Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim
October 10, 2024
Vientiane, Laos
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
The prime ministers discussed the dynamic bilateral relationship between Canada and Malaysia, which is further being strengthened through the implementation of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. They welcomed co-operation on a variety of issues, including bolstering trade and investment, deepening defence partnerships, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting cybersecurity. The leaders also highlighted recent examples of this mutually beneficial co-operation, including this year’s Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and the opening of BlackBerry’s Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence in Malaysia, in March.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Anwar discussed their interest in expanding co-operation on energy security and renewables.
The leaders exchanged views on pressing geopolitical issues. They discussed the impact that multiple crises around the world are having on social cohesion and agreed to work together to explore ways to manage their effects.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Anwar agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to ongoing collaboration.
Associated Links
- Canada-Malaysia relations
- Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
October 10, 2024
Vientiane, Laos
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
The prime ministers highlighted the importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and emphasized their commitment to strengthening the rules on trade and responding to the challenges of the 21st century. The leaders also discussed co-operation on critical minerals, including the importance of building stable, resilient, and responsible critical mineral supply chains.
The three leaders discussed global issues of common concern, including the crisis in the Middle East. They expressed their grave concern at the violence and loss of life, and emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation across the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of Australia and New Zealand – close allies and members of the Five Eyes – as key partners to Canada in the Indo-Pacific region and globally, for advancing shared priorities such as peace and security, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
The prime ministers expressed their strong commitment to the Commonwealth and their support to Samoa as it prepares to serve as the first ever Pacific Island host for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting later this month.
The leaders agreed to stay in close contact and to continue working together to advance shared priorities.
Associated Links
- Canada-Australia relations
- Canada-New Zealand relations
- Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
- Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
- Joint statement by the prime ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
October 7, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of the Northwest Territories, R.J. Simpson, to discuss shared priorities.
The Prime Minister and the Premier spoke about strengthening Arctic security and sovereignty, advancing critical infrastructure projects, and building more homes that Northerners and Canadians can afford. The two leaders discussed opportunities to further accelerate clean economic growth in the Northwest Territories, including harnessing the potential of critical minerals and clean electricity to enhance energy security and deliver economic benefits for Northern communities.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Simpson also discussed the impacts of climate change in the Northwest Territories and highlighted the responsibility of all orders of government to work together to increase resilience to climate threats.
The leaders acknowledged the upcoming visit to Ottawa of a delegation from the Northwest Territories Council of Leaders and expressed their shared commitment to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. The Prime Minister recognized that the Northwest Territories is one of three jurisdictions in Canada, along with British Columbia and the federal government, to have passed legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the Premier’s leadership in establishing collaborative governance with Indigenous Peoples as a priority for his government, and for the close partnership between the federal government and the Northwest Territories.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Simpson agreed to remain in close contact and to continue working together on issues that matter to Northerners and all Canadians.
Associated Link
October 7, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark one year since Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel:
“One year ago, the terrorist organization Hamas launched a massive, co-ordinated, and horrifying attack against Israel. There are few words to describe the cruelty that comes with the massacre of 1,200 innocent people and abduction of over 200 others – an attack that is the deadliest carried out on Jewish people since the Holocaust. We unequivocally condemn Hamas for the terror they wrought.
“In the days that followed, and as we learned the full extent of the brutality, we mourned with the community those lost, especially Canadians Vivian Silver, Netta Epstein, Alexandre Look, Judih Weinstein, Shir Georgy, Ben Mizrachi, and Adi Vital-Kaploun, as well as those with close ties to Canada, like Tiferet Lapidot. May their memories be a blessing.
“Our thoughts go to all Israelis and Jewish people, whose lives have been shaken by this unthinkable tragedy and who continue to live in pain, fear, and uncertainty – including those still praying for the return of a loved one or who are piecing back their lives through incredible grief.
“Our thoughts are also with the Jewish community here in Canada who, over the past year, has seen a terrifying surge in antisemitism. Too often in recent months, Canadians have been threatened, harassed, and excluded because of their faith, their identity, or because they support the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland. We’ve seen synagogues and schools attacked, people taunted for wearing a Star of David or a Kippah, blatant antisemitic slurs becoming common, demonstrators glorifying terrorists, and denial of the horrific events of October 7. This is all reprehensible and it must stop.
“Hamas has set the region down a path of war and violence. We mourn the Canadians and all civilians killed in the year that followed. We condemn Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, whose senseless attacks lead to more death and instability. The scale of civilian casualties since October 7 is heartbreaking and unacceptable, and all actors must comply with international law. The suffering must end, and we must return to the path toward lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians, Lebanese, and others across the region. We remain committed to working toward an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.
“To Jewish people and Israelis in Canada and around the world: we stand with you on this painful anniversary, and we won’t relent until we see every last hostage returned home safely. We will keep working relentlessly with our allies until there is a ceasefire in the Middle East. And we will always defend Israel’s right to exist in peace and security.”
September 30, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The 24-hour safe and confidential National Residential School Crisis Line, available at 1-866-925-4419, provides crisis referral services to Survivors and their families and explains how to obtain other health supports from the Government of Canada. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can also contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at www.hopeforwellness.ca.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
“On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, we confront the lasting and painful impact of the residential school system on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in our country. We remember the children who never returned home. We honour the Survivors, who suffered unspeakable abuse. We listen to their experiences and their stories, and recommit to the shared path of reconciliation.
“Between 1867 and 1996, the federal residential school system forcibly removed over 150,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children from their families and communities, and separated them from their cultures, languages, and identities. Many endured years of trauma and loss at the hands of these institutions. Reconciliation is not just a matter of looking back and understanding the mistakes of the past. It is also about understanding that those mistakes are still shaping us today.
“The Government of Canada is dedicated to walking alongside Indigenous communities on their healing journeys, making it a top priority to support them every step of the way. We will continue our work to support their efforts to identify children who did not come home from residential schools, to locate and memorialize related unmarked burial sites, and to honour those who died. This is part of our ongoing commitment to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Earlier this year, we also announced funding to fight residential school denialism and preserve the memory of what happened under this deplorable system to ensure that history never repeats itself.
“Today and in all the days to come, I encourage Canadians to reflect on the enduring impact of residential schools, participate in Indigenous-led National Day of Truth and Reconciliation events in their communities, learn about the stories of Survivors, and wear orange in honour of every child who suffered or lost their life. Let’s reflect on how each and every one of us can contribute to a better country – and a better world – through truth and reconciliation.”
October 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on World Mental Health Day:
“Mental health matters. It always has. But for too long, seeking support for mental health struggles was stigmatized. Like something to be ashamed about. And that made people struggle even more. On World Mental Health Day, we raise awareness and our voices about the importance of caring for our mental health. We have open and honest conversations about caring for ourselves and for others. We get rid of the barriers that society has put up about seeking out help.
“Mental health is a critical part of our mandate. Earlier this year, we announced the new Youth Mental Health Fund, which will help community health organizations across the country make sure younger Canadians can access the mental health care they need and deserve. We are making generational investments in health care, and making sure those investments improve mental health care services. This includes improving Indigenous Peoples’ access to distinctions-based and culturally appropriate mental health services. Last year, we improved access to suicide prevention supports by launching the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline – available to Canadians wherever and whenever it’s needed.
“There’s a lot more work to be done to break the stigma. Let’s create environments that support open conversations about mental health. Today, take some time to check in on loved ones, neighbours, and colleagues. Take care of yourselves. It’s okay not to feel okay. And it’s okay to speak to someone and get care. By coming together, we can break down the stigma, help others feel supported, and build a healthier, more compassionate society for everyone.”
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For mental health and wellness information and key links to services and supports, please go to Canada.ca/mental-health.
