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Statement by the Prime Minister on Raoul Wallenberg Day

January 17, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Raoul Wallenberg Day:

“Today, we pay tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, a humanitarian and hero who saved tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during the Holocaust.

“Working as a Swedish diplomat in Budapest, Mr. Wallenberg issued ‘protective passports’ to thousands of Hungarian Jews. Known as the Schutz-Pass, these documents served as Swedish passports and provided protection from deportation to their bearers.

“Mr. Wallenberg went to great lengths to provide these passports, risking his own life to distribute them. He also created a network of safehouses, soup kitchens, hospitals, and child care centres. Operating under the Swedish flag, these safe havens sheltered Jewish people across the city, protecting the lives of thousands more.

“Toward the end of the war, Mr. Wallenberg tragically disappeared after being taken into Soviet custody. While his fate remains unknown, his legacy lives on in monuments and institutions around the world – and in the stories of those whose lives he saved. In 1985, the Government of Canada made Mr. Wallenberg Canada’s first honorary citizen – and in 2001, it designated January 17 as Raoul Wallenberg Day, in honour of his heroism and courage.

“Mr. Wallenberg’s story is a reminder that one person can make an extraordinary difference in the world. Each one of us has the power, and the responsibility, to fight against injustice and to stand up for what is right. Today, I encourage all Canadians to honour Mr. Wallenberg’s legacy, and use our courage and compassion in the service of others.”

Prime Minister to attend World Economic Forum in Davos

January 16, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Davos, Switzerland, from January 22 to 25, 2018, to attend the World Economic Forum annual meeting.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister will meet with other world leaders, global business leaders, and representatives of civil society to explore ways to grow Canada’s middle class and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses. He will stress the need for investments and innovation as we look to create jobs, develop a well-educated and highly skilled workforce, and promote clean growth and renewable energy.

Prime Minister Trudeau will also discuss Canada’s focus on advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, and hold a public session with Malala Yousafzai to explore how we can create a better future through women’s education and empowerment.  

Quote

“I look forward to this year’s World Economic Forum annual meeting as an opportunity to share and hear ideas on how we can work together to promote women’s important role as leaders and entrepreneurs. We must have the full and equal participation of all to have economies that work for everyone and a future that is fairer, more inclusive, and more compassionate.”
—Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• The World Economic Forum brings together the world’s private, public, and civil society leaders in collaborative activities focused on shaping global, regional, and industry agendas.
• The Prime Minister will be joined in Davos by Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, Minister of Finance Bill Morneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, and Minister of Status of Women Maryam Monsef, each of whom will have their own program of meetings during the four-day meeting. Canada’s strong presence at the Forum underscores the importance of this meeting for shaping the international agenda and advancing economic opportunities for Canadians.
• Under the theme “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World,” this year’s Forum will encourage leaders from all sectors to explore bold ideas and exciting opportunities for collaboration and co-operation with a view to improving global governance and building more sustainable economies that work for everyone.
• In 2013, Malala Yousafzai and Shiza Shahid founded the Malala Fund, an organization that promotes girls' education.

Associated link

• World Economic Forum annual meeting
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The Prime Minister announces the appointment of the Secretary and the Associate Secretary to the Governor General

January 16, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Assunta Di Lorenzo as Secretary to the Governor General. This appointment is effective February 2, 2018.

The Prime Minister also announced the appointment of Marie-Geneviève Mounier as Associate Secretary to the Governor General. This appointment is effective February 14, 2018. 

The Prime Minister took this opportunity to recognize Stephen Wallace, former Secretary to the Governor General, on the occasion of his retirement from the Public Service. He thanked him for his many years of exceptional service to Canadians and his outstanding contributions as Secretary to the Governor General and in leading the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.

Biographical notes

• Assunta Di Lorenzo

Reminder - Itinerary for Wednesday, January 17, 2018

January 16, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Wednesday, January 17, 2018:

Charlevoix, Quebec

6:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the “Charlevoix reconnaît” gala, organized by the Chambre de commerce de Charlevoix, and will deliver remarks.

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
181 rue Richelieu

Notes for media: 

• Open coverage
• Media should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m.

Itinerary for Wednesday, January 17, 2018

January 16, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Wednesday, January 17, 2018:

Charlevoix, Quebec

6:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the “Charlevoix reconnaît” gala, organized by the Chambre de commerce de Charlevoix, and will deliver remarks.

Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
181 rue Richelieu

Notes for media: 

• Open coverage
• Media should arrive no later than 5:30 p.m.