February 26, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met virtually with Canada’s premiers to discuss Canada-U.S. relations and Canada’s fight against fentanyl. The Prime Minister was joined by the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, the Minister of Public Safety, David J. McGuinty, and Canada’s Fentanyl Czar, Kevin Brosseau. The Prime Minister and the premiers welcomed the new Premier of Prince Edward Island, Rob Lantz, to the First Ministers’ table and thanked the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, for his contributions.
Minister McGuinty provided an update on Canada’s fight against fentanyl, noting progress on the ongoing implementation of Canada’s Border Plan as well as his and Mr. Brosseau’s recent conversations with counterparts in the U.S. He highlighted concrete actions Canada has taken to detect, disrupt, and dismantle the fentanyl trade and protect our communities, including by adding new and expanded detection and interdiction capacity at border entries. Canada’s Border Plan also includes working with provinces, territories, and local law enforcement to create three regional hubs that bring federal, provincial, and local law enforcement officers together to support and focus enforcement capacity and intercept organized crime and illegal drugs faster. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the federal government will strengthen its efforts to eradicate this deadly substance from our communities.
First Ministers discussed the ongoing threat of unjustified U.S. tariffs, and they expressed their unanimous opposition to any tariffs on Canadian goods, including aluminum and steel. The Prime Minister stated that he remains hopeful that tariffs will not be imposed, but he reiterated that Canada stands ready to respond if needed.
The Prime Minister thanked the premiers for their ongoing engagement and contributions as part of a Team Canada approach. Federal, provincial, and territorial leaders noted that tariff-free trade between Canada and the U.S. has lowered prices, created jobs, generated economic growth, and increased the standard of living for Canadians and Americans alike. The Prime Minister and the premiers reiterated their commitment to preventing the U.S. from imposing any tariffs on Canadian goods and to removing barriers to internal trade and labour mobility within Canada.
The Prime Minister and the premiers agreed to remain united and in close contact as they confront threats to Canadian jobs and prosperity.
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
- First Ministers’ statement on the Canada-United States relationship
February 26, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Montréal, Quebec
The Prime Minister will make an announcement. He will be joined by the President of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, Olayuk Akesuk, and the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed. A media availability will follow.
Notes for media:
Open coverage
- Media interested in participating can contact media@pmo-cpm.gc.ca for details.
February 26, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Mahashivratri:
“Tonight, on the eve of the new moon, Hindu communities across Canada and around the world will celebrate Mahashivratri, also known as the Great Night of Shiva.
“One of the most important Hindu festivals, Mahashivratri is a time of reflection and new beginnings. The festival brings families, friends, and communities together to signify the triumph of light over darkness and the pursuit of a better, brighter future.
“Canada is proud to be home to a vibrant Hindu community. On this special occasion, I encourage Canadians to learn more about Mahashivratri as well as the contributions of Canadians of Hindu faith.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish a happy Mahashivratri to those celebrating.”
February 25, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his solidarity with President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine on the three-year mark since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The two leaders discussed the need for a just and sustainable peace, which can only be achieved with Ukraine at the table.
The Prime Minister reiterated Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine, including through the continued provision of military, economic, and financial assistance. They highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Canada and Ukraine, and they agreed to remain in close contact.
Associated Links
February 24, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer.
In the context of Canada’s G7 Presidency, Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer discussed G7 co-operation in addressing common global challenges. The leaders discussed their support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of working toward a just and lasting peace.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the close collaboration between Canada and the United Kingdom on a number of shared priorities. They agreed to stay in close contact.
Associated Links
- Canada-United Kingdom relations
- Canada’s 2025 G7 Presidency
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer
February 24, 2025
Kyiv, Ukraine
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, in Kyiv, Ukraine, where they joined other world leaders to mark three years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The prime ministers discussed their unwavering support for a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, stressing that any peaceful end to the conflict must include Ukraine at the negotiating table. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that Ukraine’s long-term interests and security must be guaranteed as part of any outcome of negotiations.
The leaders also shared their concern over the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, including the Maduro regime’s persistent disregard for the principles of democratic governance, rule of law, and human rights.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Sánchez agreed to stay in touch and to continue working together on shared priorities, including in the areas of climate action and multilateralism.
Associated Links
- Canada-Spain relations
- Canada’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
- A just and lasting peace for Ukraine
- Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on the situation in Venezuela
February 24, 2025
Kyiv, Ukraine
Three years ago today, Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has left hundreds of thousands dead and forced millions to flee. In the face of unimaginable hardship, Ukrainians have persevered and have fought for freedom and democracy. Canada has supported and will continue to support Ukraine in achieving just and lasting peace.
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, visited Kyiv today to reaffirm Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
During this visit, the Prime Minister highlighted the recent conclusion of negotiations between Canada and Ukraine on the terms of Canada’s $5 billion contribution to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans mechanism. Canada will disburse the first half of its contribution, totalling $2.5 billion, in the coming days, with the remainder to follow soon. Announced last year at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, the ERA Loans will bring forward the future revenues from frozen Russian sovereign assets. This initiative will provide Ukraine with approximately $69 billion (US$50 billion).
To maintain pressure on Russia, Prime Minister Trudeau announced new sanctions targeting 76 individuals and entities providing support for the Kremlin’s military industrial base, involved in the unlawful deportation or forced transfer of Ukrainian children, or supporting the Kremlin’s information operations capabilities, as well as senior Russian government officials and oligarchs who support Putin’s regime. In total, Canada has sanctioned more than 3,000 individuals and entities who are complicit in the violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and in gross and systematic human rights violations. The Prime Minister also announced that Canada is taking action against Russia’s shadow fleet by sanctioning 109 vessels based on their involvement in the transfer of sanctioned goods, including hydrocarbons whose revenue fuels Russia’s war machine.
In response to Russia’s renewed attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which have left millions of civilians deprived of electricity, water, and heat, the Prime Minister also announced a $50 million contribution to help support Ukraine’s urgent efforts to repair and replace damaged energy equipment and critical infrastructure, in partnership with the Energy Community Secretariat. This builds on the $20 million in funding Canada announced last year in support of this initiative at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, in Lucerne, Switzerland.
During a bilateral meeting with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Trudeau noted progress on Canada’s assistance commitments, including the delivery of military training and critical equipment, such as armoured combat vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition, and F-16 landing systems and simulators.
Building on the $3.02 billion announced in the Agreement on Security Cooperation between Canada and Ukraine last year, the Prime Minister announced that $40 million of the total $3.02 billion in funding will be allocated to deliver urgently needed capabilities to the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the Danish Model and another $15 million toward supporting Canadian companies seeking to operate and invest in Ukraine’s defence sector.
The Prime Minister announced new assistance measures for Ukraine totalling $118.5 million, including:
- $92.3 million in development assistance to strengthen local community building, support small-scale livelihood recovery projects that address community needs, reduce poverty and break down barriers to women’s full participation, address food security issues, and support the return of deported children and missing persons by improving the resilience of Ukraine’s government, communities, civil society, and private sector.
- $14 million in humanitarian assistance, including for the provision of food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene services, and mental health and psycho-social support to those in need.
- $8 million for weapons threat reduction to provide critical personal protective equipment to Ukrainians facing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, and to strengthen nuclear security in the country.
- $4.25 million to support peace and stabilization operations, including assisting regional women’s rights organizations and ensuring representatives from civil society and media can work safely.
- $82,000 for local initiatives that will support the physical and mental health of former Ukrainian prisoners of war.
In total, Canada has committed over $19.7 billion in multifaceted assistance for Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
In Kyiv, Prime Minister Trudeau joined President Zelenskyy and international partners to discuss the situation on the ground as well as Ukraine’s needs for military, financial, humanitarian, recovery, and other assistance. During a plenary session on the theme of “Defence and Security Strategy of Unity: Action Plan”, he delivered remarks commending the Ukrainian people for their bravery and resilience in the face of unjustified and brutal violence. He reaffirmed Canada’s position as an unshakeable ally who will continue to work with partners around the world to provide Ukraine with security and defence support – allowing it to recover, rebuild, and prosper.
The Prime Minister also convened his G7 counterparts and President Zelenskyy for a hybrid meeting to further discuss support for Ukraine. He underlined the importance of G7 unity in supporting a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as well as Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic recovery, noting that these would be priorities for Canada throughout our G7 Presidency this year.
The Prime Minister also attended a candle-lighting ceremony where he paid tribute to all those whose lives have been lost since the start of Russia’s aggression. Throughout his visit, he reiterated that Canada will always stand with Ukrainians as they continue to fight for freedom, justice, and democracy. We will defend a future for Ukraine that’s written by Ukrainians. We will defend a Ukraine that is strong and free. And we will be with Ukraine in this fight until a just and lasting peace is reached.
Quotes
“For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience against Russia’s brutal war of aggression. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Today, in Kyiv, my message to Ukraine and Ukrainians is loud and clear: Canada will continue to stand with you in achieving just and lasting peace. We are strengthening our commitments, providing additional support, and working with our partners to secure peace and freedom for Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“Canada remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and will continue to leverage sanctions to weaken Russia’s ability to wage its illegal war. By targeting its military-industrial base, exposing those responsible for crimes and abuses in occupied Ukrainian territories, and disrupting the oligarchs’ confidants and shadow fleet supporting the Russian regime, we are holding Russia accountable. For three years, Canada has stood with Ukraine, and we will stand by its side for as long as it takes.”
— The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
“Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, Canada has stood with the Ukrainian people. We remain unwavering in our commitment to continue providing Ukraine with critical military assistance to defend itself against Russia’s brutal aggression. Together with our Allies and partners, we will ensure Ukraine has the support it needs in the fight to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
— The Hon. Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
Quick Facts
- This was Prime Minister Trudeau’s fourth visit to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022. For this visit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair.
- In Ukraine, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez.
- During his visit, the Prime Minister also welcomed a new partnership with the NATO Science for Peace and Security project through which Natural Resources Canada will receive $2.1 million in funding to help create tools, establish key performance indicators, and identify opportunities for the reduction of fossil fuel dependency in military operations.
- The sanctions announced today against Russia’s shadow fleet include 92 oil tankers involved in transferring Russian oil to third countries, nine liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers involved in transferring Russian LNG to third countries, and eight vessels involved in moving arms and related material to Russia from Iran and North Korea. Canada is also adopting new measures that will prohibit a wider range of sensitive goods and technologies from being exported from Canada to Russia.
- The measures announced today build on other recent announcements, including:
- Providing $440 million in military assistance for Ukraine, including funding for the procurement and delivery of large-calibre ammunition and various calibres of ammunition from Canadian industry, the production of military drones by Ukraine’s domestic defence industry, the delivery of high-resolution drone cameras, and the donation of winter gear, such as sleeping bags and winter boots.
- Providing $15 million in funding to the Innovative Mine Action for Community Recovery in Ukraine project, to help enhance Ukraine’s national mine action capacity, reduce the threat of explosive ordinance, and promote economic recovery. Canada also announced $2.2 million for the Cybersecurity Assistance Project, to provide essential cybersecurity support services, equipment, and training urgently needed by Ukraine to combat malicious cyber activities.
- Marking the first anniversary of the launch of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which 41 states and the Council of Europe have joined in a collective commitment to bringing Ukrainian children home. With the help of Coalition Member States and other key international partners, Ukraine has successfully facilitated the safe return of nearly 600 children since the launch of the Coalition, and over 1000 to date. The Coalition is co-led by Canada and Ukraine.
- Signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Canada and Ukraine to share information and expertise that will help members of Ukraine’s security and defence forces and their families have access to resources to transition to life after service.
- Since the beginning of 2022, Canada has committed $19.7 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine. This includes:
- Over $12.4 billion in direct financial assistance, the highest in the G7 on a per capita basis.
- $4.5 billion in military assistance, such as M777 howitzers, Leopard 2 main battle tanks, armoured combat support vehicles, hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition, high-resolution drone cameras, thermal clothing, body armour, fuel, and more.
- Over $529 million in development assistance, including support to Ukraine’s energy system.
- $372.2 million in humanitarian assistance, including support for emergency health interventions, protection services, and essentials such as shelter, water, sanitation, and food. Programming also addresses child protection, mental health support, and prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence.
- Nearly $225 million in security and stabilization assistance.
- In Kyiv, the Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing work of members of the Canadian Armed Forces in the United Kingdom and Poland under Operation UNIFIER. Since 2015, they have provided training on a range of military skills to over 40,000 Ukrainian troops. He noted that Canada continues to engage closely with Ukraine, Allies, and partners on how best to enhance support through Operation UNIFIER to help Ukraine defend itself.
- Last year, on February 24, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Zelenskyy signed the historic Agreement on Security Cooperation between Canada and Ukraine, establishing a new strategic security partnership between our two countries. This included $3.02 billion in critical financial and military support to Ukraine for 2024.
- As part of the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, the federal government announced last year its intention to double down on our efforts to support Ukraine, including through proposed legislative changes that will ensure profits from frozen Russian assets are used to rebuild Ukraine.
- Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Canada has welcomed more than 220,000 Ukrainians. We are helping Ukrainian families find a safe, temporary home and have put support services in place for their arrival. This includes temporary financial assistance and access to federally funded settlement services, such as language training and employment-related services.
- Canada and Ukraine have long been steadfast partners and close friends. In 1991, Canada became the first Western country to recognize Ukraine’s independence. Today, 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent call Canada home – the largest Ukrainian diaspora in the Western world. In 2022, total bilateral trade between our two countries was valued at over $421 million.
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February 24, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement marking three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine:
“On February 24, 2022, Russia launched an illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing a campaign of unimaginable brutality that has left hundreds of thousands dead. The invasion was an escalation of a war of aggression, an unequivocal violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and an attack against freedom, democracy, and international law, including the United Nations Charter.
“When Putin ordered his tanks across the Ukrainian border, he thought Kyiv would quickly fall and the people of Ukraine would surrender. He was wrong. Three years later, Ukraine stands defiant. Ukrainians are valiantly protecting their territory against relentless Russian attacks. Russian aggression has been met with fierce defence and, winter after winter, the Ukrainian flag flies over Kyiv.
“Ukrainians are continuing to live their lives – united in hope, courage, pride, and an unbreakable love for their country. They are fighting for their families, their land, their heritage, and their identity. They are fighting to ensure that Putin not be rewarded for his unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression. They are fighting to remind the world that democracy and freedom are important enough to die for – and that Ukrainians are strong enough to win.
“That is what is at stake, and that is why Canada stands resolute with Ukraine. Our support includes billions of dollars for equipment and capabilities like multi-mission drones, armoured combat vehicles, small arms, ammunition, F-16 pilot training, and a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System. Under Operation UNIFIER, the Canadian Armed Forces has trained over 44,000 Ukrainian troops since 2015. We have imposed sanctions on the Russian regime as well as its war chest and oligarchs. As part of the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, we proposed legislative changes to ensure profits from frozen Russian assets in Canada are used to rebuild Ukraine. As part of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-led by Canada and Ukraine, we are working with our international partners to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported and illegally transferred by Russia. As G7 President this year, Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and support a just and lasting peace for its people.
“The friendship between Canada and Ukraine runs deep. Ukrainian immigrants arrived on our shores in 1891 and, generation after generation, the community has helped build the Canada we know and love. Today, we are proudly home to 1.3 million people of Ukrainian descent, and over the past three years, Canadians from all walks of life have stood side-by-side with the community – by waving flags and wearing pins; by donating to charities and helping with Ukrainian resettlement efforts; by learning more about Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and, when President Zelenskyy visited Canada in 2023, proudly singing the Ukrainian national anthem right alongside him. To our friends in Ukraine: We stand with you, and our support for your sovereignty is ironclad.
“On this solemn day, we remind ourselves that Ukraine is fighting for freedom, justice, and democracy – values that Canada will always defend. We support a future for Ukraine that’s written by Ukrainians. A future where Ukraine stands strong and free.
“Slava Ukraini!”
