Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
August 9, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples:
“On this International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we celebrate the cultures, traditions, and resilience of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and across the world.
“As we mark this day, we recognize our deep-rooted partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. Their contributions to the economy, the environment, and on the international stage are a key part of our work to build a better future. A better future where Indigenous Peoples can thrive starts with upholding human rights, addressing injustices, and moving together on the path of reconciliation. Our government is here as a partner on that path.
“With the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan as a roadmap, the federal government is working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis partners to drive positive change. This includes key priorities like expanding access to quality education, delivering culturally appropriate health care, creating economic opportunities, and supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen Indigenous languages.
“Earlier this year, we took an important step on our path toward reconciliation when An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation officially became law in Canada. This council will monitor and report on efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action as well as the 231 Calls for Justice delivered in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
“Indigenous Peoples have been the stewards of Canada’s lands and waters since time immemorial. As we make progress toward achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, their leadership, knowledge, and relationships with the environment will continue to guide Canada – and the world – to protect our planet for future generations.
“Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, I invite all Canadians to learn more about Indigenous Peoples. Let us listen to their voices, honour their stories, and reaffirm our commitment to a fairer future for everyone.”
August 9, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Peacekeepers’ Day:
“On National Peacekeepers’ Day, we remember the service and sacrifice of Canadians who have dedicated their lives to building a more peaceful world.
“Since the late 1940s, over 125,000 Canadians have participated in nearly a hundred peacekeeping efforts around the globe. Today, Canadian men and women continue this proud tradition, putting on uniforms emblazoned with the Maple Leaf and representing our country’s long-standing commitment to helping those in need.
“Today commemorates the largest single-day loss of Canadians on international peacekeeping duties when, in 1974, United Nations Flight 51 was shot down by Syrian missiles, killing all nine Canadian Armed Forces personnel onboard. Their courage must not be forgotten.
“The federal government is committed to supporting our peacekeepers, including those currently deployed in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Last year we announced new support for training and women in peace operations, including through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and the implementation of the Vancouver Principles on the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.
“On this National Peacekeepers’ Day, I invite all Canadians to learn more about our proud history as a leader in peacekeeping. To the brave women and men who risk their lives to save others: On behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank you for your service.”
August 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark ASEAN Day:
“Today, we join members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to celebrate ASEAN Day. For over half a century, ASEAN has promoted peace, prosperity, and progress. Its members and partners work together to grow strong economies and make the world a better place.
“Canada is one of 11 partners to be an ASEAN Dialogue Partner, which strengthens ties between our countries and advances mutually beneficial trade and investment. Our relationship is built on shared priorities, from taking climate action to making life more affordable for people on both sides of the Pacific. Last September, I took part in the ASEAN-Canada Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, where we started a new chapter with the launch of the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership. This partnership, building on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, will enhance trade, strengthen regional security, and increase Canada’s footprint in the region.
“With over one million people of Southeast Asian descent calling Canada home today, these communities are deeply woven into our country’s cultural fabric. They make us stronger, more diverse, and more inclusive.
“With this year’s ASEAN Day theme, ‘Connected & Resilient Community’, Canada’s partnership with ASEAN is only getting stronger. Together with our ASEAN partners, we are building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous world for everyone.”
August 1, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Emancipation Day:
“On Emancipation Day, people around the world gather to recognize the incredible courage, determination, and resilience of Black communities who fought – and continue to fight – for freedom and justice.
“The enslavement of people of African descent, who were stripped of their basic human rights, remains a dark chapter in Canadian history. On this day in 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act came into effect across the British Empire and laid a pathway to the liberation of over 800,000 enslaved Africans and their descendants in parts of the Caribbean, Africa, South America, and Canada. The Act confirmed Canada as a free territory for enslaved people, including African Americans, and thousands made their way here to find freedom. Despite this historic and meaningful progress, many people of African descent living in Canada continue to feel the lasting impacts of slavery, such as intergenerational trauma and ongoing racism, to this day.
“That’s why the federal government is strengthening our leadership in the fight against racism and systemic discrimination. With Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028, we are making Canada fairer and more inclusive – from employment, justice, and law enforcement to housing, health care, and immigration. On June 14, a report of the external Steering Group for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy was released, with 114 recommendations to address the anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination that has led to the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system. This report makes sure that Canada's Black Justice Strategy reflects the diverse history, backgrounds, and regional realities of Black communities.
“Earlier this year, we also announced the extension of our efforts to advance anti-racism in Canada using the framework of the United Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent. This extension will support Black communities and strengthen their leadership in business, social justice, and across Canada.
“Since endorsing the UN Decade in 2018, we have committed up to $872 million to Black-focused initiatives – from racial justice to entrepreneurship to economic dignity. Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, we have invested in more than 2,300 projects to grow charities and non-profit organizations, for Black Canadians, by Black Canadians. Last year, we selected the Foundation for Black Communities to manage the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. The Fund will provide long-term, sustainable funding to charities and non-profit organizations fighting anti-Black racism and improving social and economic well-being in predominantly Black communities. With the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping thousands of Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and succeed.
“Today, on Emancipation Day, I encourage everyone to reflect on the history of slavery and anti-Black racism in Canada, as well as its intergenerational impacts on people of African descent. Together, we can – and will – build a fairer, more inclusive country for everyone.”
July 28, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that by-elections will be held on September 16, 2024, in the following electoral districts:
- Elmwood—Transcona, Manitoba
- LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, Quebec
August 6, 2024
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan about the situation in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the risk of expanded conflict between Israel and Iran as well as Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups. The leaders underscored the urgent need to avoid further escalation which puts the lives of civilians in the region at risk.
Prime Minister Trudeau spoke about the importance of promoting peace and security in the Middle East and highlighted Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution. He emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
The Prime Minister thanked the King for his leadership in promoting dialogue and stability in the region, improving access to humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza, and securing a path toward lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
The leaders agreed to remain in close contact as the situation continues to evolve.
