CANADA interesting latest

Prime Minister Trudeau welcomes upcoming Canada-China Year of Tourism

December 4, 2017
Beijing, China 

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today visited the headquarters of a top online media company in Beijing, China – Sina Weibo – where he promoted Canada as a premier destination for Chinese tourists. Joined by Chinese youth, he also highlighted the celebrations that will be held in both countries during the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism.

Canada and China enjoy strong and longstanding cultural and people-to-people ties. Growing tourism between our two countries will deepen our commercial relationship and create good, well-paying jobs for Canadians while growing our middle class for years to come.

Our government is working closely with Canadian businesses and communities to ensure they are prepared to welcome an increased number of Chinese tourists during the Canada-China Year of Tourism and beyond.

Events and celebrations that showcase Canadian and Chinese cultures will be held in both countries next year. The Prime Minister also announced that Canada will host the Canada-China Year of Tourism closing ceremonies next fall in China and that China will host the opening ceremonies next spring in Canada.

Quotes

“The Canada-China Year of Tourism is an exceptional opportunity to strengthen the people-to-people connections between our two countries and celebrate the best that Canada and China offer the world. It will grow our tourism sector, which means more middle class jobs for Canadians and better economic growth for communities across the country.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Canada and China are united by strong people-to-people ties and a long history of cooperation. I am happy to join Prime Minister Trudeau and my colleagues today to announce the next steps on the Canada-China Year of Tourism, which will offer a unique opportunity to share our respective rich cultures, amazing attractions and unforgettable experiences. We are committed to working together with our Chinese partners to create memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back to Canada time and again.”
— The Hon. Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

  Quick facts

• China is one of Canada’s fastest-growing tourism markets and our third-largest source of tourism. Nearly 610,000 Chinese tourists visited Canada in 2016, an increase of more than 20% on average each year since 2011, and spent an estimated $1.25 billion. That number is expected to grow significantly over the next four years.
• Canada’s tourism industry is a key economic driver, and employs one in ten Canadians.
• Over five per cent of Canada's population has Chinese ancestry, and Mandarin and Cantonese are Canada's third and fourth most widely spoken languages.

Related products

• Prime Minister to strengthen bilateral and commercial ties on trip to China
• 2018 will be the year of Canada­­–China tourism

Associated links

• Canada-China Relations

Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a time to celebrate the contributions that people with disabilities make to our country and our world. It is also an opportunity to learn about what we can do so that everyone is able to fully participate in our communities and workplaces without barriers.

“This year’s theme – Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all – reminds us that resilient societies are inclusive societies. We must acknowledge the leadership of people with disabilities, and work with them to address the challenges they face and to achieve the goals laid out in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“While our country has made important progress toward advancing the rights of people with disabilities, Canada must continue to show leadership and actively promote diversity, equality, and inclusion – here at home and abroad. That is why we are investing in programs like the 2017 Enabling Accessibility Fund, which will help enhance and ensure greater accessibility and opportunities for people with disabilities in our communities, schools, workplaces, sport facilities, and beyond.

“Our Government is committed to helping Canadians with disabilities or functional limitations fully participate in their workplaces and communities. From July 2016 to February 2017, we consulted with people across the country on planned accessibility legislation. We will use this feedback as we move toward tabling this legislation in early 2018.

“This year, the 150^th anniversary of Confederation reminded us that our diversity that is our greatest strength. All of us benefit when everyone’s rights are protected – and each one of us has a role to play to make inclusion a reality.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to join me in celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Not just today, but throughout the year, I urge you to take action and help create a truly accessible, just, and inclusive world for all.”

Reminder - Itinerary for December 3 to 5 2017

December 2, 2017
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Sunday, December 3, 2017:

All times local.

Beijing, China

7:20 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in Beijing, China.

VIP Terminal
Beijing Capital International Airport

Note for media:

• Photo opportunity upon arrival

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Monday, December 4, 2017:

9 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an event promoting Canada-China tourism at the Sina Weibo Headquarters with the Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Bardish Chagger. He will deliver remarks and participate in an armchair discussion.

Atrium, Ground Floor
No. 8 Sina Plaza, Courtyard 10, The West
Xibeiwang E.R., Haidian District

Note for media:

• Open coverage

4:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an official welcoming ceremony.

North Hall, 1^st floor
Great Hall of the People

Note for media:

• Open coverage

4:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Li Keqiang.

East Hall, 1^st floor
Great Hall of the People

Note for media:

• Photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

5:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a signing ceremony.

Hebei Room, 1^st floor
Great Hall of the People

Note for media:

• Open coverage

6 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a joint media availability with the Premier of the People’s Republic of China.

Taiwan Room, 1^st floor
Great Hall of the People

Note for media:

• Open coverage

6:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a dinner given by the Premier of the People’s Republic of China.

Golden Hall, 3^rd floor
Great Hall of the People

Note for media:

• Official photographers only

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Tuesday, December 5, 2017:

8:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a roundtable with participants of the Educating Girls of Rural China program.

Tang IV Room, 3^rd floor
Four Seasons Hotel
48 Liangmaqiao Road

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

10 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a roundtable with Canadian and Chinese business executives.

Beijing Ballroom I & II, 3^rd floor
Four Seasons Hotel
48 Liangmaqiao Road

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity

12:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.

Beijing Ballroom I, 3^rd floor
Four Seasons Hotel
48 Liangmaqiao Road

Note for media:

• Open coverage

4 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhang Dejiang.

Reception Hall, 1^st floor
Great Hall of the People

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

5 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the People’s Republic of China, Xi Jinping.

Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

Note for media:

• Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting

6 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a dinner given by the President of the People’s Republic of China.

Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

Note for media:

• Official photographers only

• Itinerary for December 5 to 7 2017
  
  December 4, 2017
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  

  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Tuesday, December 5, 2017:

  All times local.
  Guangzhou, China
  10:40 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in Guangzhou, China.
  Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
  Note for media:
  • Photo opportunity upon arrival

  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Wednesday, December 6, 2017:

  9:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yang.
  Bai Yun Room, 1^st Floor
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  10 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Fortune Global Forum opening ceremony and special session.
  Pearl River Ballroom, Ground Floor
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Open coverage for Fortune Global Forum (FGF) accredited media
  10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at the Fortune Global Forum.
  Pearl River Ballroom, Ground Floor
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
  12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Executive Chairman of the Ford Motor Company, William Ford Jr.
  
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  1 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma.
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  2 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, Henry Kravis.
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chairman of Midea Group, Paul Fang.
  Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  4 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Party Secretary of Guangdong province, Li Xi.  
  Foreign Affairs Club, Shamian Island
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  6 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a commemorative ceremony for the victims of the École Polytechnique de Montréal.
  Consulate General of Canada
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity

  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Thursday, December 7, 2017:

  8:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will visit the Chen Clan Academy. 
  Consulate General of Canada
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity
  10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an armchair discussion at the Fortune Global Forum entitled “Global Leadership: The View from Canada,” moderated by Nancy Gibbs.  
  Guangzhou Ballroom, 3^rd Floor
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
  11:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.  
  Auditorium, 3^rd Floor
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
  12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President and CEO of Konica Minolta, Shoei Yamana. 
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  1 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chairman and CEO of Baxter International, Joe Almeida.
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the CEO of Cisco Systems, Charles Robbins. 
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting