Prime Minister announces appointment of new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia
October 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Ronald A. Skolrood, a judge of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia, as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
Chief Justice Skolrood replaces the Honourable Christopher E. Hinkson, who retired effective May 7, 2024.
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“I wish the Honourable Ronald A. Skolrood every success as he takes on his new role as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia. He is a respected member of the legal community and has extensive experience in many areas of law. I am confident he will be a great asset to the people of British Columbia.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
October 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Mary J. L. Gleason, a judge of the Federal Court of Appeal and a judge of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada, as the new Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada.
Chief Justice Gleason replaces the Honourable B. Richard Bell, who retired effective October 30, 2023.
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“The Honourable Mary J. L. Gleason is a highly respected member of Canada’s legal community. As she takes on her new role as Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada, I wish her continued success. I know she brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue to serve Canadians well.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of Cabinet and the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Biographical Note
October 15, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the public service:
Christiane (Chris) Fox, currently Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, will serve concurrently as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.
Philip Jennings, currently Executive Director, Canada, Ireland, and the Caribbean, International Monetary Fund, becomes Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, effective November 4, 2024.
Tricia Geddes, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety, becomes Deputy Minister of Public Safety, effective October 31, 2024.
Daniel Rogers, currently Deputy National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Emergency Preparedness), Privy Council Office, becomes Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, effective October 28, 2024.
Tushara Williams, currently Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.
Kaili Levesque, currently Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, effective October 21, 2024.
Kevin Brosseau, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, becomes Deputy National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Emergency Preparedness), Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the following individuals on their recent and upcoming retirements and departures from the public service after years of tireless efforts serving Canadians, and he wished them the best in their future endeavours:
- Simon Kennedy, former Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
- Shawn Tupper, Deputy Minister of Public Safety
- Catherine Luelo, former Senior Official at the Privy Council Office
Biographical Notes
- Christiane (Chris) Fox
- Philip Jennings
- Tricia Geddes
- Daniel Rogers
- Tushara Williams
- Kaili Levesque
- Kevin Brosseau
October 14, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Thanksgiving:
“Today, Canadians across the country will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving – a time to reflect, share meals with friends and family, and give thanks for all of life’s blessings.
“As we celebrate the harvest season, we have much to be thankful for: our hardworking farmers and food banks who work to ensure Canadians have access to nutritious food; our health care workers who are there for us in times of need; and the members of the Canadian Armed Forces who keep us safe. We also give thanks to the volunteers in our communities, whose acts of kindness exemplify what it means to be Canadian. Whether lending a hand to a neighbour or creating opportunities to bring people together, their contributions make Canada the country we proudly call home.
“As we give thanks for all we have, let’s commit to making Canada even better. Let’s work to make our communities more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive. Together, we can break down barriers and create more opportunities for everyone. Let’s keep building a future where every generation has a fair shot – regardless of who you are, where you come from, how you pray, or who you love.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.”
October 14, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the ongoing investigation on violent criminal activity linked to the Government of India:
“Canada is a country rooted in the rule of law, and the protection of our citizens is paramount. That is why, when our law enforcement and intelligence services began pursuing credible allegations that agents of the Government of India were directly involved in the killing of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil – we responded.
“We shared our concerns with the Government of India and asked them to work with us to shed light on this important issue. At the same time, police and security agencies have used all the tools at their disposal to keep Canadians safe. Today, given evidence presented by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), we are taking additional steps to protect Canadians.
“As the Commissioner of the RCMP, Mike Duheme, stated earlier today, the RCMP has clear and compelling evidence that agents of the Government of India have engaged in, and continue to engage in, activities that pose a significant threat to public safety. This includes clandestine information gathering techniques, coercive behaviour targeting South Asian Canadians, and involvement in over a dozen threatening and violent acts, including murder. This is unacceptable.
“While attempts have been made by the RCMP and national security officials to work with the Government of India and Indian law enforcement counterparts on this matter, they have been repeatedly refused. That is why, this weekend, Canadian officials took an extraordinary step. They met with Indian officials to share RCMP evidence, which concluded six agents of the Government of India are persons of interest in criminal activities. And despite repeated requests to the Government of India, they have decided not to co-operate. Given that the Government of India still refuses to co-operate, my colleague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, had only one choice.
“Today, she issued a deportation notice for these six individuals. They must leave Canada. They will no longer be able to act as diplomats in Canada, nor to re-enter Canada, for whatever reason. Let me be clear: the evidence brought to light by the RCMP cannot be ignored. It leads to one conclusion: it is necessary to disrupt the criminal activities that continue to pose a threat to public safety in Canada. That is why we acted. Because we will always – first and foremost – stand for the right of Canadians to feel safe and secure in their own country.
“We will never tolerate the involvement of a foreign government in threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil – a deeply unacceptable violation of Canada’s sovereignty and of international law.
“Once again, we call on the Government of India to co-operate with us on this investigation – to put an end to its inaction and misleading rhetoric; to recognize the credibility and severity of the evidence and information we have shared so far; and to reiterate, in no uncertain terms, that its position on extrajudicial operations abroad will henceforth be unequivocally aligned with international law.
“Canada will always defend the rule of law and the fundamental principles on which free and democratic societies are based. We urge the Government of India to do the same.
“I know the events of the past year and today’s revelations have shaken many Canadians, particularly those in Indo-Canadian and Sikh communities. Many of you are angry, upset, and frightened. I get that. This shouldn’t happen. Canada and India have a long and storied history rooted in strong people-to-people ties and business investments, but we cannot abide by what we are seeing right now. Canada fully respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India, and we expect India to do the same for us.
“As Prime Minister, it is my responsibility to provide reassurance to those who are feeling that their safety has been compromised. But most importantly, it is my responsibility to take action and to never hesitate to do what is necessary to protect Canadians. That is precisely what we are doing today.”
October 14, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, discussed recent developments related to a targeted campaign against Canadian citizens by agents linked to the Government of India.
The leaders discussed the need to ensure the safety and security of their citizens and the importance of upholding and respecting the rule of law. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s continued interest in co-operation with India to address this serious matter.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer agreed to remain in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-United Kingdom relations
- RCMP statement on violent criminal activity occurring in Canada with connections to agents of the Government of India
October 13, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Mike Savage as the new Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.
Mike Savage is a respected former parliamentarian, mayor, and business leader with a lifelong commitment to serving the people of Nova Scotia. He was the Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour for seven years and the Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality for 12 years. Throughout his career, he has been a champion for social inclusion and disability rights, economic growth and affordability, and climate change action and mitigation.
The Prime Minister thanks the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, for his service to the people of Nova Scotia and to Canada.
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“I congratulate Mike Savage on his appointment as the new Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. He is a passionate public servant and an experienced leader, and I am confident that he will continue to serve Nova Scotians well and make important contributions in his new role.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Lieutenant Governors are the personal representatives of His Majesty The King of Canada in their respective provinces. They fulfill the roles and functions of the Crown, including granting Royal Assent to provincial laws.
- Lieutenant Governors are appointed by the Governor General of Canada on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They serve terms of at least five years.
Biographical Note
Associated Link
October 11, 2024
Vientiane, Laos
Canada is investing in progress, prosperity, and fairness for every generation. At home, we are attracting billions of dollars in manufacturing to our communities and putting Canadians at the forefront of opportunity. But in the global economy, shared challenges require shared solutions. That’s where Canada’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) comes in.
For over half a century, ASEAN has worked with Dialogue Partners, like Canada, to make life better for people on both sides of the Pacific. Our relationship is built on shared priorities – from climate action to peace and security to good-paying jobs. Since 2015, Canada’s trade with ASEAN has nearly doubled. Last year, ASEAN Member States represented Canada’s fourth largest merchandise trading partner, with increased partnerships in agriculture, agrifood, and digital trade. With Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, we are building on this partnership with closer ties and shared prosperity.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his participation at the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos. As the first Canadian Prime Minister to visit Laos, the Prime Minister strengthened ties with ASEAN partners and expanded Canada’s footprint in one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions.
In Vientiane, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada will be upgrading its offices in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Vientiane, Laos, to embassies with resident ambassadors, meaning that Canada will be represented by full embassies in all 10 ASEAN Member States. He also noted the upcoming Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines later this year and announced new missions to Thailand and Cambodia in 2025. Building on our Indo-Pacific Strategy, these efforts will help forge even stronger ties between Canada and ASEAN, create good jobs for Canadians and peoples of ASEAN countries, and expand Canada’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.
In a joint statement, Canada and ASEAN partners reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing dialogue on global challenges, advancing efforts on shared priorities, and building a people-centred ASEAN region that is connected, inclusive, and resilient. The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada will continue to be a partner in promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
In support of these efforts, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, highlighted an over $128 million package of measures to deepen ties with ASEAN.
The effects of climate change are being felt more than ever, and this is having a devastating impact on countries around the world, including ASEAN Member States. That’s why the federal government is investing over $84 million in the region to fight climate change, support innovation, and protect the environment. Our investments aim to:
- Advance clean growth and conservation initiatives, such as Laos’ Monsoon Wind Power Project, the Lao Landscapes and Livelihoods Project, and the Mekong River Commission.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in some of the world’s highest-emitting developing countries.
- Improve resilience to natural disasters through enhanced disaster preparation and management.
The challenges posed by transnational organized crime and international terrorism affect citizens of ASEAN Members States and Canadians alike. The federal government is investing $21.3 million in initiatives to:
- Strengthen partnerships between Canadian and Indo-Pacific law enforcement agencies.
- Crack down on human and drug trafficking, including synthetic drugs, smuggling, and money laundering.
- Counter international terrorist threats, including terrorist financing and terrorist fighter travel, and address the impacts on children.
- Help local governments prevent illegal logging and deforestation.
- Address online cyber scams.
- Bolster aviation and border security.
Stability in the Indo-Pacific is a key priority for Canada. We are bolstering peace and security efforts in the region, including by investing $11.9 million in various initiatives to:
- Build up critical nuclear regulatory infrastructure.
- Fight malicious cyber actors and strengthen cyber resilience.
- Support demining and arms control efforts.
In support of the rights of women and children in ASEAN countries, Canada is investing over $9 million to:
- Uphold women’s labour rights and improve their participation in underrepresented sectors.
- Help eliminate forced and child labour.
- Increase access to prosthetic, orthotic, and rehabilitation services for women and girls with physical disabilities.
At the ASEAN Summit, the Prime Minister announced an additional $2 million for scholarships and educational exchanges with ASEAN countries, as well as Canada’s intention to seek participation in the ASEAN Digital Track, which will help ensure that Canada has a seat at the table on regional matters ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to democratic and online rights.
As work toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement continues, the Prime Minister noted progress on last year’s ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership and emphasized his commitment to further strengthen Canada-ASEAN trade and investment.
The ASEAN region offers unparalleled economic opportunity for Canada. Together, the 10 ASEAN member states represent the fifth largest economy in the world and the third largest population in the world. With the measures announced today, Canadians and Canadian businesses can capitalize on the rapid industrialization and growth of this region. Greater Canadian investment in the region and greater investment from the region into Canada will mean more jobs, more innovation, and more growth. As we create good-paying jobs, fight climate change, and grow our economies, Canada and ASEAN stand united to make life better for people in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Prime Minister Trudeau thanked the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, for hosting a very productive ASEAN Summit. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to further strengthening ties between our countries – and with all ASEAN partners. As Canada hosts the G7 Presidency in 2025, ASEAN will be a central part of our work ahead.
