CANADA latest

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.

CANADA latest

Canada acts to further prevent transshipment and diversion of steel and aluminum to protect North American workers against unfair trade

March 27, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The transshipment and diversion of unfairly cheap foreign steel and aluminum is a threat to Canadian jobs and the North American market.

Canada already has one of the toughest enforcement regimes in the world to combat this practice. We currently have 71 trade remedy measures in force on steel and aluminum imports alone. And we are strengthening enforcement further to stop foreign exporters from avoiding duties meant to level the playing field.

The following regulatory changes will be brought forward and be subject to a 15-day consultation period through the Canada Gazette:

• New anti-circumvention investigations will allow the Canada Border Services Agency to identify and stop companies that try to dodge duties (for example, by slightly modifying products or assembling them in Canada or a third country).

• In calculating duties, the Canada Border Services Agency will have greater flexibility in determining whether prices charged in the exporter’s domestic market, which we use for comparison, are reliable or distorted.

• Unions will gain standing to participate in trade-remedy proceedings, including at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, into whether foreign exports are hurting domestic producers.

In addition, the Government of Canada will:

• Coordinate more closely with our partners to strengthen enforcement at the border, including by increasing the frequency of meetings between border agencies. This will improve the sharing of information and enforcement action. We will also urgently undertake a review to make sure our enforcement agencies have all the resources they need to take action on unfair trade.  

• Look to meet more often with the United States and Mexico to identify and discuss solutions to issues that harm all three countries, including transshipment, diversion, and global overcapacity.

• Participate in new federal-provincial-territorial-stakeholder committees, which will meet regularly to monitor steel and aluminum trade to ensure imports do not hurt Canadian and North American jobs.

These changes form part of what will be a continuous process of making Canada’s trade remedy investigations and enforcement more robust, responsive and timely.

We will always stand up for Canadian steel and aluminum workers and the Canadian steel and aluminum industry.

Quote

“Canada is a trading nation, and we will not allow North American industries to be hurt or threatened by unfair trade practices, like the diversion of steel and aluminum. Our businesses and workers rely on our integrated industries, and we will take strong action to defend and protect our most important trade relationships. Canada will not be used as a backdoor into other North American markets. Our people have worked hard to be competitive in this global economy, and they deserve a level playing field.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• Canada’s trade remedy system helps preserve a fair and open trading environment for our producers. It protects Canadian businesses from the impacts of foreign goods that have benefited from unfair subsidies or that are being sold in Canada at artificially low prices.
• Our trade remedy system includes a robust compliance regime to impose duties. Currently, we have imposed trade remedies against 17 different steel products and 23 countries.
• In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced measures to strengthen and modernize our trade remedy system. Changes to the Special Import Measures Act received Royal Assent in June 2017 as part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1, and regulatory changes are being proposed to support and fully implement these measures in the weeks to come.
• In 2017, the Canadian steel industry employed more than 23,000 Canadians and contributed $4.2 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). The Canadian aluminum industry employed 10,500 workers while contributing $4.7 billion to Canada’s GDP. These industries are vital suppliers to the Canadian manufacturing, energy, automotive, and construction industries.
• The North American Steel Trade Committee, established in October 2003, provides a venue for the North American steel industry and governments to exchange information on the steel market, and for governments to discuss and coordinate policies and activities that may have an impact on trade in steel.
• During the 2016 North American Leaders’ Summit, Canada, the United States, and Mexico agreed to establish a trilateral Customs Steel Enforcement Dialogue to help coordinate compliance efforts and information sharing regarding the enforcement of anti-dumping and countervailing measures on steel products. Since its creation, the Dialogue has held three meetings, which facilitated a number of joint enforcement operations.Prime Minister delivers a statement of exoneration for six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs
  
  March 26, 2018
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  As Canada continues its journey of reconciliation and renewal with Indigenous Peoples, we need to confront our history so we can build a new nation-to-nation relationship guided by the recognition of rights and the values of respect and partnership.
  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today delivered a statement of exoneration on behalf of the Government of Canada to the Tsilhqot’in Nation and the descendants of six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs. He confirmed the posthumous exoneration of all six chiefs – Chief Lhats’as?in, Chief Biyil, Chief Tilaghed, Chief Taqed, Chief Chayses, and Chief Ahan.
  These chiefs were leaders and warriors of the Tsilhqot’in Nation who acted in accordance with their laws and traditions, and are regarded by their people as heroes.They fought against the colonial government of the time, ultimately leading to their hanging in 1864 and 1865. Prime Minister Trudeau acknowledged that the capture, arrest, and hanging of the six Chiefs was borne of a profound lack of respect for the Tsilhqot’in people, traditions, and territory.
  The posthumous exoneration of these six leaders of the Tsilhqot'in Nation is an important symbol of the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation.

  Quotes

  “I know that this posthumous exoneration cannot by itself repair the damage that has been done.It is my sincere hope, though, that it will allow healing to begin as Canada and the Tsilhqot’in Nation embark on a new journey together toward reconciliation. This is another important step forward to recognize and support the implementation of the rights of the Tsilhqot’in and all Indigenous Peoples, enshrined in our Constitution.”
  —The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

  “Our people’s journey to this place of reconciliation has been long and enduring. 154 years have passed where our truth has gone unrecognized. Under a flag of truce, our Chiefs were wrongfully shackled, tried, and hanged. We have always been proud of the sacrifices made by our Chiefs, who are heroes to our people, and continue to inspire and guide the work of the future. Today, Canada has finally acknowledged that our warriors did no wrong.”

  “The Chilcotin War has defined us as who we are today – building our spirit and shaping our perseverance. The deceit we faced 154 years ago can never be forgotten, but we can move forward on a different path, a new journey, one carved out by a mutual understanding and respect of our rights, title, and ways of life. We are prepared to work with Canada to transform the lives of our people and this country – in a way that ensures our children will not have to see such things as Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, high Indigenous incarceration rates, or over representation of Indigenous children in the foster care system.”
  —Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chairman, Tsilhqot’in National Government

  Quick Facts

  • In the spring of 1864, the Tsilhqot’in Chiefs led their nation’s war effort in response to a colonial road crew attempting to build a road through their territory without any legal agreement with the Tsilhqot’in Nation.
  • In the summer of 1864, one of the leaders of the colonial militia sent the Tsilhqot'in Chiefs a sacred gift of tobacco and, with it, an invitation to discuss terms of peace. Head War Chief Lhats’as?in and his men accepted the offer and went to the colonial camp to negotiate peace. Instead, they were arrested, imprisoned, and convicted.
  • On October 26, 1864, five Tsilhqot’in Chiefs were hanged for murder: Head War Chief Lhats’as?in, Chief Biyil, Chief Tilaghed, Chief Taqed, and Chief Chayses. They are buried in Quesnel, British Columbia. Later, Chief Ahan was also hanged. He is buried in New Westminster, British Columbia.
  • Today, the Tsilhqot’in people, including the descendants of those six chiefs, continue to live and care for Tsilhqot’in lands. They have continued to fight to preserve their territory and culture, right up to the historic Supreme Court of Canada decision of June 26, 2014, which recognized aboriginal title for the Tsilhqot’in Nation.
  • A Letter of Understanding between Canada and the Tsilhqot’in Nation was signed in January 2017, marking another step toward reconciliation and recognition of our nation-to-nation relationship.

  Associated Links

  • Tsilhqot’in Nation v. British Columbia
  • Letter of Understanding Between the Tsilhqot'in Nation and Canada: January 27, 2017
  • The Government of Canada and the Tsilhqot’in Nation Announce Intent to Offer Posthumous Exonerations to Six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs
  • Government of Canada to create Recognition and Implementation of Rights FrameworkItinerary for Tuesday, March 27, 2018
    March 26, 2018
    Ottawa, Ontario
    
    
    Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Tuesday, March 27, 2018:
    Ottawa, Ontario
    9:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Cabinet meeting.
    Note for media:
    • Ministers will be available to media in the House of Commons Foyer as of 12 p.m.
    2 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend Question Period.Reminder - Itinerary for Tuesday, March 27, 2018
    
    March 26, 2018
    Ottawa, Ontario
    
    
    Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Tuesday, March 27, 2018:
    Ottawa, Ontario
    9:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the Cabinet meeting.
    Note for media:
    • Ministers will be available to media in the House of Commons Foyer as of 12 p.m.
    2 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend Question Period.
  • 
    

CANADA news

Prime Minister welcomes third report from the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

March 26, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome the third report from the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders:

“I am pleased to welcome today the Canada-United States Council for Advancement of Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders’ third report, which explores how we can encourage more women to start their own businesses and to pursue high growth enterprises.

“As highlighted in the report, if we want to better support women entrepreneurs, we need to address the challenges they face, including difficulty accessing capital, finding meaningful mentorship opportunities, and a lack of contacts with large buyers.

“I thank the Council for their recommendations, including campaigns to promote and inspire women entrepreneurs, provide better access to data, implement more tools and programs to support women pursuing high growth firms, and reduce gender biases faced by women entrepreneurs.

“With women starting close to half of all new businesses in Canada, it’s clear that supporting women entrepreneurs is essential to growing Canada’s economy. Budget 2018 puts gender equality at the centre – including through a new Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – because we know that women’s success is vital to growing our economy and strengthening the middle class.

“Women-led businesses are key to boosting our economic growth and creating more good, well-paying jobs. Working with our partners like the United States, Canada will ensure women entrepreneurs succeed.”

