The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statements

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada for Persons Day

October 18, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for Persons Day:

“Today, we celebrate Persons Day, a turning point for women’s rights in Canada. On this day in 1929, women were finally recognized as ‘persons’ and won the right to be appointed to the Senate.

“Five determined women from Alberta won this groundbreaking victory that defined the future of our country. Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louise McKinney, and Henrietta Muir Edwards – known as the Famous Five – fought for two years to expand women’s rights and extend the reach of their voices. In its final decision, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of Great Britain, Canada’s highest court of appeal at that time, rightly noted that ‘the exclusion of women from all public offices is a relic of days more barbarous than ours.’ With those words, democracy in Canada took a major step forward.

“The Famous Five were trailblazers for social justice. Their victory was one of many milestones in the push for gender equality and for a more just world. Thanks to their efforts, and to those of many others, we have made important progress – but we have much more work to do to make gender equality a reality in Canada and around the world.

“It is unacceptable that women and girls around the world do not have the same opportunities as men and boys, and struggle to receive the recognition they deserve. All of us benefit when the rights of women and girls are protected, and their voices are heard – and each of us has a role to play to build a truly gender equal world.

“That is why gender equality is a priority that drives all of our actions as a Government. It is why we are working to strengthen women’s leadership in our own Cabinet and our appointment process, while facilitating new opportunities more broadly in business and government. It is why we have committed to implement pay equity legislation, and why we have made empowering women and girls the focus of our international assistance policy. Women’s voices matter, women’s rights are human rights, and all of us are affected by the challenges we face as a world. To meet those challenges, we must ensure that all people – no matter their gender identity – feel empowered to speak up and be active in all areas of our society.

“On Persons Day, we pay tribute to five women who fought to make us a more inclusive and equal country. Their work paved the way for subsequent generations to continue their push for equality and justice. It is up to all of us, no matter our gender identity, to carry on their important work and make gender equality a reality in Canada and around the world.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on Global Dignity Day

October 18, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark Global Dignity Day in Canada:

“Today, students across Canada and around the world will gather to mark Global Dignity Day.

“Every person has the potential to transform the world around them for the better. No matter our age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background, we all deserve to lead a dignified life.   

“The Global Dignity movement inspires young people to be their best selves, and reminds us all of our value, worth, and potential. The challenges we face as individuals are as unique as we are. Today is an opportunity to celebrate those who stand up for their rights and convictions, despite these challenges and because of them.

“Young people everywhere are making a difference. They are willing to lead, and as courageous as they are curious. Their passion and openness push us further and faster on the path toward a more just, equal, and sustainable world.

“As one of Global Dignity’s National Role Models, I encourage Canadians to promote dignity for all, not only today, but every day. As the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, ‘recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.’

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to participate in Global Dignity Day events across the country. I thank the Global Dignity Organization and its partners for organizing this special day and congratulate everyone involved.”

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of Gord Downie

October 18, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Gord Downie:

“For almost five decades, Gord Downie uncovered and told the stories of Canada. He was the frontman of one of Canada’s most iconic bands, a rock star, artist, and poet whose evocative lyrics came to define a country.

“The Tragically Hip’s music invited us to explore places we had never been – from Mistaken Point to Churchill – and helped us understand each other, while capturing the complexity and vastness of the place we call home.

“Gord’s command of language was profound. He painted landscapes with his words, elevating Canadian geography, historical figures, and myths. When he spoke, he gave us goosebumps and made us proud to be Canadian. Our identity and culture are richer because of his music, which was always raw and honest – like Gord himself.

“In the wake of his diagnosis, Gord only fought harder for what he believed in: social justice, environmentalism, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Before passing, he shined his light on the story of 12-year-old Chanie Wenjack who died from hunger and exposure after trying to find his way home from a residential school. For his work raising awareness of Indigenous issues, he was inducted as a member of the Order of Canada in 2017.

“Gord did not rest from working for the issues he cared about, and his commitment and passion will continue to motivate Canadians for years to come.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to Gord’s family, friends, bandmates and crew members, and his many, many fans. He will be sorely missed.”