Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
February 20, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that Canada will always stand in defence of Ukraine and emphasized that there can be no sustainable peace in Europe without security for Ukraine. The leaders stressed that any peaceful end to the conflict must include Ukraine at the negotiating table. Prime Minister Trudeau also condemned Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The two leaders discussed diplomatic efforts toward achieving a lasting peace that enables a strong, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine. Prime Minister Trudeau underscored Canada’s strong and ongoing military, financial, and humanitarian support.
Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy agreed to remain in close and regular contact.
Associated Links
February 20, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni.
The two leaders highlighted the strong collaboration between Canada and Italy on a range of shared priorities, such as addressing global challenges and opportunities as G7 partners and allies, including in the context of Canada’s G7 Presidency this year.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni discussed their unwavering support for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.
The prime ministers also spoke about the latest developments in Syria. They stressed the importance of an inclusive Syrian-led political governance structure for the country and expressed hope for a transparent and accountable Syrian government that respects the rule of law and upholds universal human rights.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Italy, including on trade and investment. They agreed to remain in close contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-Italy relations
- Canada and the G7
- Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- G7 Leaders’ Statement on Syria
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni
February 20, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, Canada’s Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau, met virtually with Canada’s premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and Arctic security.
The Prime Minister updated the premiers on Canada’s fight against fentanyl and the continued implementation of Canada’s Border Plan since their last meeting on February 5. These measures include listing seven criminal organizations as terrorist entities; launching new anti-money laundering measures; tackling fentanyl trafficking; modernizing the regulatory framework for banning precursors to prevent their illegal importation and use; establishing a joint Canada-U.S. task force on organized crime; issuing a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl; and ensuring 24/7 surveillance of the border by deploying helicopters, drones, and 10,000 border personnel.
The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the evolving tariff threat from the U.S., including on aluminum and steel and the possibility of reciprocal tariffs. The premiers reflected on last week’s Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C., and shared takeaways from their meetings with U.S. partners. Federal, provincial, and territorial leaders agreed to continue their advocacy with U.S. partners to prevent the imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, which threaten the well-being of families, workers, and businesses in Canada and the U.S. alike. The Prime Minister and the premiers discussed the progress being made to remove barriers to internal trade and labour mobility in Canada, which will make it easier to buy and sell Canadian goods within the country and help strengthen our economy. Team Canada is united in our commitment to protect Canadian jobs and defend Canada’s economic interests.
The Prime Minister and Minister Blair shared updates on Arctic security, and invited the Premier of the Yukon, Ranj Pillai, to share his perspectives as Chair of the Northern Premiers’ Forum. The Prime Minister underscored that defending Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic is essential to our national security, the defence of North America, and NATO’s core mission of collective defence and security. Minister Blair highlighted the Canadian Armed Forces’ important work to defend the Arctic and noted recent commitments to further strengthen Arctic security. Our North, Strong and Free, the $73 billion defence policy update the federal government launched in 2024, includes major investments in the North, such as airborne early warning and control aircraft, specialized maritime sensors, new tactical helicopters, a new satellite ground station in the Arctic, and Northern operational support hubs, in addition to a separate $38.6 billion investment in NORAD modernization.
The Prime Minister thanked the premiers for their ongoing advocacy and emphasized that maintaining a united front will remain critical in the weeks ahead. The Prime Minister and the premiers expressed their gratitude for the leadership and service of the Premier of Prince Edward Island, Dennis King, and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Associated Links
- Canada-United States relations
- Prime Minister announces the appointment of Canada’s new Fentanyl Czar
- Government of Canada announces its plan to strengthen border security and our immigration system
- Government of Canada expands plan to strengthen border security
- Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence
- First Ministers’ statement on the Canada-United States relationship
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship and economic prosperity
February 19, 2025
Montréal, Quebec
The Toronto-Quebec City corridor is a megaregion. It’s home to 18 million people, 40 per cent of our GDP, over 700,000 students, and more than 30 colleges and universities. This dynamic hub needs a transportation system that gets people from city to city, in the fastest time possible.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Canada is developing a high-speed rail network in the Toronto-Quebec City corridor. This transformative rail network will span approximately 1,000 km and reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour, with stops in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. Once operational, current travel times will be slashed in half – getting you from Montréal to Toronto in three hours. The official name of this high-speed rail service will be Alto.
A country that believes in itself invests in its people and infrastructure. As Canada’s largest ever infrastructure project, high-speed rail will turbocharge the Canadian economy – boosting GDP by up to $35 billion annually, creating over 51,000 good-paying jobs during construction, and unlocking enhanced productivity for decades to come. By connecting economic hubs at rapid speed, businesses will have more markets to sell to and workers will have more job opportunities. Electrified, high-speed rail will also help Canada reduce its emissions and meet its climate targets. By giving travellers an efficient and reliable option to get around, we will save Canadians time when they travel, boost tourism, connect communities, and spur affordable housing development across the region.
