Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the results of the Australian general election
May 18, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the result of the Australian general election:
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the Liberal Party’s leader, Scott Morrison, on his electoral victory. He is now entrusted with the important task of forming the next government of Australia.
“I look forward to working closely with Mr. Morrison to address issues of importance to Canadians and Australians, including promoting free and open global trade, fighting climate change, and eliminating violent extremism.
“Canada and Australia enjoy a lasting friendship built on historic ties and shared values. We are close partners in the Asia-Pacific region, and were among the first countries to adopt the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership—an agreement that is creating good, middle class jobs and new opportunities for people in both our countries.
“Our two countries collaborate closely through organizations like the United Nations, the Commonwealth, the G20, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. We stand united in defense of global institutions, standards, and rules. We are also steadfast partners in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, and in the promotion of greater peace and stability around the world.
“Together, we will make our relationship even stronger, and continue to create new opportunities for Australians and Canadians alike.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on Vesak
May 19, 2019Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Vesak:
“Today, we join Buddhists in Canada and around the world to celebrate Vesak.
“The most important Buddhist festival, Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing into Nirvana of the founder of Buddhism, Gautama Buddha.
“On this occasion, Buddhists visit local temples to pray and offer gifts in respect and gratitude for the Buddha’s life and wisdom. They also reflect on his universal teachings of peace, selfless service, and compassion for others.
“Vesak is an important reminder that we can all put these teachings into practice in our daily lives, and help build a better, more open and inclusive world.
“Today, I invite all Canadians to honour Buddhist communities and their important contributions to our country. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish a peaceful and happy Vesak to all those observing this sacred day.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the 10th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka
May 18, 2019
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka:
“Today marks the 10th anniversary of the end of the armed conflict in Sri Lanka. Over 26 years of war, including during the last phase of the war in Mullivaikal in 2009, tens of thousands of people were killed and hundreds of thousands more displaced and disappeared, leaving lasting wounds in communities across the country.
“Over the past decade, I have met many Tamil-Canadians personally affected by the war. Their stories – of incalculable loss, tremendous adversity, and continued resilience – serve as a stark reminder of the long road ahead to peace and reconciliation.
“I reiterate my call to the Government of Sri Lanka to fulfill its international and domestic commitments to establish a meaningful accountability process that has the trust and confidence of the survivors. Canada continues to offer its full support to the Government of Sri Lanka and all those working toward accountability, justice, peace, and reconciliation on the island.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my deepest sympathies to Tamil-Canadians, and to all those who suffered and lost loved ones during the war. We also pause to remember the many people in Sri Lanka and around the world affected by the devastating terrorist attacks on hotels and churches on Easter Sunday. We will always stand against such acts of hate, and work to make sure everyone can practice their faith in freedom.
“Today, I invite all Canadians to recognize the many contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to our country and the adversity they have overcome.”
Statement by the Prime Minister welcoming the decision by the United States to remove tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum