Statement by the Prime Minister on Labour Day
September 2, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Labour Day:
“From bricklayers and welders, to nurses and teachers, to carpenters and millwrights, Canada’s engine has been – and always will be – its workers. Today, on Labour Day, we honour their legacy of hard work, resilience, and progress.
“A strong middle class doesn’t happen by accident. The eight-hour workday; weekends off; old age security; universal healthcare; good-paying, fulfilling, and dignified work – none of these protections and programs were given. None of them were guaranteed. None of them were inevitable. They were won. And they were won by workers.
“Workers built the middle class. That’s why our government will always have their backs. We passed the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act so that workers have a seat at the table as we build a green economy right here in Canada. We passed historic anti-scab legislation which banned replacement workers because they tilt the playing field and enable employers to walk away from the bargaining table, where the best deals are made. We’ve made it clear that if companies want full access to our tax credits for clean technology, clean electricity, clean hydrogen, and carbon capture utilization and storage, they need to pay workers a meaningful wage and have a responsibility to support the next generation of skilled workers through apprenticeships.
“But taking care of workers goes beyond just the workplace. So, we introduced $10-a-day child care, which is saving families up to $14,000 per child, every year. We're setting up the National School Food Program, which will help feed more children and reduce grocery bills. We’re pushing ahead on national pharmacare, which will make insulin free for every Canadian who needs it, and providing free prescription contraceptives, because we not only believe in a woman’s right to choose – we act on it. And our Canadian Dental Care Plan has already helped over half a million previously uninsured Canadians get the dental care they deserve.
“These are important victories for Canadians. For families. For the middle class. And they wouldn’t be possible without workers. We will keep fighting for and alongside workers – because when they succeed, the middle class succeeds, and Canada succeeds.
“As we celebrate Labour Day, let’s remember the hard-fought wins that Canada’s workers secured for our success, and let’s work together to make the best country in the world even better.”
September 2, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal:
“It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.
“Born in Guyana, Sir Ramphal was a politician and diplomat who dedicated his life to advancing human rights and social justice across the world. He was a great advocate for the equality and prosperity of all nations – large or small, developed or developing – on the world stage.
“Sir Ramphal was the longest-serving Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, from 1975 to 1990. In this role, he guided the organization through some of its most transformative years. Most notably, Sir Ramphal will be remembered for spearheading the Commonwealth’s anti-apartheid efforts in South Africa – a testament to his unwavering commitment to human rights.
“A believer in the power of education as a force for good, it is no surprise that the British Columbia-based Commonwealth of Learning was created during his tenure, making high-quality education available across the Commonwealth.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my deepest condolences to Sir Ramphal’s family, friends, and those close to him. As we join our partners in the Caribbean and the Commonwealth in mourning this great loss, may we honour him by reaffirming the values of justice, peace, and equality that he stood for.”
August 31, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed the following individuals as independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate:
- Daryl Fridhandler, for Alberta
- Dr. Kristopher Wells, for Alberta
Daryl Fridhandler is a corporate lawyer, arbitrator, mediator, and businessman with over 40 years of legal experience. A King’s Counsel and the recipient of several awards and recognitions, he has been a trusted legal advisor for a range of private and public companies, non-profits, and projects, and has been actively engaged in the community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations.
Dr. Kristopher Wells is an educator, a scientific expert, and a champion for the 2SLGBTQI+ community who has used research and advocacy to help advance diversity, equity, and human rights in Alberta and across the country. For his contributions, he has received accolades that include the Alberta Centennial Medal and the Alberta Award for Study of Canadian Human Rights and Multiculturalism.
These new senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. Introduced in 2016, this process ensures senators are independent, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
Quote
“I congratulate Mr. Fridhandler and Dr. Wells on their appointment as Parliament’s newest independent senators. Their experiences will make them important voices for their communities.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy.
- Candidate submissions were reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provided recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided in its work by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates for the Senate.
- With today’s announcement, there have been 86 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Senate of Canada
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Senate Appointments Process – Questions and Answers
August 31, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for People of African Descent:
“On this International Day for People of African Descent, we celebrate the diverse cultures, heritage, and contributions of people of African descent here in Canada and around the world.
“Black Canadian history is Canadian history. From trailblazers like Viola Desmond, who stood up against racism with courage and resilience, to business leaders like Wesley Hall, who created the BlackNorth Initiative to empower Black entrepreneurs, Canada thrives because of the contributions of the Black community.
“In 2018, Canada joined the international community to recognize the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent 2015-2024. Earlier this year, we announced the extension of our efforts – until 2028 – to support Black Canadians and strengthen their leadership in business, social justice, and community.
“Promoting and empowering Canadians of African descent is a priority for the government. That’s why we have announced investments in more than 2,300 projects through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. We also established the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, managed by the Foundation for Black Communities, to strengthen efforts to improve social and economic well-being in predominantly Black communities. And with the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are supporting Black-led businesses to scale-up and succeed. We also know that a fairer, more inclusive Canada is a better Canada, so we’ve renewed Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and are creating a new Action Plan on Combatting Hate.
“Today, I invite all Canadians to learn more about the history, heritage, and resilience of people of African descent. Let’s keep moving forward and making Canada a better place for everyone.”