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“Canada is a proud Indo-Pacific nation. During my visit to this year’s ASEAN Summit, we increased our footprint in this dynamic region – securing trade, investment, and good-paying jobs. As we fight climate change, defend peace and security, and grow our economies, we are putting Canadians at the forefront of global opportunity.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 member states. The objectives of ASEAN are to:
- Speed up economic growth, social progress, and cultural development.
- Promote regional peace and stability and respect for justice and the rule of law.
- Increase collaboration across a range of economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative spheres.
- Together, ASEAN as a regional bloc represents Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner, with over $38.8 billion in bilateral trade in 2023.
- Last year, Canada and ASEAN launched a strategic partnership to further advance collaboration in strategic areas of mutual interest, including peace and security and economic and socio-cultural co-operation.
- Canada became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1977 and is one of 11 partners with this designation.
- ASEAN Dialogue Partners co-operate on political and security issues, regional integration, economic interests, inter-faith dialogue, transnational crime and counterterrorism, disaster risk reduction, and other areas. Other Dialogue Partners include: Australia, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy advances and defends Canada’s interests by supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Indo-Pacific region while protecting Canada’s national and economic security at home and abroad.
Related Products
- Backgrounder: Creating good-paying jobs and growing the economy alongside ASEAN partners
- ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with ASEAN Secretary General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh
Associated Links
- Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- Canada-Laos relations
- Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
October 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Yom Kippur:
“Tonight, at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will observe Yom Kippur.
“Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred day in the Jewish faith. Families come together to fast, pray, and spend time with loved ones. It’s a day to reflect, to heal, and to hope.
“This year, Yom Kippur comes at a time of tragic loss and pain, as we mark one year since the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas. A year marked by a sharp rise in antisemitism across our communities, threats to Jewish day schools, and community centres targeted. These High Holidays, Jewish families are attending synagogue surrounded by police. We created the Canada Community Security Program to increase protections for the community and expand security – but we shouldn’t be here.
“To Jewish Canadians, know that we stand with you and that we fight this fight with you. Whether it’s at a synagogue or a school, whether it’s wearing the Magen David or a Kippah – you deserve to live openly and proudly Jewish lives, without intimidation or fear.
“On this Yom Kippur, let us hope for a better future, which includes a Canada free from antisemitism. A future tied to the values of kindness, compassion, and openness that define the Jewish people. A future where the path of war and violence ends. A future where hostages come home. Where those displaced can be reunited, those broken can start to rebuild, and those hurt can begin to heal.
“Together, we can help build a kinder, more inclusive, and welcoming country for everyone. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my best wishes to Jewish communities for the Jewish year of 5785 and wish all of those who are observing a meaningful Yom Kippur.
“G’mar Chatima Tova.”
October 11, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of the Girl:
“Every girl deserves a chance to learn and grow; to succeed without barriers; to live without limits to their success. But in too many parts of the world, women and girls are still undervalued and kept isolated from opportunity.
“Canada firmly believes that a fairer world with greater equality is also a better one.
“At home, we are improving access to safe, inclusive, and quality education and skills training for women and girls. Since 2018, we have invested more than $433 million in over 930 projects to advance gender equality across Canada. We introduced the Menstrual Equity Fund pilot project, which has increased access to menstrual health products for over 3.5 million people in need. Earlier this year, we announced the National School Food Program, which will get healthy school meals to kids across the country. With Canada’s gender-based violence strategy, we are supporting initiatives to prevent youth dating violence, family violence, and child abuse.
“On the global stage, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we are breaking down barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls around the world. Just last month, at the United Nations General Assembly, we announced over $112 million to help protect the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls worldwide – so they’re able to make choices about their bodies, their lives, and their own futures.
“Girls can be anything they want to be. Our role, as government leaders, is to break down barriers so they get that fair chance to succeed. On this International Day of the Girl, let’s keep moving forward on our progress.”
