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Statement by the Prime Minister on the 100th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Passchendaele

November 10, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 100^th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Passchendaele:

“Today, we mark the 100^th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Passchendaele. On this solemn anniversary, we honour the thousands of Canadians who fought and died there, and pay tribute to their great courage and sacrifice.

“The Battle of Passchendaele has come to be a symbol of the worst horrors of the First World War. It began in the summer of 1917, as Allied soldiers sought to open a path through Western Belgium to coastal enemy bases. For months, Allies and enemies alike fought in conditions many described as a living hell; a landscape already broken by years of warfare; mud that swallowed men and horses, but refused to bury the dead.

“The Canadians joined the battle in October of that year. For weeks, they endured incessant rain and shellfire – but by mid-November, they had taken the ridge.

“Our soldiers fought an impossible fight with perseverance, valour, and commitment to a greater cause. Nine Canadians would earn the Victoria Cross for their bravery. Yet the battle came at a devastating cost. 16,000 Canadians were killed or wounded – and thousands of families forever changed.

“On this solemn anniversary, we honour the great heroism and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Passchendaele. Tomorrow, please pause to remember and honour those who have served, and continue to serve, so that we may live in peace.

“Lest we forget.”

Update - Itinerary for November 10 and 11, 2017

November 9, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Friday, November 10, 2017:

All times local.

Da Nang, Vietnam

10:25 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in Da Nang, Vietnam.

Da Nang International Airport

Note for media:

• Photo opportunity upon arrival

12:50 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the United Mexican States, Enrique Peña Nieto.

Bilateral Room #4, 2^nd Floor
Furama Resort Da Nang

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

1:15 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe.

Bilateral Room #4, 2^nd Floor
Furama Resort Da Nang

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

1:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the TPP-11 Leaders’ Meeting.

Quang Nam Room, Ground Floor
Furama Resort Da Nang

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

2:55 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg‎.

Bilateral Room #4, 2^nd Floor
Furama Resort Da Nang

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

3:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the State Counsellor of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi.

Bilateral Room #4, 2^nd Floor
Furama Resort Da Nang

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

4:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an informal dialogue with ASEAN Leaders.

Ocean Room, 2^nd Floor
Furama Resort Da Nang

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

7:20 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Official Welcoming of APEC Leaders.

Pre-Function Hall, Ground Floor
Sheraton Da Nang Resort

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

7:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an APEC Leaders’ Official Photograph.

Pre-Function Hall, Ground Floor
Sheraton Da Nang Resort

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

8 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the APEC Leaders’ Official Dinner given by the President of Vietnam and Madam Nguyen Thi Hien.

Grand Ballroom, 2^nd Floor
Sheraton Da Nang Resort

Closed to media

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Saturday, November 11, 2017:

9:05 a.m. The Prime Minister will be greeted by the President of Vietnam.

InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort

Note for media:

• Host broadcaster and pooled photo opportunity

9:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Leaders’ Retreat I.

Ha Noi Hall, Ground Floor
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort

Note for media:

• Host broadcaster and pooled photo opportunity

11:35 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an APEC Leaders’ Official Photograph.

Ocean View Garden
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort

Note for media:

• Host broadcaster and pooled photo opportunity

11:50 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the APEC Leaders’ Working Luncheon.

Citron Restaurant, Ground Floor
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort

Closed to media

1:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Leaders’ Retreat II.

Ha Noi Hall, Ground Floor
InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort

Closed to media

3:50 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the APEC Adjourning Ceremony.

InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort

Closed to media

5 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.

Press Briefing Room 1, 3^rd Floor
International Media Centre

Note for media:

• Open coverage

6:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a Ceremony of Remembrance.

Meliá Danang Hotel

Note for media:

• Open coverage