries.
- $50 million to create a new Canadian AI Safety Institute that will leverage input from stakeholders and work in coordination with international partners to further the safe development and deployment of AI.
- $5.1 million to strengthen enforcement of the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, which aims to guide AI innovation in a positive direction, ensure the responsible adoption of AI by Canadian businesses, and protect Canadians from AI’s potential risks.
- $3.5 million to advance Canada’s leadership role with the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).
- Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $4.4 billion to foster growth across Canada’s AI ecosystem and digital infrastructure. More broadly, the government has committed over $16 billion to support scientific discovery, develop Canadian research talent, and attract top researchers from around the world.
Related Products
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Vice President of the United States of America Kamala Harris
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with leaders of the Service Employees International Union
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in Artificial Intelligence Seoul Summit
- Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative and Inclusive AI
- Joint ministerial statement between Canada and the UK on advancing artificial intelligence safety
Associated Links
Prime Minister to travel to France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
May 26, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
On June 6, 1944, over 14,000 Canadians stormed Juno Beach, as part of the largest combined military operation in history. Canadian soldiers fought heroically, and side by side with Allies – defending freedom, liberty, and democracy. The Battle of Normandy came at a heavy price, with more than 5,000 Canadian troops killed and thousands more injured – but the Allies won. The battle became a defining moment for our nation.
We must remember the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by Canadians in Normandy. We must honour them, and the more than one million Canadians who served during the Second World War. We must pass on their stories for generations to come.
The aftermath of the Second World War and the Allied victory in Europe led to the foundation of the modern rules-based international order, an order which has since underpinned peace and prosperity around the world, and an order that Canada defends. On the beaches of Normandy, our troops fought valiantly for peace and democracy. Many gave their lives so we could live free – and we will do what it takes to preserve and protect our hard-won freedoms.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Normandy, France, from June 5 to 6, 2024, to participate in commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy and to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service of peace and freedom during the Second World War.
The Canadian delegation will include the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Veterans, representatives from Indigenous and Veterans organizations, and parliamentarians.
Quote
“On D-Day, we remember the 14,000 Canadian troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy in defence of freedom and liberty. They fought heroically; they helped liberate Europe; and they changed the course of history. This milestone 80th anniversary is an important opportunity to share their stories, commemorate their bravery, and pay tribute to their immeasurable service, sacrifice, and legacy.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Allied high command launched the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, a date that has become known to history as D-Day. On that day, a massive Allied force would cross the English Channel, heading for an 80-kilometre stretch of the Normandy coast. There were five landing zones assigned to the forces of Allied nations: Juno Beach (Canada); Gold Beach (United Kingdom); Sword Beach (United Kingdom and France); and Utah Beach and Omaha Beach (United States).
- On August 25, 1944, the Allies liberated Paris, officially ending the Battle of Normandy.
- More than 45,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second World War, of whom over 5,000 were killed during the Battle of Normandy, including 359 of our soldiers on D-Day.
Associated Links
May 25, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Africa Day:
“Sixty-one years ago today, representatives of African countries founded the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union. On this anniversary, we join our partners to celebrate this important union that has made strides toward a more peaceful, sustainable, and prosperous African continent.
“Canada has deep friendships with many African countries, anchored by our shared communities and strong partnerships on the world stage. Last year, we welcomed the African Union’s membership to the G20. With 55 members representing more than 1.4 billion people, the African Union makes multilateral organizations – such as the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and the United Nations – stronger, more inclusive, and more dynamic. There are also over 1.3 million Canadians of African descent, and their contributions enrich our communities across the country.
“As we celebrate 15 years as a permanent observer to the African Union, Canada remains firmly committed to strengthening our collaboration with African partners. We will also support African-led solutions to the challenges facing the continent. This includes our ongoing work through our Canada-African Union Commission Dialogues and Canada’s new dedicated mission to the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which opened its doors last year. From promoting peace and democracy, to advancing climate action, to growing our economies – the partnership between Canada and the African Union will only get stronger.
“In the spirit of this year’s Africa Day theme, ‘Education Fit for the 21st Century’, we are working with our African counterparts to support quality education throughout the African continent, including in sexual and reproductive health. Every year, Canada also welcomes tens of thousands of students from African countries, who contribute their talent and innovation to our country.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating a happy Africa Day. Together, we will build a better, fairer, and more prosperous world for all.”
May 24, 2024
Truro, Nova Scotia
Everyone deserves a fair, healthy future. But today, for many Canadians, our provincial and territorial health care systems are under strain.
One of the biggest pressures right now is affordable medication. The medications many Canadians need are often too expensive, leading to fewer visits to pharmacies, less treatment, and more frequent health scares. The cost of contraceptives, and medications for those who are diabetic, is one of the largest barriers to access.