Reminder - Itinerary for Monday, March 26, 2018

March 25, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Monday, March 26, 2018:

Ottawa, Ontario

11:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the swearing-in ceremony of The Right Honourable David Johnston to the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.

Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive

Closed to media

2 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend Question Period.

3 p.m. The Prime Minister will deliver a statement of exoneration for six Tsilhqot’in Chiefs in the House of Commons.

5 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb.

Prime Minister’s Office
Centre Block, Parliament Hill

Note to media:

• Photo opportunity at the beginning of the meetingReminder - Itinerary for Sunday, March 25, 2018
  
  March 25, 2018
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Sunday, March 25, 2018:
  Montréal, Quebec
  1 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Greek Independence Day Parade.
  Notes for media:
• Open coverage
• Parade begins on the corner of Jean-Talon and Hutchison streets
• Itinerary for Sunday, March 25, 2018
  
  March 25, 2018
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Sunday, March 25, 2018:
  Montréal, Quebec
  1 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Greek Independence Day Parade.
  Notes for media:
• Open coverage
• Parade begins on the corner of Jean-Talon and Hutchison streets
• From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://pm.gc.ca/)
  

  ---

  
  
  Itinerary for Sunday, March 25, 2018
  
  March 25, 2018
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Sunday, March 25, 2018:
  Montréal, Quebec
  1 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Greek Independence Day Parade.
  Notes for media:
  • Open coverage
  • Parade begins on the corner of Jean-Talon and Hutchison streets

CANADA latest

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the terrorist attack in France

March 23, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the terrorist attack in Trèbes, France:

“We strongly condemn today’s terrorist attack in Trèbes, France, that injured numerous innocent people and took the lives of several others.

“People deserve to feel safe and secure as they go about their daily lives, especially in a place as welcoming and familiar as the local grocery store.

“On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed today. We also hope for a fast and full recovery for all those wounded.

“Canada stands with France and its people. We will continue to work with our international partners to fight terrorism and prevent these senseless, cowardly acts.”

Prime Minister welcomes UPS’s expansion in Canada

March 21, 2018
Toronto, Ontario

In today’s economy, delivery services are essential to connect people and make businesses competitive. Canada welcomes investments from the private sector to create good, well-paying middle class jobs, and generate new opportunities for more people to succeed.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today welcomed UPS’s announcement of a $500 million investment that will create more than 1,000 new, middle class jobs in Canada. UPS will also expand its facilities across the country and upgrade its technology so that Canadian consumers can receive products faster and in an environmentally responsible way.

The construction of a $125-million, 180,000 square-foot automated sorting facility – UPS’s first in Canada – has already started at the company’s Montréal hub. This facility, along with investments in new automated sorting technology and compressed natural gas vehicles, will help UPS reach its sustainability goal of running half of its Canadian fleet on alternative fuel by the end of 2018.

Quote

“UPS is the kind of company we want to see flourish in Canada, one that creates better opportunities for hard working Canadians – today and well into the future. I had the opportunity to meet UPS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. David Abney, in Davos during the World Economic Forum annual meeting earlier this year, and I am thrilled they are investing in our country, our economy, and our people.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

• UPS's first international expansion was in Canada over 42 years ago, and our country was chosen this year as the location for the company’s first international management conference, which is being held in Toronto, from March 19-21.
• UPS employs more than 12,000 employees at 63 facilities across Canada. UPS has centres in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Montréal.
• Prime Minister Trudeau met with David Abney, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of UPS, on January 23, 2018, where they discussed UPS’s history in Canada, the company’s goals moving forward, as well as investment opportunities.
• This announcement is the second example of global companies choosing Canada to expand their business and create jobs this week. On Monday, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development, Navdeep Bains, announced a nearly $400-million investment in Canada by way of the ENCQOR project that will secure 4,000 new jobs in Quebec and Ontario, and create thousands more.
• The Government of Canada is committed to deepening Canada’s trade relationships with modern, progressive free trade agreements, including a firm commitment to advancing a new and modernized North American Free Trade Agreement.
• The Government of Canada recently launched Invest in Canada, a new federal organization dedicated to attracting job-creating investment and simplifying the process for global businesses looking to make Canada their new home.

Associated Links

• Budget 2018: Strengthening trade
• New Canadian partnership in next-generation wireless technology
• Government of Canada launches Invest in Canada to attract global investment and create jobs

CANADA news

Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination:

“As Canadians, we embrace diversity as a defining aspect of our identity. Yet, over the centuries, people in Canada have not felt progress equally. Far too many have faced discrimination, often on the basis of the way they look or where they are from.

“Today, we take a hard look at the present, and recognize a reality at home that does not always live up to the values we project to the world. Racial discrimination persists in our communities, and every day denies friends and neighbours – fellow Canadians – the opportunity and justice they deserve.

