September 29, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, about the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed concern over the devastating effects of recent events on civilians in Lebanon, recognizing the hundreds killed in airstrikes, and he emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation to preserve unity. The people of Lebanon deserve to live in peace and security and should not bear the consequences of actions by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization. Prime Minister Trudeau also underscored the impact on the families of Canadians who have been affected, especially those who have been killed or injured.
The two leaders discussed efforts underway to support de-escalation across the region, including for an immediate ceasefire. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that Canada is committed to continue working with the international community to help advance peace in the region, as underscored by our call for an immediate 21-day ceasefire across the Lebanon-Israel border. The Prime Minister expressed his support for a diplomatic settlement consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, as well as for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
The leaders expressed their shared concerns over the worsening humanitarian situation resulting from the conflict. They agreed on the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, ensuring humanitarian access to the affected areas, preserving the safety and security of civilian infrastructure, and protecting civilians. Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to humanitarian support in Lebanon through the recent announcement of $10 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of civilians in Lebanon.
Prime Minister Trudeau and caretaker Prime Minister Mikati highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between Canada and Lebanon and the ongoing contributions of Lebanese Canadians to Canada’s national fabric. They agreed to remain in close contact as the situation continues to evolve.
Associated Links
- Canada-Lebanon Relations
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Joint Statement by Canada, the United States of America, Australia, European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar
- Canada provides funding for humanitarian needs in Lebanon
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with caretaker Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati
September 28, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Safe Abortion Day:
“Abortion is health care. Family planning is health care. It’s that simple.
“On International Safe Abortion Day, we unequivocally reaffirm every woman’s right to make decisions about their body, their life, and their future. We reflect on the freedoms won by women. We recommit to the progress we can’t risk losing. And we fight – tooth and nail – to protect a woman’s right to choose.
“Our government is proudly pro-choice and always will be. That’s why we’re taking action to expand sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care across the country. With the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund, we are removing barriers, increasing access to these critical services, and supporting community organizations across Canada to help deliver this care. Funding includes projects to increase access to safe abortion services for women, youth, and Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
“Being pro-choice doesn’t just mean we support the right to choose. It also means we increase the choices available for women. Earlier this year, our government announced Bill C-64, the first phase of our pharmacare plan, which includes universal coverage for a range of contraception. With $1.5 billion in federal investments, we’re making contraception medications and devices free – from birth control pills, to IUDs, to implants, to the morning-after pill – so women are free to choose if, when, and how they plan their family. With this coverage, nine million women will have more choices and, importantly, more affordable choices – so their right to reproductive freedom isn’t restricted by cost. Earlier this month, we jointly announced with the Government of British Columbia our intent to work together to improve contraception and diabetes coverage for residents of British Columbia. Once Bill C-64 is passed, we intend to enter formal negotiations, and we encourage all provinces and territories to sign on.
“Our commitment to increasing access to safe SRH services extends beyond our borders. As part of our 10-year commitment to global health and rights, we are making transformative investments to support comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls around the world. In 2022-23 alone, our global investments to support safe abortions and post-abortion care increased by over 50 per cent. And with our Feminist International Assistance Policy, we’re playing a leadership role on the world stage to strengthen gender equality and share the message – through action and engagement – that sexual and reproductive care is health care.
“As threats to women’s rights increase around the world, some march in celebration. Some divest and defund health services. Some may say one thing, but their actions demonstrate another. And some choose to stay silent, almost ashamed to speak up for reproductive health.
“We will not. Because no government or politician should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body. On this International Safe Abortion Day, and every day, we move forward on our commitment to building a safer, fairer, and more prosperous future for everyone.”
The Government of Canada recently launched online resources on SRH-related topics, including abortion, gender affirming care, and other sexual health care information. These resources are intended to improve access to accurate SRH information for Canadians.
September 27, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, from October 3 to 5, 2024, to participate in the 19th Sommet de la Francophonie.
At this year’s Summit, held under the theme “Create, innovate and do business in French”, the Prime Minister will defend and promote the French language, which is an invaluable asset to Canada.
He will work with the other heads of states and governments of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie to advance shared values, including democracy and human rights. He will also champion other important priorities, such as gender equality, the inclusion of youth and civil society, climate action, and economic co-operation within La Francophonie to foster growth that benefits everyone. The Prime Minister will meet with his counterparts, including leaders from the Global South, to promote partnership on shared priorities and challenges.
During the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau will highlight the richness and diversity of Canada’s Francophone cultures and the essential role that Francophone communities continue to play in building a better, fairer, and more inclusive Canada. The Summit will also be attended by representatives from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, as well as civil society leaders and members of the business community, who will contribute to the Canadian pavilions at the Francophonie Village and the FrancoTech fair.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the Summit will help strengthen Canada’s relations with the other states and governments of La Francophonie, and advance solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges that impact countries within La Francophonie.
