Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statements..

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the death of the Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr.

November 16, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the death of Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr.:

“It was with sadness that I learned today of the death of Senator Tobias C. Enverga Jr., the first Filipino-Canadian appointed to the Senate.

“Senator Enverga served Canadians long before his appointment to the Senate in 2012, and was the first Filipino-Canadian elected to public office in the City of Toronto. He was a tireless advocate for the Filipino community and people with disabilities, and founder of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation.

“As a Senator, he continued to actively promote the values of multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusiveness. He was well respected by colleagues in both Houses of Parliament.

“For his efforts, Senator Enverga was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and recognized by the President of the Philippines with the ‘Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino’ presidential award in 2008.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our sincerest condolences to Senator Enverga’s wife Rosemer; to their three daughters, Rystle, Reeza and Rocel; and to Senator Enverga’s friends and colleagues.”

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Louis Riel Day

November 16, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on Louis Riel Day:

“Today, we commemorate the life of Louis Riel, a fearless Métis leader, politician, and founder of the province of Manitoba.

“Louis Riel was a courageous and impassioned defender of minority rights and a key contributor to Canadian Confederation. Today, we celebrate a man who envisioned – and fought for – a more diverse and more inclusive country.

“Last year, I promised that federal ministers and Métis Nation leaders would work together to advance meaningful reconciliation and solve important challenges. Earlier this year, we took a significant step toward a renewed government-to-government relationship with the signing of the Canada-Métis Nation Accord. This accord is a solid foundation on which to build a new partnership – one based on recognition of rights, respect, and co-operation.

“As we continue our journey of reconciliation, I encourage everyone today to honour the Métis people and recognize their many contributions to Canada.”