Cadence has been carefully selected to not only co-design and build, but also to finance, operate, and maintain this project. Cadence is a consortium of world-renowned companies with expertise and know-how in the design, development, and operation of large-scale transportation infrastructure. Cadence will collaborate and support Alto as work begins on detailed design, Indigenous consultations, land acquisition, and the environmental assessments necessary to enable construction.
This decision is the result of years of careful deliberations and de-risking, as well as meaningful investment from the Government of Canada.
Canada is the ninth-largest economy in the world and Canadians deserve the best transportation options. We have world-class talent, critical minerals, natural resources, a dynamic technology ecosystem, and an ambition to grow. High-speed rail in our most populated corridor is our ambition in action. Alongside investing in high-speed rail, we are also creating more jobs with bigger paycheques, fast-tracking new affordable homes, and protecting Canadian interests.
Quotes
“Canada is getting high-speed rail. Today’s announcement of Alto, a high-speed rail system between Toronto and Quebec City, will transform our economy – drastically shortening commute times for millions of Canadians, turbocharging economic growth, creating thousands of good-paying jobs, improving productivity, and reducing emissions. Montréal to Toronto in three hours – you can’t beat that.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Today’s announcement will put passengers first, with dedicated tracks between Toronto and Quebec City passing through Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, and Trois-Rivières. This will cut train travel times in half. It will promote growth in regional economies and reduce emissions at the same time. It’s a nation-building project we can all be proud of.”
— The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
“I’m firmly convinced that the way a project is developed is as crucial as the project itself. Which is why we are developing it now, in collaboration with Cadence, relying on the best practices of the industry. We have assembled a unique group of talents, combining the know-how of a federal Crown corporation with the experience of a consortium of world-class private partners. Together, we will build a project that will surpass the highest expectations of Canadians.”
— Martin Imbleau, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alto
Quick Facts
- Canadian passenger rail service currently runs on tracks owned by freight rails, which limits the frequency of the service they offer and leads to delays.
- To address these challenges, the Government of Canada has been advancing better passenger rail since 2016.
- Canada’s investment in the co-development phase of the project represents $3.9 billion over six years, starting in 2024-25. This is in addition to the $371.8 million that was provided in Budget 2024.
- Budget 2022 launched an innovative, rigorous procurement process that brought in world-class rail companies. A Request for Expressions of Interest was completed in October 2022, the Request for Qualifications in July 2023, and as part of the Request for Proposals (RFP), three world-class consortiums (bidders) submitted their final bid submissions in 2024.
- The procurement was completed on budget and was overseen by a fairness monitor.
- In November 2022, the Government of Canada created a Crown corporation, VIA HFR (now Alto), to provide oversight of this project.
- Alto and Cadence will be signing a contract setting out the terms of the next phase of the project – its co-development.
Associated Links
February 17, 2025
HlG̲aagilda (Skidegate), Haida Gwaii
Today, the President of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Gary Anandasangaree, announced the signing of the Chiix̲uujin / Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement. The Agreement includes Canada’s recognition of Haida Aboriginal title to lands on Haida Gwaii and marks a significant milestone in the journey to reconciliation.
Canada’s recognition of Haida Aboriginal title on Haida Gwaii includes the foreshore and extends to the low-water mark. The Agreement does not affect private property interests or local and municipal governments on Haida Gwaii, and it confirms the continued delivery of federal public services. The Haida-Canada Archipelago Management Board will also continue to co-operatively manage Gwaii Haanas through a transition period, during which both governments will work to reconcile jurisdictions and laws.
The Haida Nation collectively holds inherent Haida title and rights as described in the Constitution of the Haida Nation. At a Special House of Assembly on November 24, 2024, Haida citizens voted 97 per cent in favour of the Chiix̲uujin / Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement. As a result, the Agreement was signed by the Haida Nation and Canada on December 4, 2024.
Over an estimated five-year transition period, the Haida Nation and Canada will continue to work respectfully and co-operatively on matters relating to Haida Gwaii. Both governments have agreed that this transition will be implemented in an orderly and incremental way, providing ongoing stability for all island residents and other interest holders on Haida Gwaii.
This Agreement builds on previous reconciliation accomplishments, including the Nang K̲'uula / Nang K̲'úulaas Recognition Agreement signed by the Haida Nation, Canada, and British Columbia in 2023, as well as the Gaayhllxid / Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement signed by the Haida Nation and British Columbia in April 2024.
The Chiix̲uujin / Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement is a concrete demonstration of Canada’s commitment to implementing and advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Canada’s recognition of Haida Aboriginal title results from Gud ad T’alang HlG̲ang.gulx̲a Tll Yahda / Tll yá’adee G̲ii gud ahl t’álang hlG̲ángulaang (“People Working Together to Make it Right”) – and, in this way, upholds the duty and honour of the Crown based on a principled and respectful nation-to-nation relationship.
Quotes
“The recognition of Haida title to Haida Gwaii by Canada acknowledges historic injustices and illustrates the transformative possibilities of working together for what is right. It takes leadership to recognize a wrong, begin the process of healing from a troubled history, and trust in the ability to forge a new relationship based on respect. This recognition of title by Canada – which was initiated in 1913 by our past leaders – means that we can begin a new era of peaceful co-existence knowing that we can look after Haida Gwaii and ensure the well-being of all who call these shining islands home.”
— Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, President of the Haida Nation
“I congratulate the Haida Nation for their leadership on this landmark agreement. As we mark a new chapter in the history of our nation-to-nation relationship, let us also recommit to walking the path of reconciliation. Because by working together, we’re showing that meaningful progress is possible.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“This landmark agreement is the first of its kind in Canada. It stands as a testament to the Haida Nation’s incredible leadership and determination to reclaim what has been rightfully theirs for generations. By recognizing Aboriginal title and rights, we showcase the progress possible when Indigenous, federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together to create a just and meaningful path to reconciliation that honours the unique interests of each nation. It is my hope that this agreement sets the stage for many others and inspires young Indigenous people that reconciliation is more than words and change is possible.”
— The Hon. Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
“The signing of the Chiix̲uujin / Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement is a testament to respect, responsibility, and interconnectedness between the Council of the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada. For over 30 years, the Haida Nation and Canada – through Parks Canada – have worked side by side to protect Gwaii Haanas, a place of global significance. Today’s celebration marks another step in this journey, strengthening our partnership and honouring the inherent Haida title to the beautiful lands of Haida Gwaii.”
— The Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Canada is an important partner in this historic reconciliation work, and I am grateful that they have now also worked alongside the Haida Nation on an agreement that recognizes Haida Aboriginal title. The provincial Gaayhllxid / Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement and federal Chiix̲uujin / Chaaw K̲aawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement work together to recognize Aboriginal title for the Haida – a profound and historic shift in our relationship. They also provide stability for all islanders on Haida Gwaii with respect to the pathway forward. This is the next step on our shared journey and the way toward a new future in Haida Gwaii.”
— Christine Boyle, British Columbia’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Quick Facts
- The Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) was formed as a national government in 1974, and the Constitution of the Haida Nation was formally adopted in 2003. The Constitution mandates the CHN to conduct the external affairs and steward the lands and waters of Haida Gwaii on behalf of the Haida Nation, ensuring that the Haida relationship with Haida Gwaii continues in perpetuity.
- Haida Gwaii is located approximately 100 kilometres west of the northern coast of mainland British Columbia. It is a group of over 200 islands totalling approximately one million hectares.
- The Haida have been on Haida Gwaii for millennia.
- In 2021, Canada, the Haida Nation, and British Columbia signed the GayG̲ahlda / Kwah.hlahl.dáyaa “Changing Tide” Framework for Reconciliation, setting out an incremental approach to negotiating reconciliation agreements. The Nang K̲’uula / Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement is the first tripartite agreement reached under this renewed process of negotiations.
- Through the Nang K̲’uula / Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement, Canada and British Columbia recognized the Haida Nation as the holder of inherent rights of governance and self-determination, and the CHN as the governing body of the Haida Nation.
- On November 7, 2024, Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation, received royal assent.
Associated Links
- Council of the Haida Nation
- GayGahlda / Kwah.hlahl.dáyaa “Changing Tide” Framework for Reconciliation
- Nang K̲’uula / Nang K̲’úulaas Recognition Agreement
- Gaayhllxid / Gíihlagalgang “Rising Tide” Haida Title Lands Agreement
- Chiixuujin / Chaaw Kaawgaa “Big Tide (Low Water)” Haida Title Lands Agreement
- Canada introduces legislation to recognize the Haida Nation’s inherent rights of governance and self-determination
February 17, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the passing of Antonine Maillet:
“It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Antonine Maillet, a celebrated figure in Canadian literature and an unwavering voice for the Acadian community.
“Born in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Ms. Maillet had a prolific career as a novelist, a playwright, and a scholar, leaving an indelible mark on Canada’s cultural landscape. Over some fifty works, she brought Acadian stories to the forefront. This included her play La Sagouine, which made her a household name, and her novel Pélagie-la-Charrette, which earned her the 1979 Prix Goncourt – making her only the sixth woman to receive this prestigious French literature award and the first non-European recipient. Ms. Maillet’s work helped foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Acadian culture and earned her widespread recognition. She was a recipient of the Order of New Brunswick, an Officer of the National Order of Quebec, and a Companion of the Order of Canada, among many other accolades.
“Ms. Maillet was also a translator of literary works and a passionate educator, who taught in Canada and abroad, including at the Université de Montréal and the University of California. From 1989 to 2000, she served as Chancellor of the Université de Moncton, where she further helped shine a light on Acadian culture.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my deepest condolences to Ms. Maillet’s family, her friends, and the countless people who were touched by her work. She was a beacon of Acadian pride and resilience, and I know her voice will continue to inspire generations to celebrate the stories that make Canada’s cultural tapestry so rich and diverse.”