The Hope for Wellness Helpline provides immediate, toll-free telephone and online-chat-based support and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people in Canada. This service is available 24/7 in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are available by phone at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
October 9, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Following last summer’s unprecedented wildfires that devastated the historic town of Jasper, the community is rebuilding. Businesses are getting back on their feet. Visitors are returning. Jasper is resilient.
Amid the fires, we worked closely with the Municipality of Jasper and the Government of Alberta to provide urgent support to Albertans and impacted Indigenous communities. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring the long-term recovery of Jasper – one of Canada’s national treasures.
As part of the federal government’s commitment to the people of Jasper, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, will also serve as Ministerial Lead for Jasper.
In this role, Minister Boissonnault will lead the federal government’s work to support people and businesses in Jasper and to ensure the community rebuilds stronger than ever. He will co-ordinate federal support with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous partners to accelerate the recovery process, report on its progress, and ensure environmental protection measures remain world class. He will be supported in this role by a working group of Cabinet ministers – each with their own mandate in helping Jasper recover.
Rebuilding from last summer’s wildfires will require a collective effort. The Government of Canada stands ready to provide financial assistance to the Government of Alberta through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), to help with response and recovery costs and build back stronger.
A home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial and a place of natural beauty that has long attracted visitors from all over the world, Jasper is the heart of a vibrant community and national park. Our efforts to restore it are a testament to our commitment to Albertans and to conservation and environmental stewardship for future generations.
Quotes
“Our government is here for the people of Jasper. With Minister Boissonnault’s role as Ministerial Lead, we’re undertaking a collective effort – with resources, investments, and partnerships – to help Jasper recover.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“As the Alberta Minister in Cabinet and a longtime Jasper visitor, I accept the responsibility that the Prime Minister has given me to lead the rebuild of one of our nation’s most breathtaking communities. Jasper holds a special place in the hearts of millions. My colleagues and I will work hard to give Mayor Ireland, the Town Council, local businesses, and every Jasperite the support they need to build the town back on their terms – and even better than before.”
— The Hon. Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Ministerial Lead for Jasper
Quick Facts
- Last summer’s wildfires in Jasper National Park were the largest to impact the park in more than a century. Firefighter crews did a heroic job in saving 70 per cent of the infrastructure in the town of Jasper. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are focused on revitalizing both the town and park.
- Over the course of the incident, over 3,000 personnel from Parks Canada and other agencies across the country worked with the common goals of suppressing the wildfires and helping community members re-enter the town and national park.
- The working group of Cabinet ministers that will support Minister Boissonnault in his role as Ministerial Lead includes:
- Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
- Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
- Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
- Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
- On July 25, 2024, the Government of Canada approved a request for federal assistance from Alberta to provide firefighting resources, strategic airlift capacity, as well as resources and logistics support from the Canadian Armed Forces to help keep people in Jasper and across the province safe from harm and protect their communities from wildfires.
- On July 28, 2024, the federal government announced a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts in Alberta, including in Jasper.
- In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the Government of Canada stepped up to ensure all those impacted could receive essential services and benefits. This included:
- Providing enhanced Service Canada delivery, outreach to evacuees, and deployment of Service Canada employees to evacuation centres to assist clients in submitting applications for benefits, such as Employment Insurance.
- Replacing citizenship, immigration, or travel documents that were lost, damaged, or destroyed; extending or restoring people’s temporary resident status; transitioning employer-specific work permits to open work permits, as needed.
- On October 3, 2024, Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act, received Royal Assent. The amendments made to the Act aim to enable the transfer of land use planning and development authorities from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper, to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
- Through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), the federal government covers up to 90 per cent of eligible provincial response and recovery expenses following a disaster, including:
- Evacuation, transportation, emergency food, shelter, and clothing.
- Repairs to public buildings and related equipment, roads, and bridges.
- Restoration or replacement of individuals’ uninsurable dwellings (principal residences only), personal furnishings, appliances, and clothing.
