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September 17, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the Mid-Autumn Festival:
“Tonight, we join Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asian communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as Zhōng qiū jié, Jūng-chāu jit, Chuseok, and Tết Trung Thu.
“Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, the Mid-Autumn Festival symbolizes unity, peace, and harmony. Today, families and friends will gather to watch the moon, exchange gifts, and spend time with loved ones. Around the world, brightly coloured lanterns will light up the night sky, and communities will come alive with fairs and markets offering local crafts and traditional foods such as mooncakes and songpyeon.
“As many Asian-Canadians celebrate the full moon, we celebrate their remarkable contributions to Canada. They make us stronger, more diverse, and more prosperous.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating a happy Mid-Autumn Festival.”
September 16, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman, His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the risk of an 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.
The Prime Minister and the Sultan shared their support for an immediate ceasefire and exchanged views on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored that Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately. He also highlighted Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of promoting peace and security in the Middle East, and he thanked the Sultan for his ongoing efforts to de-escalate the conflict in the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau noted that Canada and Oman celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. The leaders agreed to further deepen bilateral co-operation, including growing trade and investment.
The leaders agreed to remain in contact as the situation evolves.
Associated Links
- Canada-Oman relations
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman His Majesty Haitham bin Tariq Al Said
September 16, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President-elect of the European Council, António Costa.
Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated President-elect Costa on his recent selection for the position and welcomed his arrival in Brussels. The two leaders discussed the strong, deep, and growing partnership between Canada and the European Union (EU), and they looked forward to advancing shared priorities, including economic and energy security. They noted the benefits of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has created good jobs for the middle class on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Prime Minister and the President-elect exchanged views on pressing geopolitical issues. They highlighted the importance of continued co-operation between Canada and the EU to defend the rules-based international order, uphold peace and security, and protect shared values in an increasingly complex and competitive world. The two leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, and Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the importance of advancing the G7 commitment on Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau praised the outgoing President of the European Council, Charles Michel, for his excellent collaboration over the years. He looked forward to continue strengthening the strong partnership between Canada and the EU, including in the context of Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency, once President-elect Costa assumes the role on December 1, 2024.
Associated Links
- Canada and the European Union
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
September 16, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to New York City, United States of America, from September 22 to 25, 2024, to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future. The Prime Minister will work closely with Canada’s international partners to strengthen democracy, take climate action, defend global security, and improve access to health care, including reproductive health.
As Co-Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group, the Prime Minister will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to advancing ambitious international action toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes moving forward on shared work on education, climate change and biodiversity loss, and gender equality around the world.
At the Summit of the Future, the Prime Minister will join other leaders to take action on key global challenges and enhance ways to work together to secure a better future for everyone. The leaders will work to accelerate efforts on pressing global challenges, including sustainable development, international peace and security, technological innovation and digital co-operation, decarbonization and clean energy, and human rights.
Prime Minister Trudeau will co-host a discussion with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, to help mobilize the resources needed to address the crises the country is facing and support solutions that are Haitian-led and focused on the needs of the Haitian people. He will also co-host a high-level event with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to promote action on climate change, carbon pricing, and industrial decarbonization.
Throughout his visit, the Prime Minister will collaborate with other leaders on pressing geopolitical challenges, including Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine as well as the evolving situation in the Middle East. He will emphasize the importance of international efforts to safeguard peace and security around the world, including by defending democracy and strengthening the rules-based international order.
Achieving a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous world starts with unified global action. Canada’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations is a pledge to Canadians that we will do our part to build a better future for everyone.
Quote
“At this year’s United Nations General Assembly and at the Summit of the Future, Canada will have a leading role in making the world fairer and more prosperous. I look forward to working with other leaders to accelerate progress on our shared priorities and build a better future for everyone.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Canada has been active at the United Nations (UN) since its creation in 1945 and has played a key role in drafting the UN Charter, the treaty that is the cornerstone of the rules-based international order.
- Canada is the sixth-largest donor to the UN, including voluntary and assessed contributions totalling over US$2 billion in 2022.
- In 2015, Canada joined all UN Member States in adopting ambitious goals for sustainable development, as outlined in Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2030 Agenda centres on a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encompassing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Taken together, the SDGs aim to improve the lives of all people, while protecting the planet.
- Released in 2021, Moving Forward Together: Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy builds upon 30 actions and five core principles to create and foster an enabling environment for ongoing dialogue and participation to encourage Canadians to take action to realize the SDGs.
- In 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau was named Co-Chair, with the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, of the UN SDG Advocates group by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. SDG Advocates work to raise global awareness of the SDGs and of the need for accelerated action by using their respective platforms.
- In 2021, Canada launched the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge. This partnership aims to expand the use of pollution pricing by strengthening existing systems and supporting emerging ones. The Challenge also serves as a forum for dialogue and co-ordination to make pricing systems more effective and compatible while supporting other countries in adopting carbon pricing and cutting emissions on the path to net-zero by 2050.
Associated Links
- Canada and the United Nations
- Summit of the Future
- Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
- The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
September 19, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, will visit Canada from September 25 to 26, 2024, to continue the close collaboration between our two countries on shared priorities, including peace, security, and collective defence. The President’s visit will include stops in Ottawa, Ontario, and Montréal, Quebec.
During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau will welcome President Macron in Ottawa to continue their collaboration on geopolitical issues of shared interest, including the support that Canada and France are providing to Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s war of aggression. They will also explore ways to strengthen our two countries’ capacity to respond to emerging threats, including countering disinformation, and advance other critical issues.
In Montréal, the Prime Minister will showcase for the President Canada’s innovation and highly skilled workforce in science, research, and technology, especially in artificial intelligence (AI). He will reaffirm Canada’s commitment to working together with France and other international partners on the responsible adoption of AI, including within the framework of the successive G7 Presidencies that Canada and France will hold, in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
Ahead of the Sommet de la Francophonie taking place in France next month, this visit will underscore the commitment of our two countries to promoting the French language and the Francophonie’s institutions. It will also be an opportunity for Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron to reinforce the solid, long-standing friendship between Canada and France, rooted in a shared history, shared values, and a common language.
Quote
“France is not only one of Canada’s most important allies, but also one of its closest, with our shared history, culture, and values. I look forward to welcoming President Macron to Canada to continue our important work, advance our shared priorities, and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for people on both sides of the Atlantic.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- President Macron’s visit – his second to Canada – will follow both leaders’ participation in the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
- As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the G7, and the G20, a founding member of the European Union and a key partner in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, France is a key ally for Canada on the international stage.
- In 2023, France was Canada’s third largest merchandise export market in the European Union, and its 12th largest trade partner globally, with two-way merchandise trade totalling $12.9 billion.
- That same year, Canadian exports to France amounted to $4.3 billion, while imports from France totalled $8.7 billion.
- In France, Canada is represented by an embassy in Paris and consulates in Lyon, Nice, and Toulouse. France is represented in Canada by its embassy in Ottawa and consulates in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Québec, and Moncton.
Associated Links
- Canada-France relations
- Partnership between the Government of the French Republic and the Government of Canada for the climate and the environment – 2024-2027
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
September 20, 2024
Montréal, Quebec
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to strengthen our economy, boost productivity, and create exciting new opportunities for every generation, including Millennials and Gen Z. The global race to scale up and adopt AI is on, and Canada is at the forefront of this technology.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, participated in a fireside chat with global AI expert Yoshua Bengio at the One Young World Summit in Montréal, Quebec. Canada has a world-leading AI ecosystem – from development, to commercialization, to safety. In order to maintain Canada’s competitive edge and secure good-paying jobs for generations of young Canadians, we are raising the bar.
At this event, the Prime Minister highlighted the $2.4 billion package of measures announced by the federal government in Budget 2024 to secure Canada’s AI advantage. These investments will accelerate job growth in Canada’s AI sector and beyond, boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI, and ensure this is done responsibly.
These measures include:
- Investing $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. As part of this investment, we held consultations over the summer to inform the design and implementation of the AI Compute Access Fund and the Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy. Together, these initiatives aim to provide near-term support to researchers and industry while helping to build Canada’s domestic AI infrastructure. Ensuring access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure will attract more global AI investment to Canada, develop and recruit the best talent, and help Canadian businesses compete and succeed on the world stage.
- Boosting AI start-ups with $200 million in support to bring new technologies to market and accelerate AI adoption in critical sectors, such as agriculture, clean technology, health care, and manufacturing, through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
- Investing $100 million in the NRC IRAP AI Assist Program to help small and medium-sized businesses scale up and increase productivity by building and deploying new AI solutions. This will help companies incorporate AI into their businesses and take on research, product development, testing, and validation work for new AI-based solutions.
- Providing $50 million to support workers who may be impacted by AI. Administered through theSectoral Workforce Solutions Program, this funding will provide new skills training for workers in potentially disrupted sectors and communities.
- Creating a new Canadian AI Safety Institute, with $50 million to further the safe development and deployment of AI. The Institute, which will leverage input from stakeholders and work in coordination with international partners, will help Canada better understand and protect against the risks of advanced AI systems, including to specific communities.
- Strengthening enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, with $5.1 million for the Office of the AI and Data Commissioner. The proposed Act aims to guide AI innovation in a positive direction to help ensure Canadians are protected from potential risks by ensuring the responsible adoption of AI by Canadian businesses.
These investments in innovation and economic growth will secure Canada’s world-leading AI advantage, today and for generations to come. This will create good-paying opportunities for every generation, raise productivity, and strengthen our economy. Alongside this, we are making generational investments to train top-tier, homegrown research talent, making post-secondary education more affordable with interest-free Canada Student Loans, and ramping up investments to support research infrastructure and institutes.
Quotes
“Our government is harnessing the full potential of AI so Canadians, and especially young Canadians, can get good-paying jobs and a fair chance to succeed. Our partnerships with innovators, researchers, and experts like Yoshua Bengio are a testament to our commitment to making Canada the world-leader in AI adoption and safety. That’s good news for the economy, for productivity, and for Canada’s future.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“AI promises to make our economy more productive and make Canada a more prosperous country. To capitalize on this promise, the Government of Canada will launch the Canadian AI Safety Institute in the coming months to better understand emerging risks associated with the most advanced AI systems. The government is also investing in computing infrastructure so Canadian researchers and industry will have access to the data processing power needed to lead in the development and deployment of AI.”
— The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick Facts
- The One Young World Summit is an annual event that brings together young leaders to connect, share ideas, and tackle global challenges to inspire greater achievements, both individually and collectively. This year’s Summit is taking place in Montréal from September 18 to 21, 2024.
- Since the 1990s, Canada has been a leader in AI and deep learning, thanks in part to the groundbreaking research and innovations of Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton – the “Godfathers of AI”. In the decades since, Canada has built up a robust and growing AI industry across the country, anchored by our three national AI institutes: Amii in Edmonton, Alberta; Mila in Montréal, Quebec; and the Vector Institute in Toronto, Ontario.
- Most recently, the federal government announced a $15.2 million contribution from the Strategic Innovation Fund to support Coveo Solutions Inc.’s project to enhance its platform with new, cutting-edge AI technology. Coveo’s $100 million project will upgrade its platform with advanced AI technology and other innovations, allowing enterprises to efficiently develop and deploy AI solutions that will provide personalized user experiences to customers and employees. This project will encourage collaboration with Canadian universities and research institutes and is expected to create and sustain 590 high-skilled jobs.
- Canadian expert Yoshua Bengio is recognized around the world for his groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, which earned him the 2018 A.M. Turing Award – the Association for Computing Machinery’s most prestigious award. He is a professor at the Université de Montréal, the founder and scientific director of Mila – the world’s largest academic research centre for deep learning – and a prominent advocate for the responsible development of AI.
- Since 2016, the federal government has committed more than $16 billion to support scientific discovery, develop Canadian research talent, and attract top researchers from around the planet; and over $2 billion to foster growth across Canada’s AI ecosystem and digital infrastructure.
- In 2017, Canada was the first country to establish a national AI strategy. The Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy is helping Canada maintain its position as a world leader in AI, businesses be more competitive, and Canadians benefit from growth in the digital economy. Phase 2 of the strategy was announced in 2022, with funding of more than $443 million.
- In 2023, Canada announced renewed funding for the Global Innovation Clusters, including Scale AI, bringing total funding for the organization to up to $284 million. Scale AI is dedicated to promoting collaboration in AI and supply chain management innovation by strengthening linkages between industry, academia, and research institutes in Canada and abroad, and providing financial support for AI and supply chain management projects.
- Canada is a leader in the responsible adoption of AI and was recently ranked number one among 80 countries, tied with South Korea and Japan, in the Center for AI and Digital Policy’s 2024 global report on Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values.
Associated Links
- One Young World Summit Montréal 2024
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence in government
- Securing Canada’s AI advantage
September 18, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
On September 17 and 18, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Canada.
During their meetings, the Prime Minister and the Emir discussed their concern with the situation in the Middle East, including the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire, the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, and the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to civilians. Prime Minister Trudeau unequivocally condemned Hamas’ actions and underscored that Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately. The Prime Minister noted that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, nor their legitimate aspirations. He also expressed his appreciation for Qatar’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and ensure the exit of foreign nationals from Gaza.
Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada’s enduring support for a two-state solution and emphasized the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security, and dignity, without fear.
The two leaders discussed the regional security implications of the conflict and efforts toward de-escalation. The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern over the risk of an expanded conflict between Israel and Iran as well as Hezbollah and other Iran-aligned groups.
The Prime Minister and the Emir discussed efforts toward a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine as well as the situation in Afghanistan, and the Prime Minister thanked the Emir for Qatar’s support in ensuring the safe passage of Canadian citizens and vulnerable Afghans out of Afghanistan. They also discussed other pressing geopolitical challenges, including the conflict in Sudan, the ongoing humanitarian, security, and political crises in Haiti, and the situation in Venezuela following last July’s election.
As Canada and Qatar celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year, the two leaders agreed to further deepen bilateral relations and work together to advance shared priorities. This includes advancing co-operation on artificial intelligence, clean energy, agribusiness, and critical minerals as well as growing trade and investment, promoting sustainable development, creating opportunities for businesses, and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Associated Links
- Canada-Qatar relations
- Emir of Qatar to visit Canada
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
September 18, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Yulia Navalnaya, the Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Anti-Corruption Foundation and widow of former Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his condolences following the death of Mr. Navalny in a Russian prison last February. He commended Ms. Navalnaya’s resilience and courage in continuing to stand up for human rights and democracy in the face of immense personal and political adversity.
The Prime Minister applauded the work of all human rights defenders as well as ordinary Russian civilians who bravely continue to oppose the repressive policies of the Kremlin, including its brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in its fight against the Putin regime’s illegal invasion. Prime Minister Trudeau and Ms. Navalnaya expressed concerns with the Putin regime’s illegal deportation of Ukrainian children and its reported efforts to adopt them into Russian families. As Co-Chair with Ukraine of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to help return these children to their rightful homes and communities in Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Ms. Navalnaya reaffirmed their commitment to promote human rights and democracy in Russia.
