Statement by the Prime Minister on United Nations Day
October 24, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on United Nations Day:
“For nearly 80 years, the United Nations (UN) has brought the international community together to make progress on global challenges. Protecting human rights. Fighting climate change. Strengthening democracy, peace, and security. Reinforcing international law.
“As a founding member, Canada is doing its part to make this progress possible. Last month, at the UN General Assembly, we announced $200 million in measures to make the world better, fairer, and more secure. Our investments will protect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls, strengthen action on gender equality, fight climate change, and support efforts to restore peace and security in Haiti.
“We also adopted the Pact for the Future, so we can find shared solutions to shared challenges, alongside partners. As Co-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates group and SDG Stimulus Leaders group, I continue to highlight Canada’s commitment to advancing the SDGs. With the Vancouver Principles, we are leading efforts to end the recruitment of child soldiers. And with the Elsie Initiative, we are increasing the participation of women in peace operations.
“The UN’s mission would not be possible without its humanitarian workers, officers, and peacekeepers. It is critical we ensure their safety and protect their ability to deliver life-saving assistance. When we work together, we can make life better. This is what the UN is about. I invite Canadians to learn more about this important work.”
October 17, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty:
“Today, on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, we stand united to build a world where poverty is not just reduced, but eradicated. A world where every person has the chance to live in dignity, security, and comfort.
“Reducing poverty and inequality across the country starts with building more affordable housing. Earlier this year, we launched our ambitious Housing Plan, which is helping build more affordable homes, faster, and addressing chronic homelessness, especially in underserved communities. Since 2019, the Reaching Home program has supported thousands of projects that have helped over 87,600 people across the country find a stable home and over 148,500 others receive homelessness prevention services, such as short-term rental assistance or help settling disputes with landlords.
“The Canadian Dental Care Plan is helping millions of uninsured Canadians access affordable dental care – and 750,000 people have already received care. Our new National School Food Program will be getting healthy school meals to kids. This Friday, parents across the country will see the monthly Canada Child Benefit payment in their bank accounts. The program – which has lifted hundreds of thousands of kids out of poverty – puts money back in the pockets of Canadians. And with initiatives like $10-a-day child care and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit, we’re making sure Canadians have the extra savings they need for the things that matter most.
“Our commitment extends beyond our borders as well. Canada’s leadership includes our Poverty Reduction Strategy and Feminist International Assistance Policy, our commitment to advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and most recently, the adoption of the Pact for the Future last month at the Summit of the Future. Just this year, we contributed nearly $1.3 billion to the International Monetary Fund’s Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust to lift countries out of poverty and make the world a better place.
“Canada is steadfast in its commitment to building a future where poverty is eradicated and where every generation is given a fair chance to succeed.”
October 18, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Persons Day:
“Today, we celebrate Persons Day, an important milestone for women’s rights and participation in Canadian political life. On October 18, 1929, Canada’s highest court of appeal recognized women as ‘persons’ and granted them the right to be appointed to the Senate.
“The Famous Five – Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards – won a hard-fought, two-year-long battle in the landmark Persons Case. While their victory did not benefit all women and girls in Canada equally, it helped change the course of history and laid the foundations for a fairer Canada.
“Nearly a century after the Famous Five’s victory, Canada continues to eliminate barriers that still exist for women. We introduced $10-a-day child care to give every child the best possible start in life while helping parents, especially moms, build their careers. Our work making contraception medications and devices free will give women more affordable choices to make decisions about their bodies, their health, and their future. We are also accelerating our efforts through the Federal Pathway to address the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. And through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, we continue to address the root causes of gender-based violence and strengthen supports for victims, survivors, and their families. This is all part of our work to make sure that no woman in Canada faces barriers to what she can achieve.
“As we celebrate Persons Day and Women’s History Month, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the Famous Five and their important contributions to women’s rights and equality.”
October 20, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Small Business Week, which runs from October 20 to 26, 2024:
“There are more than a million small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. Mom-and-pop shops. Start-ups. Brick-and-mortar stores that have served their communities generation after generation.
“Small businesses create jobs, grow our economy, and make Canada stronger. We’re making sure they have the supports they need to succeed.
“We enhanced the Canada Small Business
“From local cafés to independent bookstores, small businesses represent the limitless potential of Canada. They might be called small businesses, but they’re anything but small. To the owners, entrepreneurs, and workers behind them: Thank you.
“This week, we’re celebrating you and your hard work.”
October 21, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the results of the provincial election in New Brunswick:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Susan Holt and the Liberal Party of New Brunswick on their election. She is the first woman Premier in the history of the province.
“I look forward to working with Premier-designate Holt to deliver on the priorities of Canadians. Our shared work will include improving access to health care, making life more affordable, building more homes, investing in infrastructure, and cutting emissions.
“New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in the country, and the Government of Canada is committed to promoting the French language and supporting the vitality of Acadian communities.
“Together, we will build a more prosperous province and a better future for people in New Brunswick, the Atlantic, and across Canada.
“I thank outgoing Premier Higgs for his service to New Brunswick and to Canada over the last six years. I wish him the best in his future endeavours.”
October 22, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking 10 years since the attack at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill:
“Ten years after the day, we remember the horrific terrorist attack at the National War Memorial and on Parliament Hill.
“Corporal Nathan Cirillo was shot and killed while standing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent was murdered just two days before in another attack, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Today, our hearts are with their families and friends who still grieve the loss of their loved one.
“On October 22, 2014, Canadians saw terrifying pictures and videos of an attack on Parliament Hill. But there is one image from that day I remember clearly: people protecting one another as we took shelter wherever we were. I remember that, in the days that followed, political debate was subsumed by collegial support. And above all, we all remember the service and the sacrifice of those who stood guard, and those who rushed toward danger to save lives.
“That is what we remember today, and what we must never forget.”
