January 8, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters:
“Today, we observe the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters. On this solemn occasion, we honour those who were taken from us as a result of these tragedies, and we renew our commitment to strengthening aviation safety and security for Canadians and people around the world.
“Five years ago today, the world was shocked by the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (Flight PS752) by the Islamic Republic of Iran. One hundred and seventy-six lives were lost, including 55 Canadians, 30 permanent residents, and dozens more with connections to Canada. Following this tragedy, the Government of Canada established the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters to pay tribute to victims of Flight PS752 and all air disasters, including those from Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, Air India Flight 182, Swissair Flight 111, and Air Ontario Flight 1363.
“Canada is determined to hold the Iranian regime accountable for the unlawful downing of Flight PS752. To date, the Islamic Republic of Iran has refused to take full legal responsibility for the incident. In response, Canada, alongside its Coordination Group partners – Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom – initiated a case with the International Court of Justice, which remains ongoing. In January of last year, Canada and the Coordination Group also filed a dispute with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to further advance justice for the victims of Flight PS752 and their families. Together, these two initiatives are critical steps in holding the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for this senseless tragedy. Last year, our government also took the extraordinary step of listing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity.
“In October 2024, we announced additional support for the families of the victims by introducing a new pathway to permanent residence, with applications open until October 2025. This latest initiative extends eligibility to family members who were previously excluded, underscoring our commitment to supporting families in their pursuit of transparency, accountability, and justice.
“As a member state and host country of ICAO, Canada continues to collaborate with international partners to promote aviation safety and security worldwide – a critical step in preventing future air disasters. We are advancing the Safer Skies Initiative to enhance aviation safety and security over or near conflict zones, while also focusing on improving ICAO’s aircraft accident investigation framework to ensure greater transparency and credibility in air disaster investigations.
“On this day, we honour the lives lost to all air disasters and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to building a safer and more resilient global aviation system for all.”
January 7, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Note: All times local
National Capital Region, Canada
11:00 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the National Caucus meeting.
Greater Toronto Area, Ontario
The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at a community commemoration event. The High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ralph Goodale, will also be in attendance.
Note for media:
Pooled coverage
Washington, D.C., United States of America
The Prime Minister will arrive in Washington, D.C., United States of America.
January 7, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced he will travel to Washington, D.C., United States of America, on January 9, 2025, to attend the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
President Carter was an inspirational statesman, leader, and lifelong humanitarian. During his visit, the Prime Minister will deliver condolences on behalf of Canadians for the loss of President Carter, as well as reaffirm Canada’s commitment to a successful Canada-U.S. partnership.
Quote
“As a leader, President, and humanitarian, Jimmy Carter left the world a better place. He leaves behind a profound legacy that will inspire us for generations to come.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
- Among his many achievements, President Carter helped to broker the Camp David Accords, a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel in 1978.
- In 1982, President Carter founded the Carter Center, which focuses on improving global health, promoting democracy, and advancing human rights.
- For his efforts to help advance peace and alleviate human suffering around the world, President Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
- President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, led their 34th Carter Work Project in Canada, building 150 homes in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
- Flags at all Government of Canada buildings and establishments, including the Peace Tower in Ottawa, will fly at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on January 9, 2025, the day of the funeral. In addition, flags at all Canadian missions located in the United States of America will fly at half-mast until sunset on January 27, 2025.
Associated Links
January 7, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Orthodox Christmas:
“Today, we join Orthodox Christians, including Coptic Christians, and Eastern Rite Catholics in Canada and around the world in celebrating Christmas.
“Marking the birth of Jesus Christ as observed in the Julian calendar, this is a time for family and friends to celebrate and pray. As we attend church, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals, we reflect on Jesus’ teachings of kindness and generosity. Of hope and forgiveness. These values, profound and powerful, also unite us as Canadians.
“On this joyful occasion, I invite all Canadians to recognize the valuable contributions that Orthodox Christians, including Coptic Christians, and Eastern Rite Catholics make to Canada’s rich cultural mosaic.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all those celebrating today a blessed and merry Christmas filled with hope, peace, and renewal.”
