Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman
December 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman.
The Prime Minister and His Royal Highness discussed recent events in Syria and the end of the Assad regime. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the Syrian people and underscored the need for sustained peace, restraint by parties in Syria, and the protection of human rights.
The leaders spoke of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon as a much-needed step toward stability and security in the region. They also shared views on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and agreed on the need for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Prime Minister and His Royal Highness also discussed the war in Ukraine, and the Prime Minister welcomed Saudi Arabia’s engagement in international efforts to advance peace.
The leaders agreed to stay in regular contact and to continue working together to strengthen relations between Canada and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Associated Links
- Canada-Saudi Arabia relations
- Statement on the situation in Syria
- Canada’s response to the crisis in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman
December 10, 2024
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Human Rights Day:
“Seventy-six years ago, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document – drafted in part by Canadians like John Humphrey – proclaimed universal values of justice and equality. Today, we reflect on the remarkable legacy of this declaration and renew our pledge to protect human rights for generations to come.
“At home, we’re taking action to make life better and fairer. Through Canada’s Housing Plan, we’re helping every Canadian find a place to call home – by building more homes faster, making them more affordable, and addressing homelessness. We’re improving health care by helping provinces and territories hire more doctors and nurses. We’re expanding affordable dental care coverage. We’re making contraceptives and diabetes medications free. We’re advancing equal rights and protections for 2SLGBTQI+ communities through the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan and implementing the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence to make sure that gender-based violence is no longer a reality for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
“Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples across Canada also remains at the forefront of everything we do. Through the 2023-2028 Action Plan, we’re working to uphold the rights and principles set out in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This work will help us walk forward on the path of meaningful reconciliation.
“Canada’s commitment to human rights extends beyond our borders. At the UN General Assembly earlier this year, we announced initiatives to help protect the comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls around the world. We are also engaging with allies and international partners to respond to human rights challenges around the world.
“Together, we can make the vision of an equal and fair world a reality.”
December 9, 2024
Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston, to congratulate him on his recent election victory and discuss shared priorities. They were joined by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Sean Fraser.
The Prime Minister and the Premier discussed their continued commitment to working together on infrastructure, notably on the Chignecto Isthmus. They committed to advancing progress on proposed changes to the elver fishery and on a bilateral agreement under the National School Food Program.
The two leaders highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence as a shared economic priority and noted collaboration opportunities to grow life sciences companies in the region. The Prime Minister reiterated that the Government of Canada remains open to Nova Scotia developing its own carbon pricing plan that meets the minimal national benchmark requirements. The Prime Minister and the Premier also discussed the GST tax break and the importance of continuing to address affordability concerns for Nova Scotians and all Canadians.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Houston discussed the importance of trade and the ongoing efforts between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen relations between Canada and the United States. The leaders reiterated their commitment to a Team Canada approach in order to advance Canadian interests.
The Prime Minister and the Premier agreed to continue working together on these and other important issues.
Associated Links
- Statement by the Prime Minister on the results of the provincial election in Nova Scotia
- Minister Lebouthillier’s decision regarding the elver fishery in 2024
- Feeding the future today: Canada’s National School Food Program
- Securing Canada’s AI advantage
- Carbon pollution pricing systems across Canada
- More money in your pocket: A tax break for all Canadians and the Working Canadians Rebate
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship