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Prime Minister concludes official visit to Vietnam

November 9, 2017
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today concluded his visit to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and will now travel to Da Nang, Vietnam, to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting on 
November 10 and 11.

While in Hanoi, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. Together, they announced a comprehensive partnership that will enhance cooperation between Canada and Vietnam, grow both economies, and strengthen the middle class.

During his meetings with Vietnamese leaders, Prime Minister Trudeau emphasized the importance of Canadian values, including respect for human rights, diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. The leaders also explored ways to deepen relations between both countries, increase trade and investment, and bolster our shared prosperity.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Prime Minister Trudeau visited the Stock Exchange, where he participated in a gong ceremony and met with Canadian and Vietnamese business leaders to discuss the benefits of progressive trade. Finally, he spoke to students at Ton Duc Thang University about the value of education, youth empowerment, and the strong educational connections between both countries.

Quote

“I thank Prime Minister Phúc and the people of Vietnam for their warmth and hospitality. I am encouraged by our joint partnership agreement and know it will go a long way in advancing our ongoing dialogue on the promotion and protection of human rights, and creating opportunities for our middle class.”
— Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• Prime Minister Trudeau also met with the President of Vietnam, Trần Đại Quang, the Chair of the National Assembly, Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân, the Chairman of the People’s Committee, Nguyễn Thanh Phong, and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyễn Phú Trọng.
• Discussions with Vietnamese leaders focused on advancing human rights; closer collaboration on areas of mutual interest, including trade and investment; and the important contribution of the large Vietnamese diaspora in Canada to strengthening people-to-people links.
• Canada and Vietnam have strong diplomatic relations that were established in 1973.
• Vietnam is Canada’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region. In 2016, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam totalled $5.5 billion.
• Since 1990, Canada has provided over $1.3 billion to support development and poverty reduction initiatives in Vietnam.
• Approximately 240,000 people of Vietnamese origin call Canada home, and there are more Vietnamese students studying in Canada than from any other country in Southeast Asia.

Associated links

• Canada-Vietnam Relations
• Vietnam Fact Sheet
• Joint Comprehensive Partnership

Prime Minister announces new National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians

November 6, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

Canadians have been clear that they want – and need – our national security and intelligence communities to continue to be responsible and fully respect the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens.

That is why the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the establishment of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, a multi-party committee that includes representatives from both the House of Commons and the Senate.   

The Committee – to be chaired by David McGuinty, Member of Parliament for Ottawa South – will have the authority to review national security and intelligence activities carried out across the Government of Canada. This includes activities undertaken by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the Communications Security Establishment, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canada Border Services Agency, amongst many others. The Committee’s mandate allows an unprecedented level of review and promotes government-wide accountability.

The Committee will provide the Prime Minister with annual reports on its reviews – including any findings and recommendations – that will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament and referred to the appropriate Standing Committees. Special reports may also be issued as needed.

Quote

“The creation of a strong, accountable, and multi-party committee of dedicated parliamentarians will help us ensure that our national security agencies continue to keep Canadians safe in a way that also safeguards our values, rights, and freedoms. This independent group will help strengthen the accountability of our national security and intelligence work. In our system of responsible government, there is no substitute for scrutiny by parliamentarians.”

—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• The members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians will include:
  • Gordon Brown, Conservative
  • The Honourable Tony Clement, P.C., Conservative
  • The Honourable Percy E. Downe, Senate
  • Emmanuel Dubourg, Liberal
  • The Honourable Hedy Fry, P.C., Liberal
  • Gudie Hutchings, Liberal
  • The Honourable Frances Lankin, P.C., C.M., Senate
  • David J. McGuinty, Liberal (Chair)
  • Murray Rankin, NDP
  • Brenda Shanahan, Liberal
  • The Honourable Vernon White, Senate
• The Committee will be supported by an independent Secretariat that will be led by an Executive Director to be appointed in the near future.
• The Prime Minister also intends to recommend to the Governor General the appointment of Mr. David McGuinty to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.
• The Committee is created under the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, which received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017.
• The creation of a committee of parliamentarians to review government departments and agencies with national security responsibilities was also a commitment set out in the mandate letters of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Associated Links

• Leader of the Government in the House of Commons mandate letter
• Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness mandate letter
• National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act