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September 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, will visit Ottawa from September 17 to 18, 2024.
During the visit, the Prime Minister and the Emir will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East, including in Gaza. The leaders will also discuss other issues of mutual concern, including the situation in Afghanistan and efforts toward a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
As Canada and Qatar celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, the visit will also provide an opportunity to explore ways to further expand co-operation on a range of shared bilateral priorities. This includes growing trade and investment, promoting sustainable development, and creating opportunities for people and businesses in both countries.
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“I look forward to welcoming His Highness the Emir of Qatar on his first visit to Canada. Our two countries are important partners, and together we will strengthen our ties and create opportunities for our peoples.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This will be His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s first official visit to Canada.
- Canada and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1974. More than 9,000 Canadians live in Qatar, where they contribute to an active and dynamic community.
- In 2023, Canada’s exports to Qatar totalled over $227 million, and imports from Qatar reached close to $200 million. In 2022, commercial services trade between our two countries totalled $51 million.
- Canada and Qatar work closely in multilateral forums, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the United Nations, La Francophonie, and the World Trade Organization.
Associated Links
September 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Democracy:
“This year’s International Day of Democracy comes at a pivotal time. Rapidly evolving technologies are disrupting our way of life. Disinformation is rampant. Global supply chains are being stretched. And climate change continues to be an existential threat. In the face of this unprecedented change, democracies around the world are becomingly fragile – risking economic prosperity and slipping into authoritarian waters.
“Canada is not immune to these threats, and that’s why our government is taking action to strengthen democracy – making it stronger, better, and fairer. We’re investing in artificial intelligence to capture its benefits of growth, productivity, and digital democracy, while ensuring Canadians understand and are protected from its potential risks. The federal government’s new Trust and Transparency Strategy will help make our institutions more open and accountable to Canadians. Withour updated defence policy, Our North, Strong and Free, we’re increasing investments in defence, protecting Canadians, and defending peace and security.
“Our commitment extends beyond our borders. Earlier this year, at the third Summit for Democracy, Canada announced over $30 million to protect human rights and strengthen democratic institutions around the world. And with our NATO Alliance steadfast, we are continuing to support Ukrainians as they fight to preserve their freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
“Democracy didn’t happen by accident, and it won’t endure without effort. Canada will always stand up for democracy – it’s the foundation of a future of collective security and prosperity.”
September 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and the National Day of Service:
“Twenty-three years ago, the world watched in horror as the deadliest terrorist attack in the history of the United States unfolded. The images of this unthinkable tragedy remain etched in our memory.
“Today, we remember the lives of the nearly 3,000 people who were mercilessly killed, including 24 Canadians. We stand with those whose loved ones were taken away from them too soon, the thousands who were injured, and all those still living with the trauma. We also pay tribute to the first responders and community members who risked their lives to help others.
“Here in Canada, today also marks the National Day of Service, an opportunity for all of us to honour the countless Canadians who came together in support of our American friends, embodying the generosity and kindness that define our country. This includes communities like Gander, in Newfoundland and Labrador, where Canadians opened their homes and provided refuge and food to stranded airline passengers – helping those in need, when they needed it most.
“Today, we stand with our neighbours and friends in the United States in remembering the tragic events of 9/11. And on behalf of the Government of Canada, I thank all Canadians who selflessly serve their communities each and every day. Thank you for your dedication and for your sacrifice.”
September 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Nayrouz:
“Today, Coptic Christians in Canada and around the world will celebrate the Feast of Nayrouz and the beginning of the Coptic New Year.
“The Feast of Nayrouz commemorates the martyrs of the Coptic Church who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. Nayrouz is a time to honour the rich history of the Copts as well as to reflect, worship, and spend time with loved ones.
“Coptic New Year is celebrated on the same day as the start of the Ancient Egyptian calendar. Marked by the star Sirius reaching its highest point in the sky and the waters of the Nile rising, this occasion symbolizes hope for the year ahead.
“Canada is proud to be home to a vibrant Coptic diaspora. For all of us, Nayrouz is a time to honour the many contributions Coptic Christians make to our country and celebrate the shared values that make us strong – from openness to inclusion to kindness.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to all those celebrating the Feast of Nayrouz.”
September 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed Pierre Moreau as an independent senator to fill a vacancy in the Senate for Quebec.
Pierre Moreau is a lawyer specializing in public and administrative law, and a former member of the Quebec National Assembly with 40 years of legal and political experience. Between 2003 and 2018, he represented the ridings of Marguerite-D’Youville then Châteauguay, and held a number of important positions in the Quebec Cabinet.
This new senator was 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.
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“Mr. Moreau’s experience and expertise will be a great benefit to the Senate. He will be an important spokesperson for his community and for Quebec as a whole.”
— 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 87 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 Note
Associated Links
- Senate of Canada
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Senate appointments Process – Questions and Answers
September 13, 2024
Montréal, Quebec
Space-based technology ‒ including satellites ‒ keeps Canadians safe, helps us work, and connects us with the world.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today was joined by the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, to announce an agreement with Telesat to complete and operate Lightspeed – one of the world’s most innovative satellite networks. With a $2.14 billion loan from the federal government, Telesat Lightspeed will be Canada’s largest ever space program, supporting 2,000 jobs across the country through Telesat and its supply chain. This includes prime satellite contractor MDA Space, who develops and operates the iconic Canadarm technology.
Telesat Lightspeed will expand Internet and 5G networks in communities across Canada, with affordable, high-speed broadband connectivity. As a low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite network, it will take less time to send and receive information, leading to better and faster Internet service, even in rural, remote, and Northern communities. The network will accelerate the federal government’s work to connect all Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2030.
Because of this investment, Telesat has already increased its Canadian workforce by 33 per cent over the last year. The company will also invest over $4.4 billion in our economy over the next 15 years, create 200 post-secondary co‑op jobs, and provide $1.6 million in scholarships to students in Canada, with a focus on women and Indigenous youth in science, technology, engineering, and math programs.
In addition, the Telesat Lightspeed network
To facilitate high-volume manufacturing, construction is underway on a 185,000-square-foot expansion at MDA’s satellite manufacturing facility in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec. Once completed, the facility will be the world’s largest high-volume satellite manufacturing facility in its satellite class – creating jobs and supporting the construction of the Telesat Lightspeed project.
Telesat Lightspeed will improve high-speed Internet across Canada, create good-paying jobs, grow the economy, and ensure that Canadians are at the forefront of space technology. Alongside today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is bringing down the cost of living, supporting research and innovation, investing in affordable dental care, and helping every generation get a fair shot.
Quotes
“Our government is focused on Canadians, and today’s announcement with Telesat and MDA is our commitment in action. Designed, manufactured, and operated in Canada, the Telesat Lightspeed satellite network will be the largest in Canadian history – creating thousands of jobs, growing our economy, and getting high-speed Internet to Canadians. We’re putting Canada at the forefront of opportunity, with a fair chance for everyone to succeed.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“This is good news for our economy. Not only are we consolidating 650 existing jobs, but we are also creating close to 1,000 high-paying jobs in a cutting-edge sector. It is also a strategic project for Quebec. The message we are sending today with the Telesat/MDA project is that Quebec continues to make its mark. The future of aerospace is happening right here in Quebec!”
— François Legault, Premier of Quebec
“Today, we are cementing Canada’s position as a global leader in the new space economy. This investment will create high-skilled jobs, support innovation, and secure Canada’s telecommunications systems. As the largest space program ever conceived and built in Canada, this agreement with Telesat Lightspeed will have a significant impact on the growing network of Canadian suppliers and talent, offering critical support to the sector as it continues to flourish.”
— The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
“High-speed Internet is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity. Today’s investment in Telesat’s Lightspeed project will help the federal government achieve its goal of connecting all Canadians to high-speed Internet by 2030 so that they get better access to the services they need, no matter where they live.”
— The Hon. Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“This satellite network is an effective way to provide high-speed telecommunications across all regions of Quebec. We are proud to support these two companies as they drive technological innovation, helping to position Quebec as a true space industry leader. And we are even prouder to see that companies are locating here to take advantage of all that Quebec has to offer!”
— Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region
“We are pleased to conclude these funding arrangements with the governments of Canada and Quebec as we make strong progress on the build-out of the revolutionary Telesat Lightspeed constellation, the largest space program in Canada’s history. Telesat Lightspeed will help bridge the digital divide in Canada and throughout the world, create and sustain thousands of high-quality jobs in Canada, deliver billions of dollars of investment in the Canadian economy, spur domestic innovation and exports, and ensure that Canada and Quebec are at the forefront of the rapidly growing new space economy.”
— Dan Goldberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, Telesat
“The global satellite market is at an inflection point as satellite operators and customers shift to digital solutions like MDA AURORA that offer greater performance and flexibility at a significantly lower cost. Our strategic investments in expanding our satellite production facility and team are ideally timed to expand the export and growth opportunities for the Canadian space industry in Quebec and across the country.”
— Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer, MDA Space
Quick Facts
- Financing from the Government of Canada in support of this project will be provided as a repayable loan. As part of this investment, the federal government will receive interest on its loan and stock warrants so that Canadian taxpayers benefit from the financial success of Telesat’s Lightspeed program.
- Established as a Crown corporation in 1969, Telesat is now a Canadian-controlled and publicly traded corporation (TSAT: TSX and Nasdaq), employing Canadians across five provinces and one territory. It is one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators.
- MDA Space is a Canadian-based global leader in space and satellite technology.
- MDA’s satellite manufacturing facility in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, is purpose-built for the production of MDA AURORA, the company’s recently introduced industry-leading digital satellite that will power Telesat Lightspeed.
- The Telesat Lightspeed program is already underway, with the first of an initial 198 low-Earth-orbit satellites scheduled to launch in 2026.
- Telesat Lightspeed will provide satellite capacity to multiple industries, including aviation, maritime, and defence. It will also provide capacity to Internet service providers to bring Internet services to residences, businesses, and public institutions in remote communities.
- Low-Earth-orbit satellites operate 35 times closer to the Earth than traditional telecommunications satellites. This means they take less time to send and receive information, leading to better and faster Internet service, even in rural, remote, and Northern areas.
- The borrower under the loan will be Telesat LEO Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Telesat Corporation.
- In 2016, 84 per cent of Canadians had access to high-speed Internet. In 2022, this figure had already increased to almost 94 per cent. The federal government remains committed to its target of ensuring 98 per cent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026 and 100 per cent of Canadians by 2030.
- Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $3.7 billion to more than 600 projects to help bring high-speed Internet to over 1 million rural and remote households across Canada, including 35,000 Indigenous households.