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“The Sommet de la Francophonie will be an opportunity for Canada to continue its close collaboration with the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, including its member states and governments, to protect and promote the French language, create new opportunities for our peoples, and promote our common values such as peace, democracy, human rights, and inclusion.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This will be the fourth time Prime Minister Trudeau participates in the Sommet de la Francophonie, following the summits in Tunisia in 2022, Armenia in 2018, and Madagascar in 2016.
- The Sommet de la Francophonie takes place every two years. This year, it is being held on October 4 and 5. The Summit is an important opportunity for the heads of states and governments of La Francophonie to meet and work together to advance shared priorities and discuss important issues.
- La Francophonie is a group of 88 states and governments – 54 full members, seven associate members, and 27 observers – many of whom share the French language and common values.
- As a founding member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and its second-largest donor, Canada is active with the OIF and supports its mandate and initiatives, in particular to protect and promote the French language, as well as cultural and linguistic diversity.
- During the Summit in Villers-Cotterêts, the heads of state and government of La Francophonie will make a decision on applications to join the OIF, including Nova Scotia’s application for observer status, which is supported by the Government of Canada.
- Quebec and New Brunswick became full members of the Agency for Cultural and Technical Co-operation (predecessor to the OIF), in 1971 and 1977, respectively. Ontario joined the OIF as an observer in 2016.
Associated Links
- Canada and La Francophonie
- Francophonie Summit
- Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
- Some facts on the Canadian Francophonie
September 26, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, welcomed the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, to Canada from September 25 to 26, 2024. With stops in Ottawa, Ontario, and Montréal, Quebec, the visit helped further strengthen the close ties between our countries and advance our shared priorities.
The leaders announced three key declarations that will align Canada and France’s work to preserve peace and security, take ambitious climate action, protect the environment, and responsibly harness the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
The first of these three declarations, the Canada-France Declaration on a Stronger Defence and Security Partnership, underscores Canada and France’s steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in the face of Russia’s illegal invasion. It also reaffirms our contributions to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific and reflects our co-operation in managing emergencies, modernizing our armed forces, and combatting foreign interference.
The two leaders discussed shared, ongoing work to respond to the humanitarian situation in Haiti and reiterated their support for the United Nations-authorized Multinational Security Support mission in the country. Canada and France are in steadfast support of Haitian-led solutions to the conflict that will make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the Haitian people – and build a better future.
Building on the progress made at the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron highlighted the critical importance of continued action to fight climate change and protect our oceans. In the Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean, the leaders underlined the vital role that oceans play for the environment, the climate, the economy, and food and energy security throughout the world. To advance our work, Prime Minister Trudeau announced Canada’s membership in the Paris Pact for People and the Planet. The Pact, led by France and in partnership with global leaders, emphasizes collective action to accelerate sustainable development and create opportunities to help lift vulnerable populations out of poverty.
During the visit, the Prime Minister and the President met with AI experts, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to discuss the risks and benefits of this new technology. Canada and France have world-leading AI ecosystems, including leadership roles in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), which has 29 members worldwide. A testament to our progress in growing a dynamic AI industry, GPAI’s first two centres of expertise opened in Canada and France. Moving forward on this work, the Prime Minister and the President announced the Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence. The Declaration reiterates our countries’ commitment to a safe use of AI that respects human rights and democratic values.
During President Macron’s visit, Canada was also named Country of the Year for the Viva Technology 2025 technology conference, which will be held in Paris next year. At this event, Canada’s delegation will collaborate with the international community and meet with thousands of visionary start-ups, investors, organizations, and researchers to leverage advances in AI to strengthen our economy, increase productivity, and create new opportunities for Canadians. SCALE AI, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster dedicated to AI, will lead Canada’s business delegation.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the French language and La Francophonie’s institutions ahead of the next Sommet de la Francophonie, which will be held in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, on October 4 and 5, 2024. They also renewed their commitment to strengthening strategic coordination in preparation for the successive G7 Presidencies that Canada and France will hold, in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
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“Canada and France’s relationship is built on shared history, a common language, and democratic values. President Macron’s visit to Canada is a testament to the enduring friendship between our two countries, and with the progress we have made over this visit, we will move forward to build a fairer and more prosperous future for our peoples.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- This was President Macron’s second visit to Canada. It followed both leaders’ participation in the United Nations General Assembly and Summit of the Future in New York City, United States of America.
- 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.
