Prime Minister to travel to Europe to attend G7 Summit and the Summit on Peace in Ukraine
May 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Working together with like-minded partners, we can make the world fairer and more prosperous. While the challenges facing Canada are real and rapidly evolving – we’re not alone. These are shared challenges that require shared solutions. Co-operation with international partners, in the G7 and well beyond, is how we build a better future with security, opportunity, and meaningful progress.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced he will travel to Apulia, Italy, from June 13 to 15, 2024, to attend the G7 Summit, before travelling to Lucerne, Switzerland, from June 15 to 16, 2024, to participate in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine.
At the G7 Summit, the Prime Minister will strengthen collaboration to address the most pressing global challenges. He will highlight the importance of defending democracy and democratic values, including by countering foreign interference and mis and disinformation. He will promote fair, inclusive, and dynamic growth anchored in the global energy and digital transitions. This includes the clean energy transition to create jobs, grow the economy and keep the air clean, while ensuring strong labour standards, and respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. It also includes promoting the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
The Prime Minister will discuss ongoing G7 efforts to address geopolitical challenges, including the crisis in the Middle East and support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s ongoing war with a view to achieving just and lasting peace. The Prime Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with leaders from other countries and deepen partnerships on shared priorities. Ahead of Canada hosting the G7 in 2025, the Prime Minister will share our government’s work to create good-paying jobs, grow an inclusive and dynamic economy, and deliver fairness for every generation.
In Switzerland, at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, the Prime Minister will reaffirm Canada’s support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s continued efforts toward a just and sustainable peace. This includes Canada’s co-leadership of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, as well as its co-chairing of the Peace Formula Working Group Four on the return of prisoners of war, unlawfully detained civilians and illegally deported children. The Summit will provide a platform for dialogue among nations from different regions of the world on ways to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
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“The world is facing major challenges, but together, we can tackle them and make it better, fairer, and more inclusive for everyone. I look forward to meeting with world leaders at the G7 and at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine to defend democracy, deepen international partnerships, and put Canadians at the forefront of opportunity.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The G7 includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
- Canada will host the G7 in 2025. Canada last held the presidency of the G7 in 2018.
- With more than 1.5 million people who reported Italian heritage in 2021, Canada is home to one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world. From business to sports, cuisine, politics, and much more, the Italo-Canadian community enriches all aspects of Canadian society.
- In 2023, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Italy totaled $15.6 billion, making Italy Canada’s 8th largest global merchandise trading partner, and Canada’s 2nd largest in the European Union.
- Canada has been integral in supporting a made-in-Ukraine peace plan and the Summit for Peace in Ukraine.
- Canada and Ukraine co-lead the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which is an important element of a Ukraine peace plan.
- The Coalition coordinates joint efforts and co-operation between Ukraine and partner states to address the issue of the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation, and aims to bring Ukrainian children home to their families and communities. The Coalition will also focus efforts on supporting their reunification with families and their reintegration into their communities. It was officially launched in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 2, 2024.
- Canada and Switzerland enjoy close and multifaceted bilateral relations, based upon shared values, commercial interests, people-to-people ties, and a commitment to democracy and human rights. Our two countries cooperate closely within multilateral forums and enjoy a robust commercial relationship.
Associated Links
- Canada and the G7
- Canada-Italy relations
- International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada-Switzerland relations
June 2, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Canadian Armed Forces Day:
“Today, we honour the brave members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who protect Canada’s values and defend Canadians at home and abroad.
“From humanitarian missions to peacekeeping and defence operations, the Canadian Armed Forces play a vital role in defending peace and stability at home. When wildfires and floods ravage our communities, our Armed Forces members evacuate those in need, support first responders, and help families get to safety. As the Canadian Arctic becomes increasingly under threat, our Armed Forces stand guard protecting our northern approaches and the continent, including through NORAD.
“The Canadian Armed Forces are also steadfast in defence of democracy and the rules-based international order around the world. As Russia continues its brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, our Armed Forces are providing military support to Ukraine through Operation UNIFIER. Through Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s largest active overseas military mission, we remain committed to upholding long-term security in Central and Eastern Europe. To support NATO’s deterrence measures in the region, we have scaled up our enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group, increasing the number and capabilities of Canadian troops on the ground.
“Addressing the challenges of tomorrow starts with our work today. That’s why we launched Our North, Strong and Free, with transformative investments in modern defence capabilities. From responding to the impacts of climate change, including in the Arctic, to deepening our NATO presence, to modernizing our defence capabilities, this policy update is about making sure the Canadian Armed Forces have the tools they need to protect Canadians and uphold the rules-based international order.
“Canadian Armed Forces members serve with immeasurable courage and sacrifice. That’s a debt we can never repay. But we can do what’s right by honouring the service and sacrifices made by our active serving members and veterans. With Budget 2024, we’re providing additional resources for the Veteran and Family Well-being Fund, with initiatives like improving mental health supports and helping homeless veterans find housing. The budget also expands the Veteran Family Telemedicine Service pilot to make sure our veterans and their families get quality care, when they need it.
“Today, and every day, we celebrate the resilience and valour of Canadian Armed Forces members, past and present. They protect democracy, uphold the rules-based international order, and defend peace – so that we can live free. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank you, your families, and loved ones for your service and sacrifice.”
