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
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.
