CANADA latest

Statement by the Prime Minister on Easter

April 1, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Easter:

“This weekend, I join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate Easter.

“Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time of renewal, and a chance to appreciate the present – whether by going to church, watching kids hunt for Easter eggs, or coming together around the table.

“On this occasion, we also take time to reflect on the Easter message of love and hope. The story of the resurrection embodies the meaning of compassion. It challenges us to put into practice what it means to love our neighbours as ourselves – not just today, but every day.

“For our family, Easter is a chance to celebrate along with Christians across the country. Christians have made foundational contributions to Canada, and Christian Canadians of all backgrounds continue to shape our country’s future for the better.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish joy and renewal to all those celebrating Easter.”

Statement by the Prime Minister on Passover

March 30, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the occasion of Passover:

“Tonight at sundown, Jewish communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of Passover.

“Over the next eight days, families and loved ones will gather around the Seder table to share festive meals and wine, read from the Haggadah, and recite the four questions in celebration of freedom.

“Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It celebrates the power of faith, the triumph of freedom over bondage, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.

“For all of us, the Passover story is a call to action. The story of the Israelites reminds us that with courage and determination, each one of us has the power to be a voice for justice and a force for freedom.

“On Passover, we also celebrate Canada’s Jewish community and the significant contributions Jewish Canadians make to our country. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to stand against anti-Semitism, oppression, and hatred in all its forms – and to work to build a better world for all.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I wish health, joy, and happiness to everyone marking Passover.

“Chag Pesach Sameach!”

Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee makes progress on shared priorities

March 29, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today participated in the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee meeting to review progress made since the Committee was formed last year and to discuss what actions need to be taken to advance our shared commitment to reconciliation.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister and Inuit leaders reflected on the important progress made to strengthen the Inuit-Crown relationship and to address key social, economic, cultural, and environmental issues together. These accomplishments include:

• Long-term funding to support housing in Nunavut and an Inuit-led housing plan in the Inuit regions of Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and Inuvialuit Settlement Region.
• A commitment to eliminate tuberculosis across Inuit Nunangat by 2030, and to reduce active tuberculosis by at least 50 per cent by 2025.
• Progress on an Inuit early learning and child care framework, which would reflect the distinct needs and priorities of Inuit children and families.
• Progress toward a new Arctic Policy Framework, including infrastructure and related needs, which will ensure that Inuit Nunangat residents and governments are at the forefront of decisions about the future of their region.

The leaders discussed how to build on the momentum of the past year to further advance important priorities and policies. The Committee agreed to keep working on the seven priorities established last year and to add environment and climate change as a new one. The focus of this new priority will be on Indigenous protected and conserved areas, the Indigenous Guardians Program, and taking action on climate change. The leaders also acknowledged that the full implementation of the Inuit-Crown land claims agreements and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are key components to reconciliation. In addition, the leaders committed to continue to advance language rights for Inuit as another fundamental component of reconciliation.

The work of the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee is a reflection of our shared commitment to a renewed Inuit-Crown relationship and to reconciliation based on recognition and respect for Inuit as first Canadians, Canadians first.

Quotes

“Today’s meeting with Inuit leaders was productive and encouraging. Important work has been done over the past year to find innovative and meaningful solutions to the distinct issues faced by Inuit. Together, we can bring about the type of transformative change that we need to make a real difference for Inuit, for the benefit of all Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee brings Inuit leadership and the Government of Canada together to act on shared priority areas that will improve the lives of Inuit. We have made good progress in our first year and will continue to build on and improve this partnership committee to best advance Inuit rights and create a better Canada overall.”
—President Natan Obed, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

Quick Facts

• The Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee was created in February 2017 and was founded on the principle that an equal partnership between Inuit and the Crown is essential to the reconciliation process.
• The Committee includes the Prime Minister and several federal ministers, President Natan Obed on behalf of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Chair/CEO Duane Smith on behalf of the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, President Aluki Kotierk on behalf of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, President Charlie Watt on behalf of Makivik Corporation, and President Johannes Lampe on behalf of the Nunatsiavut Government.
• The Committee also includes the presidents of the National Inuit Youth Council, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, and the Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada as observers.

Associated Links

• Prime Minister of Canada and President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami announce the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee
• Inuit Nunangat Declaration on Inuit-Crown Partnership
• Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee Advances Agenda
• Indigenous Guardian Programs

Also available in Inuktitut.