- Restoration of small businesses and farmsteads, including uninsurable buildings and equipment.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss the wildfire situation in Jasper, Alberta
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Mayor of Jasper Richard Ireland
- Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements
- Jasper National Park
October 8, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on British-Canadian physicist Dr. Geoffrey E. Hinton being awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics:
“I join Canadians and the international science community to congratulate Dr. Geoffrey E. Hinton on being named the 2024 Nobel Prize laureate in Physics.
“World-renowned for his discoveries and inventions in artificial neural networks, Dr. Hinton is being recognized for his work alongside his American colleague Dr. John Hopfield. Their work is revolutionizing the way we understand, interact, and adapt to artificial intelligence (AI). With his Nobel Prize win, Dr. Hinton is now the seventh Canadian to receive this prestigious award.
“Dr. Hinton is a stalwart in his field. Celebrated as one of the ‘Godfathers of AI’, he brings decades of leading expertise in AI research as a professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, and the current Chief Scientific Advisor at the Vector Institute in Toronto – one of our three national AI institutes.
“Dr. Hinton is also an outspoken advocate for the responsible development and adoption of AI, educating the world about the benefits and challenges this technology poses.
“Canada is at the forefront of AI technology thanks to trailblazers like Dr. Hinton. His curiosity for discovery and contributions to innovation will inspire generations to come. On behalf of all Canadians, I congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.”
October 10, 2024
Vientiane, Laos
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, on the margins of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
The leaders discussed the growing ties between the two countries, including the upgrade of Canada’s office in Phnom Penh to a full Canadian embassy. Prime Minister Trudeau also announced plans for a Team Canada Trade Mission to Cambodia in 2025 under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The prime ministers discussed how the deepening trade link between Canada and Cambodia would benefit from a Canada-ASEAN free-trade agreement, helping drive prosperity and create good jobs in both our countries and across the region.
Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed Cambodia’s selection to host the 20th Sommet de la Francophonie in 2026, and committed to co-operating on reinforcing common values shared by the Francophone community, including promoting peace, democracy, and human rights.
The leaders agreed to stay in close contact and looked forward to ongoing collaboration.
Associated Links
- Canada-Cambodia relations
- Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Prime Minister to participate in ASEAN Summit and the 25th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience
October 10, 2024
Vientiane, Laos
We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Canada gathered in Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic on 10 October 2024, at the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience, in support of the priorities of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024;
Recalling the establishment of an ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership on 6 September 2023 and REAFFIRMING our shared commitment to jointly address new challenges, including through cooperation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF);
Emphasising the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);
Recognising the long history of cooperation between ASEAN and Canada since the establishment of Dialogue Relations in 1977;
Noting that both the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy share relevant fundamental principles in promoting an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law;
Acknowledging Canada’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, which underscores Canada’s commitment to regional peace, security and prosperity and to ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community-building process;
Supporting this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”;
Noting that Canada, as G7 president in 2025, is keenly interested in ensuring that its presidency is informed by the views of ASEAN Member States;
We hereby declare our intention to:
Expand collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership which will include a special focus in 2024-2025 on ASEAN-Canada digital cooperation, and an expanded Canadian commercial engagement in the ASEAN region.
Build on the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) and support the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans as well as the implementation of the AOIP.
Connectivity
Cooperation on Transforming for the Digital Future
Strengthen digital cooperation between ASEAN and Canada, noting Canada’s interest in becoming a Dialogue/Development Partner of the ADGSOM.
Cooperation on Integrating and Connecting Economies
Strengthen economic ties by increasing ASEAN-Canada trade and investment, including through Team Canada Trade Missions to the ASEAN region.
Promote greater regional economic integration, development, and resilience, including through the timely conclusion of an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and underscore our shared commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system; and achieve fair, open and free markets, as well as sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development.
Welcome the establishment of the Export Development Canada office in Jakarta, and planned expansion to other countries in Southeast Asia, striving to support Canadian companies doing business in Indonesia and other ASEAN markets through direct financing to Canadian exporters and investors and support local buyers involved in projects with Canadian content.
Welcome the establishment of FinDev Canada's office in Singapore, which will accelerate the deployment of the corporation's equity, financing, blended financing and technical assistance solutions in the region, enabling sustainable development and inclusive growth through the private sector.
Resilience
Environmental Cooperation
Support ASEAN’s objectives to enhance sustainable development, including strengthening resilience against climate risks, extreme floods and droughts, including through relevant ASEAN regional mechanisms, ASEAN centres, and institutions.
Advance ocean management initiatives in the region, in line with the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action, including by supporting ocean and climate scientific research, promoting biodiversity protection and conservation initiatives, and monitoring and enforcement capacity.
Food Security
Advance technical cooperation by sharing best practices and capacity building in research and development on agricultural product and agri-food innovation in the agricultural sector to support long-term, reliable trade relationships and a stronger supply chain as outlined in the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises.
Welcome the establishment of Canada’s first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila which aims to strengthen ASEAN-Canada cooperation on food security and promote mutual trade objectives in the agriculture sector.
Explore possible cooperation to promote responsible fishing practices and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Cooperation on ASEAN Centrality
Promote maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, mutual trust and confidence, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or the threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation.
Enhance cooperation in maintaining peace, security and stability, and addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region, including maritime security; transnational crime such as trafficking in persons, people smuggling, illicit precursor and drug trafficking; non-proliferation and disarmament; cyber security and cybercrime; international terrorism and violent extremism, with support from Canada’s capacity building efforts, including through the Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Programs, and in alignment with the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime.
Cooperation on Women’s Empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS)
Commit to strengthen efforts in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda globally, including through sharing of information and best practices, enhancing security related cooperation in the context of WPS within the ASEAN-led mechanisms, launching of a regional WPS initiative; advancing the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and regionally, the ‘Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace’ initiative and cooperation with UN Women involving CAD8.5 million to support ASEAN-led efforts to advance the WPS agenda in ASEAN including support for the implementation and localisation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on WPS.
Cooperation on Health Security Initiatives
Further promote health security and health system resilience through ongoing support for the ASEAN-Canada Mitigation of Biological Threats (MBT) in the ASEAN Region Program, including supporting the development and operationalisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Biosafety and Biosecurity and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and other collaboration to enhance regional preparedness and response to future health crisis.
Further strengthen collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada MBT in the ASEAN Region Program to enhance capacities to prevent, detect and respond to all manner of biological threats, whether natural, accidental or deliberate in origin.
Cooperation on Disaster Management
Enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Canada to support the implementation of ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme (2021-2025) and the next AADMER Work Programme, as well as strengthen collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).
Cross-Cutting Issues
Commit to consolidate the ASEAN-Canada partnership and strategic engagement through more frequent and meaningful dialogues at various levels. We welcome Canada’s support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and note its interest in joining the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), subject to these mechanisms’ respective enlargement processes.
Strengthen Canada's support for ASEAN's increased engagement with international and multilateral fora, including the UN, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and G20, and in Canada’s role as G7 president in 2025 to explore synergies and collaboration with ASEAN as it adopts the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans.
Support ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gaps, including through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) and its successor documents as well as sub-regional frameworks in the ASEAN region, which would contribute to promoting sustainable and equitable development and inclusive growth across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN.
Recognise the importance of further enhancing regional connectivity, including through support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document and the ASEAN Connectivity Post-2025 Agenda, as well as promoting links and synergies with other relevant connectivity initiatives through ASEAN’s Connecting the Connectivities approach.
As we adopt this Joint Statement, we task our relevant officials to implement the above initiatives to complement the programmes and goals identified in the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) as well as the Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. We reaffirm our commitment to our relationship, as ASEAN and Canada commence negotiations of the next iteration of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2026 – 2030).