Related Products
- Joint statement by Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron
- Canada-France Declaration on a Stronger Defence and Security Partnership
- Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean
- Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence
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 (EU) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)
- Prime Minister advances progress and prosperity at the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future
- Paris Pact for People and the Planet
- The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)
- Canada named as Country of The Year for France’s 2025 Viva Technology
September 26, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
We, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, reaffirm, here in Ottawa, the strong bond between Canada and France. This meeting reflects the importance of our historical and cultural ties and the enduring friendship between our nations that is rooted in a shared history, a common language and the values that drive what we do.
We also enjoy a strong trade relationship. Together, we are working to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, as well as a transparent, rules-based multilateral trade system. Since the provisional implementation of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017, trade between Canada and France has grown significantly (over 53% for Canadian exports and nearly 46% for French exports in the span of seven years). Our bilateral trade helps to make life more affordable for our citizens and create good jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
In an international context marked by many different overlapping and mutually reinforcing crises, our two countries are determined to protect fundamental democratic principles in the face of authoritarian, populist and hateful ideologies. We stand up for human rights, fairness, and the rule of law, with due respect for international law and state sovereignty.
Canada and France are facing foreign information manipulation and interference operations. Canada and France will strengthen their exchanges to effectively respond to these threats. In particular, Canada and France will work closely within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to create tools to guide countries in developing public policy focused on strengthening information integrity. In addition, through fora such as the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) and the Forum on Information & Democracy, we are also developing collective approaches to counter other threats to democracy and will continue to advance these objectives in our successive G7 presidencies in 2025 and 2026.
Enhancing our bilateral cooperation
This year, we commemorated the sacrifices made by Canadians, the French and our Allies on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landing. We will work to step up our bilateral cooperation in security and defence in order to improve our ability to respond to geopolitical crises. To that end, the Canada-France Declaration on a Stronger Defence and Security Partnership, which we are announcing today, will enable us to provide more effective support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, contribute to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, strengthen our cooperation in modernizing our armed forces, and combat foreign information manipulation and interference.
To support French and Canadian citizens around the world, we also wish to strengthen our cooperation with respect to emergency preparedness and crisis management. We applaud the work of Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre and France’s Centre de crise et de soutien in this area.
Fighting climate change and protecting the ecosystems and environment
In response to the triple planetary crisis of climate warming, biodiversity loss, and pollution, we will continue to step up our cooperation, particularly in the fight against climate change and ocean protection. We will do this through our bilateral and multilateral actions, in line with the France-Canada Partnership, which was renewed in April, in which we pledged to work together, in particular to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Diversity Framework and to strengthen our climate and energy commitments, as well as our shared commitment to adopting a legally binding international agreement to address plastic pollution.
Our Canada-France Declaration on the Ocean speaks to our readiness to put oceans at the heart of the bilateral and international agenda—with recognition of their critical role in the environmental and climate balance—in preparation for the June 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice. We also underscore their importance in providing food and energy sources, a vector for economic exchanges, and a vital link between countries and communities. The Prime Minister and the President also emphasized their commitment to working together in the fisheries sector, as demonstrated by the recent agreement reached on the Atlantic halibut fishery.
Our two countries will also pursue their political commitment towards the adoption of a legally binding treaty to put an end to plastic pollution that meets our peoples’ expectations, with ambitious measures throughout the life cycle of plastic, from production to waste management.
To keep the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 °C target within reach, we will accelerate efforts on operationalizing the global stocktake’s decision on transitioning away from fossil fuels, including in the context of our G7 presidencies. We will continue to work with determination to align financial flows with the Paris Agreement, in particular by disclosing climate change risks and phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. We will continue our work together to expand the scope and use of carbon market instruments, while supporting countries that are interested in implementing these instruments.
Canada is pleased to join France and the many countries that support The Paris Pact for People and the Planet (4P) in responding to the dual challenge of combatting poverty and preserving the planet. Further, to encourage increased funding in support of sustainable development, our two countries will continue to participate actively in the United Nations Secretary-General’s SDG Stimulus Leaders’ Group.
Our responses to energy security concerns will aim to secure long-term energy supply in keeping with our climate objectives, and in a manner that ensures continued prosperity for both of our countries. Building on the Joint Statement Between Canada and France on Nuclear Energy Cooperation of fall 2023, we are working together to step up civil nuclear cooperation between our two countries, with a focus on identifying project funding solutions and upgrading skills and training for the trades. We will also work to accelerate the global phase-out of coal through our support for the Powering Past Coal Alliance and the Coal Transition Accelerator.
Recognizing the key role of critical minerals in supporting a green and digital economy, our two countries will work on the need to explore opportunities for joint investment in critical minerals projects, with the aim of securing their respective value chains. Canada and France are also founding members of the Sustainable Critical Minerals Alliance, which aims to promote on a global scale sustainable and socially inclusive mining, processing and recycling practices, and responsible critical minerals supply chains. We will continue to work with like-minded countries to reaffirm these values. Lastly, Canada and France will work together to develop low-carbon, efficient, sustainable and resilient transportation systems, whether in the aviation, rail or marine sectors.
Embracing artificial intelligence responsibly
Canada and France consider science and technology to be important levers for meeting the major challenges of the 21st century. We are mindful of the importance of developing a responsible approach to artificial intelligence (AI) that takes into account both risks and benefits, as demonstrated in the joint launch of the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence in 2020. The Canada-France Declaration on Artificial Intelligence published today reiterates our commitment to responsible, safe AI that respects human rights and democratic values. To promote and support scientific research in the field of AI, we welcome the recent call for proposals from last July for new funding, launched under the auspices of the Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation uniting our two countries.
Expanding Canada-France collaboration in all areas of AI, we will further our work together at the AI Action Summit, to be hosted by France on February 10 and 11, 2025. With a view to promoting outreach and cooperation between our companies and business organizations and providing solutions, Canada is proud to announce that it will be Country of the Year at VivaTech 2025 in Paris. Responsible use of AI can create economic benefits for everyone, and adopting it can increase economic productivity and growth, for the benefit of all workers and businesses.
In addition, our two countries will continue to work together to establish a digital dialogue on platform governance and ensure that AI is designed, developed, and deployed ethically and in compliance with copyright. This would allow us to recognize the important shared challenges in the digital space that have a considerable impact on the strength and health of culture and media in Canada and France.
Promoting the French language throughout the world
Canada and France reaffirm their support for the promotion of French and for the institutions of La Francophonie, and they commit to concluding a Canada-France Memorandum of Understanding on the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française on the margins of the upcoming Francophonie Summit in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris, France, on October 4 and 5. With our partners in the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, we will support linguistic and cultural diversity, peace, democracy, and human rights. The Summit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen education, research, and innovation in French, as well as economic and digital cooperation for sustainable development.
Addressing geopolitical challenges
We reiterate our strongest condemnation of Russia’s more than 900-day war of aggression in Ukraine. In the face of this war, which jeopardizes the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic region, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in all areas, for as long as it takes. We continue to work towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on international law, and in particular the principles of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. In line with the NATO Washington Summit Declaration, we will continue to deepen our support for Ukraine, to give it the means to defend itself and deter Russian aggression. We are pursuing our efforts to support Ukraine in its reform process, notably in the fields of justice, the fight against corruption, and promotion of the rule of law. We also underscore the efforts of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada with the participation of France. Finally, we are committed to helping to operationalize the agreement reached at the G7 Summit in Apulia to leverage immobilized Russian sovereign assets for the benefit of Ukraine.
We also condemn in the strongest possible terms the October 7 massacres perpetrated by Hamas against Israel, and recognize Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law. We are extremely concerned by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and by the appalling situation of the civilian population, which has been repeatedly displaced within the country and is unable to meet its most basic needs. Canada and France therefore call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the unfettered access of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Canada and France support the two‑state solution, which includes the creation of a Palestinian state, living in peace and security, alongside the State of Israel.
We also wish to maintain our support for Haiti, to help re-establish security, the rule of law, and democracy. While we remain concerned about the humanitarian and security situation there, we are nevertheless pleased to note the progress made, including the establishment of the Transitional Presidential Council, a Prime Minister and a Cabinet of Ministers. We also welcome the fact that the creation of the Provisional Electoral Council is well underway. We are committed to supporting preparations for free, fair, and transparent elections. Canada and France will continue to work closely together to support the Haitian National Police, the Multinational Security Support Mission, and the strengthening of the justice sector and the fight against corruption and financial crime.
In the Indo-Pacific region, our two countries will study the deployment of joint patrol missions in the future, and will maintain their participation in multilateral exercises. To this end, our two countries will work on the possibility of integrating Canadian support into the deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.
Coordinating our successive 2025 and 2026 G7 presidencies
We will strengthen strategic coordination between our governments in the context of our bilateral and multilateral exchanges, and with a view to our successive G7 presidencies in 2025 and 2026. We are determined to meet today’s global challenges, guided by our shared desire to build a better future based on our common values, and supported by the rich and dynamic relationship between our two countries.
September 25, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed Suze Youance as an independent senator to fill a vacancy in the Senate for Quebec.
Ms. Youance is originally from Haiti and immigrated to Canada in 2006, making a name for herself in the fields of engineering, teaching, and research. She has worked for several engineering firms and has taught for many years at the École de technologie supérieure in Montréal. She is also a dedicated volunteer, a television personality, and the recipient of several awards, including the Casimir Gzowski gold medal from the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering.
Ms. Youance 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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“I congratulate Ms. Youance on her appointment to the Senate. Her experience will make her a strong voice for Quebec and for people across the country.”
— 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 88 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.
