January 29, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following change to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians:
- Patricia Lattanzio, Liberal, Member of Parliament for Saint-Léonard—Saint-Michel, will serve as Chair of the Committee.
Ms. Lattanzio has been a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians since 2022. She replaces the Honourable David J. McGuinty, who had been Chair since the Committee’s launch in 2017 and was recently appointed as Minister of Public Safety.
The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians follows a non-partisan approach to review national security and intelligence activities carried out across the Government of Canada, including by the Communications Security Establishment, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It provides the Prime Minister with an annual report, and special reports when needed. The reports, which include findings and recommendations, are then tabled by the Prime Minister in both the House of Commons and the Senate.
Quick Facts
- Under the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, a Minister of the Crown, a Minister of State, or a Parliamentary Secretary cannot serve as a member of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.
- With this change, the members of the Committee are:
- Patricia Lattanzio, Liberal (Chair)
- Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc Québécois
- Don Davies, NDP
- The Honourable Patricia (Pat) Duncan, Senate
- The Honourable Marty Klyne, Senate
- Rob Morrison, Conservative
- Alex Ruff, M.S.C., C.D., Conservative
- Brenda Shanahan, Liberal
- The Committee was first created under the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, which received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017. It is dissolved when a general election is called and Parliament is dissolved. New members are appointed within 60 days of a new Parliament opening.
- Since its launch, the Committee has produced a number of comprehensive reports on issues ranging from foreign interference, to cyber threats, to diversity and inclusion within the security and intelligence community.
- The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians assists the Committee in fulfilling its review mandate.
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January 29, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vietnamese New Year:
“This week, Vietnamese communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year and usher in the Year of the Snake.
“On Tết Nguyên Đán, or Tết, families and friends gather to share meals, exchange wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity, and celebrate their rich traditions passed down through generations. Bright coloured flowers and fruits will adorn homes in communities across the country. As people look to the future with determination and hope for the year to come, they will find inspiration in the values of wisdom and strength the snake symbolizes.
“Canada is home to over 275,000 Vietnamese Canadians who have made – and continue to make – extraordinary contributions to our country. On Tết, we are reminded of the important role of diversity in shaping a stronger and more vibrant world for everyone.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my warmest wishes to everyone celebrating. May the Year of the Snake bring peace, success, and joy to all.
“Chúc mừng năm mới.”
January 29, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action against Islamophobia:
“On January 29, 2017, a gunman opened fire at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec in Sainte-Foy. Six Canadians died and 19 others were wounded. Today, we remember the victims of this senseless act of hate.
“Ibrahima Barry, Mamadou Tanou Barry, Khaled Belkacemi, Abdelkrim Hassane, Azzeddine Soufiane, and Aboubaker Thabti were proud Muslims, Quebeckers, and Canadians. They were murdered because of their faith. Our thoughts are with the communities of Quebec City, as well as the brave first responders who risked their lives to help others in the wake of this tragedy. We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities in Canada and around the world to fight the hate that led to this attack. We are also not immune to its resurgence, especially as we see the rise in Islamophobia and hate across our communities.
“We’re taking action. We appointed Canada’s first Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia, Amira Elghawaby, to support our efforts to combat Islamophobia. We have renewed Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy to ensure diverse voices shape federal policies, programs, and services. We invested in the Canada Community Security Program to increase security at places of worship and community centres.
“To protect communities, we passed the toughest gun control measures in over 40 years. With the measures announced last month, we’ve now banned more than 2,400 makes and models of assault-style firearms and their variants. We expanded background checks and prohibited the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns in Canada. We also introduced ‘red flag’ laws, which are already in force, allowing anyone to apply to the court to remove firearms from individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others.
“Today, we remember those whose lives were tragically taken at the Centre culturel islamique de Québec and we reaffirm our commitment to standing with Muslim communities in Canada in the face of racism, hate, and discrimination. Together, we will continue to build a safe, welcoming, and prosperous country for everyone.”
January 29, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Chinese New Year:
“Starting today and for the next two weeks, Chinese communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate Chinese New Year and the arrival of the Year of the Snake – a symbol of wisdom, introspection, and renewal.
“Chinese New Year – also known as the Spring Festival – offers families and friends an occasion to gather, share traditional meals, and exchange good wishes for the year ahead. Red lanterns and fireworks will light up the sky in communities across the country, representing good fortune and showcasing the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of Chinese Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
“As we celebrate together, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of the more than 1.7 million Chinese Canadians. They make Canada a more inclusive, diverse, and prosperous country.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating a joyful, healthy, and auspicious Chinese New Year. May the Year of the Snake bring health, happiness, and prosperity to all.
“新年快乐! “新年快樂! Xīn Nián Kuài Lè! Sun Nin Fai Lok!”
January 29, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Korean Lunar New Year:
“Today, Korean communities in Canada and around the world celebrate Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, and welcome the Year of the Snake.
“During this special three-day celebration, families and friends will gather, share traditional meals, and play games like yunnori. A symbol of wisdom and ambition, the snake inspires us to reflect on the past year – and to embody the lessons we learned as we start anew.
“On Seollal, we also celebrate the significant contributions that Korean Canadians have made – and continue to make – to our country. Canada is home to one of the largest Korean diasporas in the world. This vibrant community of nearly 220,000 people has profoundly enriched Canada’s social, economic, and cultural fabric – reminding us that diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish everyone celebrating Korean New Year a very happy and healthy Year of the Snake.
“새해 복 많이 받으세요!
“Saehae bok mani badeuseyo!”
January 28, 2025
Oświęcim, Poland
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, on the margins of a commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp in Oświęcim, Poland.
The Prime Minister and the President paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to remembering the Holocaust, educating against Holocaust denialism and distortion, and combatting antisemitism and all forms of hate across the globe.
As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its three-year mark, the two leaders condemned Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression and reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda recognized the strong and continued co-operation between their countries in support of Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Duda also reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional security, particularly on NATO’s Eastern Flank.
The two leaders underscored the strong bilateral relations between Canada and Poland and discussed additional areas for further co-operation, including in the nuclear sector.
Associated Links
- Canada-Poland relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Remembering victims of the Holocaust and preserving their stories
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with President of Poland Andrzej Duda
January 28, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, in Warsaw, Poland.
Following yesterday’s commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to Holocaust remembrance and combatting antisemitism.
As the full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears the three-year mark, the prime ministers condemned Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression and reiterated the importance of Canada and Poland’s continued support to the people of Ukraine as they continue to fight for their freedom and independence. The leaders underlined the importance of providing military, financial, and other assistance to Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Tusk reaffirmed Canada and Poland’s commitment to working together to tackle regional and global challenges, including threats to stability and energy security. Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed continued bilateral co-operation in initiatives to strengthen transatlantic security, such as the training of Ukraine’s Armed Forces personnel and NATO’s Canada-led Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
The two leaders reflected on the strong state of bilateral relations between their two countries, including growing commercial ties. They also welcomed the conclusion of the Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and deepened ties in this key sector. The prime ministers agreed that their shared values and priorities will carry forward this relationship in the years to come.
Associated Links
- Canada-Poland relations
- Prime Minister to travel to Poland to mark the 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
- The Canada-Poland Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk
January 28, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Canada and Poland’s relationship is steadfast, from our mutual commitment to transatlantic and energy security to our common pursuit of a more sustainable planet. Together, we stand united and determined to create a safer and more prosperous world today – and for generations to come.
Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, concluded his trip to Warsaw, Poland, where he signed the landmark Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement alongside the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
Once in force, the Agreement will deepen ties between Canadian and Polish energy sectors, enabling Canadian companies to apply their nuclear expertise to support Poland’s energy transition and enhance energy security for Poland and the region. It will create good well-paying jobs and opportunities for people on both sides of the Atlantic, while reinforcing Canada and Poland’s shared commitment to nuclear co-operation, non-proliferation, safety, and security. This collaboration will help Poland enhance its clean energy sector and accelerate its efforts to phase out coal from its energy mix.
This Agreement complements other initiatives to strengthen Canada and Poland’s bilateral relationship, including the General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), which was signed earlier this month. Once implemented, the GSOIA will enhance information sharing between Canada and Poland and create business opportunities for companies in industries such as defence, security, aerospace, marine, and nuclear.
Prime Minister Trudeau also held bilateral meetings with his Polish counterparts, including Prime Minister Tusk, the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, and the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski. As the world marks 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, they agreed on the importance of combatting antisemitism and hate across the globe.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to transatlantic security and underlined the importance of providing military, financial, humanitarian, and other support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s unjustifiable war of aggression. Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized that supporting Ukraine will continue to be a priority for Canada, particularly in the context of its 2025 G7 Presidency.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his thanks to the people of Poland for their hospitality during his two-day visit to the country and reaffirmed Canada’s desire to continue deepening ties with Poland in the years to come.
Quote
“By working together to advance nuclear technology, Canada and Poland are pushing innovation forward and accelerating energy security. Once in force, the newly signed Canada-Poland Nuclear Cooperation Agreement will promote Canadian innovators, create good-paying jobs, and combine Polish and Canadian expertise in the sector. It’s a testament to Canada’s commitment to building a more secure future, alongside our closest Allies.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- In 2023, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the National Atomic Energy Agency of Poland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on small modular reactors (SMR), paving the way for increased exchanges on best practices and technical reviews related to SMR technology.
- Poland does not yet generate nuclear power commercially, but it has comprehensive plans to use both large-scale and SMR nuclear technology.
- Canada expects to be the first G7 country to have the first operational SMR, the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300, by 2029. It is under active development by Ontario Power Generation at its Darlington Nuclear Station, and Poland is watching developments at Darlington closely, as it plans to deploy the same SMR technology shortly thereafter.
- In 2023, on the margins of the 28th meeting of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Poland, and over twenty other nations endorsed a statement calling for the tripling of nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
- Yesterday in Kraków, Poland, the Prime Minister announced $3.4 million in new funding to combat antisemitism, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and educate against Holocaust denial and distortion in Canada and around the world.
- Canada and Poland enjoy a close-knit and multifaceted defence partnership. Canada takes pride in being the first NATO country to have ratified Poland’s membership, in 1998. Polish troops are deployed to the Canada-led NATO Multinational Brigade in Latvia.
- Poland is Canada’s largest trading partner in Central and Eastern Europe. In 2023, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries totalled $4.1 billion.
- The warm ties between our peoples serve as the foundation of our countries’ strong bilateral relationship. Close to one million Canadians of Polish descent call Canada home.
Associated Links
- Canada-Poland relations
- Remembering victims of the Holocaust and preserving their stories
- Prime Minister to travel to Poland to mark the 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Canada's 2025 G7 Presidency
- Canada and Poland sign General Security of Information Agreement, protecting sensitive information and promoting economic prosperity
January 27, 2025
Kraków, Poland
Eighty years ago, the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp was liberated. The cruelty committed within its walls must never be forgotten. During the Holocaust, the Nazis senselessly killed six million Jews. They also murdered 500,000 Roma and Sinti people and millions of others, including Poles, prisoners of war, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Today, amid a disturbing rise in antisemitism around the world, we stand united to remember the victims of the Holocaust, listen to the stories of survivors, and reaffirm the solemn vow to never forget.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded the first day of his visit to Poland, where he attended a commemorative event to mark 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp. He was accompanied by Canadian Holocaust survivors as well as Canada’s Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, Deborah Lyons.
In Kraków, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted a $90.5 million package of measures announced in Budget 2024 to combat antisemitism, preserve Holocaust remembrance, and educate against Holocaust denial and distortion. He also announced almost $3.4 million in new funding to strengthen Holocaust education and awareness efforts in Canada and around the world. This includes new funding to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Montréal Holocaust Museum, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Friends of the Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies, the Toronto Holocaust Museum, the Canadian Society for Yad Vashem, and the Jewish Federation of Victoria and Vancouver Island.
In meetings with Canadian Holocaust survivors, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering commitment to building a country where Jewish people can live open and proud Jewish lives, without intimidation or fear.
Let the resilience, courage, and strength of Holocaust survivors inspire us to be better – and do better. Together, let us honour their memories, re-tell their stories, and continue our work to build a world that is more just and more peaceful.
Quotes
“The Holocaust and the unimaginable cruelty of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp must never be forgotten. In Kraków today, we announced a new suite of initiatives to increase Holocaust education and awareness in Canada, and we reaffirmed our solemn vow: Never forget. Never again.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Eighty years ago, humanity saw one the darkest chapters in history with the murder of over six million Jews during the Holocaust. We have a responsibility to never forget and ensure the events of the Holocaust are never repeated. As we see a rise in antisemitism today, we must be reminded that it is our collective responsibility to combat hate in all its forms. That is why we introduced the new National Holocaust Remembrance Program, which will support initiatives to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and teach Canadians how they can play an active role in combatting antisemitism now and into the future.”
— The Hon. Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
“Every generation must know the enduring significance of ‘never again’. As we mark 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau, let us pay tribute to the lives we have lost during the Holocaust. Because ‘never again’ is not just a reminder – it is our solemn responsibility. Together, we must uphold this promise and always stand against antisemitism and hate.”
— The Hon. Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
“For the last 80 years, the Holocaust has reminded us of humanity’s capacity for inhumane cruelty. It has also stood as a warning to never again allow such hatred and horror to go unchecked. With antisemitism once again on the rise, we all have a responsibility to take concrete action, and that’s why the federal government is convening provinces, territories, municipalities, police, and civil society to the National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism. Our synagogues, schools and community centres must be safe spaces for our people. Jewish Canadians must be able to live without fear.”
— The Hon. Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
Quick Facts
- The Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp was the largest camp under Hitler’s regime. One million Jewish people were murdered in Auschwitz Birkenau alone.
- Canada has the fourth largest Jewish community in the world, following Israel, the United States, and France. According to the 2021 census, 335,000 Canadians identify as Jewish. As of December 2024, Canada’s Holocaust survivor population is roughly 9,800 – one of the largest around the globe.
- The position of Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism was created in 2020 as part of the federal government’s commitment to strengthening national and international efforts to preserve the memory of the Holocaust and honour the stories of survivors. Irwin Cotler was appointed Canada’s first Special Envoy in November 2020 and was succeeded by Deborah Lyons in October 2023. The Special Envoy works to combat antisemitism, hatred, and racism, while promoting and defending democracy, pluralism, inclusion, and human rights.
- Canada’s commitment to protecting human rights and combatting antisemitism at home and abroad is anchored in our membership in – and work with – the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). As the only international institution mandated to focus on issues related to the Holocaust, the IHRA works to raise awareness of the global impact of antisemitism and seeks ways to end it. In 2022, Canada announced it would double its annual contribution to the IHRA.
- In October 2024, the Government of Canada released the Canadian Handbook on the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. Using Canadian examples, the Handbook serves as a tool to identify and address antisemitism across various sectors. Notably, it is the first such handbook produced by a national government.
- In 2022, the federal government amended Canada’s Criminal Code to make it a crime to willfully promote antisemitism by condoning, denying, or downplaying the Holocaust.
- In addition to the $90.5 million package of measures on Holocaust remembrance, Budget 2024 also invested over $273 million over six years to implement Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, including over $29 million ongoing to combat hate crimes and enhance community security.
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Associated Links
- Canada-Poland relations
- Statement by the Prime Minister on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Prime Minister to travel to Poland to mark the 80 years since the liberation of the Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp
- National Holocaust Remembrance Program
- International Program on Holocaust and Genocide Education
