September 27, 2022
Stanley Bridge, Prince Edward Island
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Lawrence MacAulay met with Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King to discuss the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona on the province, its residents, and people across the Atlantic region and Eastern Quebec.
The leaders explored ways the federal and provincial governments would continue to work together to support Islanders. The Premier noted that power outages remain a concern for many people and businesses in the province, and that key infrastructure, including schools and small craft harbours, are significantly affected. The Prime Minister highlighted federal support programs available to help with recovery efforts and rebuild communities. The leaders discussed the particular challenges for the province’s important fishing and agriculture industries, which could have longer-term impacts on harvests, and agreed to work together on a path forward to support industry and workers.
The Prime Minister reiterated the commitment of the federal government to keep working with provincial and municipal partners and local First Nations communities to provide support in areas affected by the hurricane. The Prime Minister and the Premier recognized the work of first responders and emergency relief organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross, in providing support to impacted communities. The two leaders also thanked Canadian Armed Forces personnel who have been providing support to provincial and municipal officials and to people in the province.
The leaders agreed to stay in close contact as recovery efforts continue.
Associated Links
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the Incident Response Group to discuss Hurricane Fiona
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convenes the second Incident Response Group meeting to discuss Hurricane Fiona
- Government of Canada and Canadian Red Cross establish donation-matching program to support Canadians impacted by Hurricane Fiona
- Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA)
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King
September 28, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Safe Abortion Day:
“Today, on International Safe Abortion Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to upholding a woman’s fundamental right to choose. No one should ever be forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy, and the Government of Canada is unequivocal in that pursuit.
“Here in Canada, we have had access to safe and legal abortions for almost 35 years thanks to decades of hard-fought activism. Abortion is covered under our universal health care system. But there is still more work to be done to improve accessibility, particularly in rural and remote communities. In May, the Government of Canada announced funding to support civil society organizations, such as Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and the National Abortion Federation Canada, to strengthen access to safe and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services, including by offering financial assistance to cover travel costs for those seeking an abortion and training for health care providers offering abortion services.
“Abortions are an essential health service which, when performed following medical guidelines, are safe. Unfortunately, nearly half of all abortions performed worldwide are unsafe and these unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal deaths. Tragic and preventable deaths will continue for as long as women are denied the right to make choices for their own bodies. That’s why we’re helping to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in developing countries, with funding to improve access to safe abortions, post-abortion care, and family planning.
“Today, we reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still needs to be done to ensure everyone has access to a safe abortion, including standing up to those who want to take us backwards. To those at home and around the world continuing to fight for their safety and their bodily autonomy: know that we will always stand up for your right to choose.”