CANADA interesting latest

Governor General to travel to Thailand for the Royal Cremation of King Bhumibol

October 19, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, will travel to Bangkok, Thailand as Canada’s official representative at the Royal Cremation of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand on October 26, 2017.

The Royal Cremation of King Bhumibol follows one year of official mourning since his passing last year at the age of 88.

Under King Bhumibol’s rule, our two countries became closer partners and our people-to-people connections grew stronger. Canada firmly believes that our long-term relationship must be built on the fundamental values of democracy and respect for human rights.‎

Quote

“During his remarkable seventy-year reign, King Bhumibol devoted himself to improving the lives of the Thai people and was a true partner for Canada. On behalf of all Canadians, the Governor General will pay respects to this historic leader.”
— Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• King Bhumibol made a Royal Visit to Canada in 1967, along with Her Majesty Queen Sirikit of the Kingdom of Thailand, for the centennial anniversary of Confederation and Montreal Expo ‘67.
• The last meeting between a Canadian Prime Minister and King Bhumibol occurred during Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s visit to Thailand in 1997.
• People-to-people connections between Canada and Thailand are strong. Approximately 18,600 Thais visited Canada in 2016 for tourism, study, or employment purposes. An estimated 6,000 Canadians reside in Thailand and more than 250,000 Canadians visited Thailand as tourists in 2016. 
• Canada’s first Ambassador to Thailand was appointed in 1961 and the first resident Ambassador established the Embassy of Canada in Bangkok in 1967. Today Thailand is also represented by the Royal Thai Embassy in Ottawa, a Consulate-General in Vancouver, and honorary Consulates-General in Edmonton, Toronto, and Montréal.
• Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of Michael Pitfield
  
  October 19, 2017
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of former Senator and Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Pitfield:
  “I learned with great sadness today that one of Canada’s most devoted and longest-serving public servants has passed away.
  “Michael joined the public service in 1959. Over the next fifty years, he would serve Canadians in a variety of roles, most notably as Secretary to the Cabinet, as Clerk to the Privy Council, and as the Senator for Ottawa-Vanier. He remains the youngest ever Canadian to lead the public service.
  “His contributions to Canadian public life are far-reaching and enduring. Throughout his career, Michael challenged the status quo, knowing Canadians could be better served by their federal government and public service. He oversaw the introduction of new Cabinet committee systems and government processes, many of which continue to shape government decision-making today. He also helped lay the foundation for a more efficient, modern public service – now considered the best in the world.
  “Michael played a pivotal role in the patriation of the Constitution and the establishment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. He was a tireless advocate of bilingualism and national unity whose leadership helped bring us closer as a country and make our democracy uniquely our own.
  “On a personal level, I will remember Michael as a family friend, who was especially dear to my father and our family.
  “In 1982, Michael joined the Senate of Canada, sitting as an independent until his retirement in 2010. In recognition of his work, he was appointed Federal Queen’s Counsel, Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, and made a member of the Queen’s Privy Council.
  “On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to his three children, Caroline, Tom, and Kate, and to all of Michael’s family and friends.”
• Statement by the Prime Minister on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas
  
  October 19, 2017
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas:
  “Today Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist communities in Canada and around the world celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. It is a time to celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and the power of knowledge and hope to dispel ignorance and despair.
  “Diwali brings people together from diverse communities in a spirit of respect and inclusion. This year’s celebration feels especially meaningful, on the 150^th anniversary of Confederation and the 35^th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  “Diversity is our greatest strength. Today, let us take the time to recognize the invaluable contributions that Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist Canadians make to our country every day.
  “On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish a joyful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas to all those celebrating.”
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