We’re making sure Canadians get the medication that they need, when they need it.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today highlighted measures in Budget 2024 to make two key forms of prescription medication free, as well as the federal government’s work to make health care fairer for every generation.
Here’s what we’re doing:
Universal coverage for a range of contraception and diabetes medications. With $1.5 billion in federal investments, we are launching the first phase of a national pharmacare plan.
- We’re making contraception medications and devices free – from birth control pills, to IUDs, to implants, to the morning-after pill – so women are free to choose if, when, and how they plan their family.
- With this coverage, nine million women will have more choices and, importantly, more affordable choices – so their right to reproductive freedom isn’t restricted by cost.
- Women have the right to make decisions about their bodies, their health, and their future – and that’s what free contraception medications are all about.
- We’re also making diabetes medications, like insulin, free, as well as medications that are often used in combination by patients with Type 2 diabetes.
- With this coverage, 3.7 million Canadians, including seniors, will be able to get the diabetes medication they need and save up to $1,700 per year.
- We will also create a fund to support access to diabetes devices and supplies to make sure even more Canadians get their care covered.
- We are working with provinces and territories to cover these medications, so that Canadians get the prescriptions they need without cost getting in the way.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the federal government’s work to improve dental and health care, such as:
Making dental care more affordable:
- Seniors pay a lot of money for their dental care – or worse, they live with toothaches and pain because they can’t afford to see a dentist. So, we’re covering the cost.
- Last fall, we launched the Canadian Dental Care Plan, giving dental coverage to up to nine million uninsured Canadians, including seniors.
- The plan covers services like cleaning, fillings, X-rays, dentures, and more – so you pay out of pocket less for healthy teeth.
- Close to two million people have already signed up, and since May 1, more than 100,000 seniors have seen their dental costs covered.
Helping provinces and territories train more doctors and nurses, reduce hospital wait times, clear backlogs, and improve primary care, with:
- Close to $200 billion to help provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners improve health care for Canadians by reducing backlogs and wait times, improving access to family doctors, supporting front-line health care workers, strengthening mental health care services, modernizing the health system, and providing targeted health services in Northern and Indigenous communities.
- Working Together agreements with all provinces and territories to make sure that high-quality health care is available to everyone in Canada.
- Aging with Dignity agreements to improve home, community, and long-term care for seniors across the country.
Affordable health care, including prescription medication, is about fairness. This means every woman will have the ability to choose a contraceptive that is best for her, regardless of cost. And it means Canadians with diabetes will have access to the life-saving medication they need.
This is part of our work to improve the health of Canadians, strengthen the social safety net, and help every generation get ahead. That’s what we’re investing in through Budget 2024. Right alongside this, we’re building more homes, creating more jobs, investing in our economy, and delivering fairness for every generation.
Quotes
“Medications like contraceptives and insulin are too expensive. That’s why we’re covering the cost. By launching the first phase of universal pharmacare, we’re making sure Canadians get the care they need, when they need it, and without worrying about the bill. That’s what fairness is all about.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Women should have the autonomy to make their own choices about their health and their bodies. Our plan to make common contraceptives free ‒ like birth control pills, IUDs, and even emergency contraception ‒ mean that, for nine million Canadian women, freedom of choice will be truly free. And it means more Canadian women will have freedom of choice over their bodies and their lives.”
— The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
“We’re taking steps each day to build a stronger health care system, so everyone in Canada gets the care they need. From our pharmacare plan that will help millions of people receive free contraceptives and diabetes medication to the Canadian Dental Care Plan that is making dental care more accessible right across the country, we are focused on getting Canadians better public health care.”
— The Hon. Mark Holland, Minister of Health
Quick Facts
- In February 2024, the federal government introduced Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act. The bill outlines the foundational principles for the first phase of national universal pharmacare in Canada and describes the federal government’s intent to work with provinces and territories to provide universal, single-payer coverage for a number of contraception and diabetes medications.
- Beyond support for diabetes medication, the federal government announced its plan to establish a fund to support access to diabetes devices and supplies. Further details regarding this fund will be announced following discussions with provincial and territorial partners, who will be essential to its roll-out.
- Under the Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan, the federal government is working with provinces and territories to implement two series of bilateral agreements; one to improve health care access and services, and the second to help Canadians age with dignity close to home.
- These bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible and tailored, so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography.
- The plan also guarantees a 5 per cent increase to the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) from 2023-24 to 2027-28 for provinces and territories that are taking steps to improve the collection and management of health data, estimated at $15.3 billion. Additionally, it includes a one-time $2 billion CHT top-up to address immediate pressures on the health care system, especially in pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and surgical and diagnostic backlogs.
- Applying to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) can now be done more easily through a new user-friendly online tool.
- The CDCP can help uninsured Canadians save thousands of dollars on dental care. For example:
- Jack, 89, and Evelyn, 87, live in Ontario and have a combined household income of $65,000. While Evelyn is fortunate enough to have all healthy teeth, after many years without affordable access to dental care, Jack is missing all his teeth. Thanks to the CDCP, this year, Jack and Evelyn will save a total of $2,604, including the price of a completely new set of dentures for Jack.
- Chris and Kate live in British Columbia, earn a combined income of $68,000, and don’t have dental insurance through their jobs. Since the interim Canada Dental Benefit launched in 2022, they’ve received $2,600 to help cover dental costs for their kids, Jessica, 11, and Sacha, 5. Starting this June, Chris and Kate will be able to enroll their kids in the CDCP, saving about $433 in dental costs every year. In 2025, when the CDCP expands to all Canadians with a family income of less than $90,000, Chris and Kate will also be able to enroll themselves, helping their family save a total of around $1,809 every year.
- Dental health providers eligible to participate in the CDCP on a voluntary basis include dentists, denturists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists.
- Information on the coordination of benefits between the CDCP and provincial, territorial, and federal dental programs is available on Canada.ca/dental.
- The Government of Canada continues to increase opportunities to access dental health services. This month, the government launched the Oral Health Access Fund (OHAF), which will further reduce barriers that prevent Canadians from accessing dental health care, including in rural and remote communities. The first Call for Proposals will support projects submitted by dental health training institutions.
- Budget 2024 proposes a range of measures to help more Canadians get ahead, including by:
- Launching a new Canada Disability Benefit with $6.1 billion over six years, and $1.4 billion ongoing, to supplement provincial and territorial benefits, increasing the financial well-being of over 600,000 working-age persons with disabilities. Budget 2024 also addresses barriers to accessing the Canada Disability Benefit by covering the cost of the medical forms required to apply for the Disability Tax Credit.
- Launching a new National School Food Program by providing $1 billion over five years to work with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to expand access to school food programs for more than 400,000 kids
- Launching a $1 billion Child Care Expansion Loan Program to build more child care spaces and renovate existing child care centres, to save more families thousands of dollars a year on child care, enable more parents ‒ especially moms ‒ to pursue a career, and give every child the best start in life
- Strengthening the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and ensuring the stability and security of Canadians’ pension benefits for generations to come. The CPP provides an average of more than $8,400 every year to nearly 6 million retirees.
Associated Links
- Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation
- Working together to improve health care in Canada
- Government of Canada introduces legislation for first phase of national universal pharmacare
- Canadian Dental Care Plan
- Interim Canada Dental Benefit
- Working together to improve health care for Canadians
May 24, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the public service:
Catherine Blewett, currently Secretary of the Treasury Board, becomes Senior Official, Privy Council Office, effective June 3, 2024.
Bill Matthews, currently Deputy Minister of National Defence, becomes Secretary of the Treasury Board, effective June 3, 2024.
Stefanie Beck, currently Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, becomes Deputy Minister of National Defence, effective June 3, 2024.
Lawrence Hanson, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, becomes Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, effective June 3, 2024.
The Prime Minister also announced the reappointment of Ron Hallman as President and Chief Executive Officer of Parks Canada, effective August 28, 2024.
Finally, the Prime Minister took this opportunity to congratulate Catherine Blewett on her upcoming retirement from the Public Service. He thanked her for her dedication and service to Canadians throughout her career and wished her all the best in the future.
Biographical Notes
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in remembrance of the Komagata Maru incident:
“One hundred and ten years ago, the steamship Komagata Maru docked in Vancouver’s harbour after a long journey across the Pacific Ocean. Aboard the ship, 376 people – Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus of Punjabi origin – were ready to start a new life in Canada. But instead of being welcomed as newcomers, they were refused entry by Canada. They were detained for two harrowing months without food, water, or medical care. Ultimately, the Komagata Maru was forced to return to India where many of its passengers were killed or imprisoned.
“This tragic incident is a dark chapter in our country’s history. The deplorable treatment of those on board was reflected in Canada’s racist and discriminatory laws of the time. Eight years ago, I apologized on behalf of the Government of Canada for what happened to the passengers of the Komagata Maru. We must never allow this event to repeat itself, and on this day of remembrance, we reflect on the importance of promoting diversity and treating everyone with respect and dignity.
“In the years since this tragedy, we have come a long way as a country to build a more inclusive, welcoming society for people of all backgrounds. And through initiatives like our Anti-Racism Strategy, we are removing barriers, so that everyone in Canada can reach their full potential.
“Today, we remember and honour the lives lost in the Komagata Maru incident. As we pay tribute to the victims, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the invaluable contributions that members of the South Asian community have made, and continue to make, to Canada. Let’s keep working together to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive country for everyone.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Vesak
May 23, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vesak, also known as Buddha Day:
“Today, we join hundreds of millions of Buddhists in Canada and around the world to celebrate Vesak.
“The most sacred Buddhist festival, Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. For Buddhists, this is a time for reflection, meditation, and spiritual renewal. Inspired by Buddha and his values of respect, wisdom, and goodwill, many will also take part in acts of charity and volunteer in their local communities.
“As Buddhists take this time to reaffirm their commitment to generosity, compassion, and selfless service taught by the Buddha, may we all keep building a stronger, more inclusive country.
“Today, and every day, I invite all Canadians to embrace the values of generosity, service, and compassion at the heart of Vesak. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish a happy and blessed day to everyone celebrating.”
May 21, 2024
Philadelphia, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated virtually in the Leaders’ session of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Seoul Summit. The session was jointly hosted by the President of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak. It was attended by members of the G7, Singapore, the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and representatives of organizations developing AI, such as Meta, OpenAI, and Samsung, among others.
Under the theme “Building on the Al Safety Summit: Towards an Innovative and Inclusive Future”, the AI Seoul Summit builds on the inaugural AI Safety Summit that was hosted by the United Kingdom in November 2023.
At the AI Seoul Summit, the Prime Minister endorsed a joint Leaders’ declaration on AI governance – the Seoul Declaration for Safe, Innovative and Inclusive AI. He also highlighted Canada’s leadership in harnessing the potential of AI, including through a $2.4 billion package of measures announced in Budget 2024. This includes an investment of $50 million to create a Canadian AI Safety Institute to further the safe development and deployment of AI.
The Prime Minister also spoke of the important work being done in other fora – such as the G7, the OECD, the United Nations, and the Global Partnership on AI – and stressed the need to continue international collaboration on AI safety.
The AI Seoul Summit provided an important opportunity for Canada to demonstrate its continued leadership role in AI governance and to highlight Canada’s continued commitment to work with domestic and international partners in this space.
Associated Links
- Securing Canada’s AI advantage
- Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with leaders of the Service Employees International Union
May 21, 2024
Philadelphia, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with leaders of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), including the Canadian President of SEIU Healthcare, Sharleen Stewart, on the margins of the SEIU Quadrennial North American Convention in Philadelphia.
At the convention, the Prime Minister and SEIU leaders discussed shared priorities, including the importance of workers’ rights, gender equality, the care economy, and support for marginalized communities.
During their discussions, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to highlight the deep-rooted partnership between Canada and the United States, including Team Canada’s work to create good middle-class jobs, build opportunities for workers, strengthen health care, and deliver fairness for every generation.
Prime Minister Trudeau and SEIU leaders underscored their commitment to protecting labour rights, including through labour provisions under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, and advancing the interests of working families. They exchanged views on strengthening co-operation amongst unions in Canada and the United States to raise workplace standards, further support collective bargaining, and ensure fair wages and benefits for all workers.
The Prime Minister and SEIU leaders welcomed opportunities for continued collaboration between the Government of Canada and the SEIU, including SEIU Healthcare and its more than 100,000 members across Canada – including over 69,000 health care sector members working in Ontario – to advance shared goals of economic justice, labour rights, and social progress for everyone.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister to travel to the United States to strengthen bilateral ties
- Canada and North America
- Canada-United States relations
- Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement
May 21, 2024
Philadelphia, United States of America
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris, on the margins of the Service Employees International Union Quadrennial North American Convention in Philadelphia.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Vice President Harris highlighted the deep-rooted partnership between Canada and the United States. They reaffirmed their commitment to advancing shared labour priorities, including creating good-paying jobs, building opportunities for workers, and growing our economies. The two leaders acknowledged the importance of workers’ rights, gender equality, the care economy, and support for marginalized communities. The Prime Minister welcomed opportunities to ensure a predictable trade environment, resilient supply chains, and a prosperous economy in both countries.
The two leaders reiterated their unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine and expressed their shared commitment to Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. They also reaffirmed the importance of a just and sustainable peace to be discussed at the upcoming Summit on Peace in Ukraine.
In the face of increasing global uncertainty, the Prime Minister and the Vice President discussed continental defense and underlined the importance of protecting and promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The Prime Minister underscored Canada’s support for Haitian-led solutions to the crises Haiti is facing and the Multinational Security Support Mission.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Vice President Harris agreed to remain in close contact and looked forward to opportunities to continue their strong collaboration.