“Change starts when we examine our own attitudes and beliefs, and question how they came to be. It takes daily, deliberate effort to recognize the biases we hold, especially those we are unaware of. Biases, whether out in the open or unseen, are barriers of our own making that bring us all down.

“The Government of Canada is committed to a future where all Canadians, in particular those whose identities have been historically marginalized, experience full and equal participation in society. We will continue to take steps to renew the relationship between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. We will work harder to emphasize the stories and contributions of all Canadians, through initiatives recognizing the International Decade for People of African Descent. And we will always stand up to racism, xenophobia, and hate in all its forms.

“Despite the progress we have made, the fight against racial discrimination is far from over. We cannot be complacent. It’s up to each of us to make sure Canada lives up to its promise – for everyone.”

Prime Minister announces new Lieutenant Governor for Newfoundland and Labrador

March 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Judy Foote as the next Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ms. Foote has dedicated much of her life to public service, at both the provincial and federal level. She held various ministerial roles in the provincial House of Assembly, before being elected in 2008 as a Member of Parliament, and being named as the Minister of Public Services and Procurement following the 2015 federal election.

Prior to entering politics, Ms. Foote worked as a journalist and communications director. In addition to mentoring cancer patients, she has volunteered her time over the years with several organizations, including the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

The Prime Minister thanked the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Frank F. Fagan, for his dedication and service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quote

“Judy has dedicated her career to public service and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. Her work ethic and strength of character make her the perfect choice to be the new Lieutenant Governor for Newfoundland and Labrador. I know she will continue to serve with passion and commitment, and make important contributions to the future of her province and the country.”

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

Quick Facts

• Lieutenant Governors are the personal representatives of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada in their respective provinces. They fulfill the roles and functions of The Queen, including granting Royal Assent to provincial laws, and visiting communities.
• Lieutenant Governors are appointed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They serve terms of at least five years.

Biographical Notes

• Judy Foote

Associated Link

• The Lieutenant GovernorsReminder - Itinerary for Wednesday, March 21, 2018
  March 20, 2018
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Wednesday, March 21, 2018:
  Ottawa, Ontario
  9 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the National Caucus meeting.
  Toronto, Ontario
  1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a Navroz celebration and deliver remarks.
  The Ismaili Centre
  49 Wynford Drive
  Notes for media:
  • Open coverage
  • Media are asked to arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. and to register at theismailicentre@iicanada.org.
  3:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at an announcement taking place at the 2018 UPS Management Conference.
  Canada Room
  Fairmont Royal York Hotel
  100 Front Street West
  Notes for media:
  • Open coverage
  • Media are asked to arrive no later than 3 p.m. and to register on site in the Ontario Room.
  4:20 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.
  Algonquin Room
  Fairmont Royal York Hotel
  100 Front Street West
  Note for media:

Statement by the Prime Minister on Nowruz

March 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

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

“Today, we join Persian, Kurdish, Afghan, Zoroastrian, Bahá’í, Central Asian, and Ismaili communities in Canada and around the world to celebrate Nowruz and the arrival of spring.

“To mark this occasion, families and friends will join together around the haft-seen table to reflect on new beginnings, enjoy music and food, and appreciate life’s many gifts.

“Nowruz – which means ‘new day’ in Farsi – marks the beginning of spring and the New Year in the Persian calendar. It is a time to look back on the year behind us, and turn toward the year ahead with optimism and hope. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the values of harmony, peace, and acceptance, and recommit ourselves to putting them into practice.

“These celebrations remind us that diversity is our greatest strength. Today, we take time to honour the many communities that observe Nowruz, and their important contributions to building a better Canada.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy, prosperous, and healthy Nowruz.

“Har Ruz etan Nowrouz, Nowruz etan Pyrouz.”

Prime Minister announces new Lieutenant Governor for British Columbia

March 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Janet Austin as the next Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia.

Ms. Austin is a remarkable community leader and advocate for social change. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Metro Vancouver, a position she has held since 2003. Prior to joining the YWCA, she was the Executive Director of Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland and worked for BC Housing.

Ms. Austin is an active member of various local and national organizations, including the Board of Directors of Translink and the City of Vancouver’s Healthy City for All Leadership Table. During her career, she has served on numerous boards, including the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Canadian Paediatric Society.

The Prime Minister thanked the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Judith Guichon, for her numerous contributions and her work to engage communities, non-profit organizations, and businesses across the province since taking office in 2012.

Quote

“Ms. Austin is an outstanding leader who has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others. Her advocacy work has helped countless Canadians, and makes her an excellent choice as British Columbia’s next Lieutenant Governor. I know she will work hard to represent the province, and its people, well.”

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

Quick Facts

• Lieutenant Governors are the personal representatives of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada in their respective provinces. They fulfill the roles and functions of The Queen, including granting Royal Assent to provincial laws, and visiting communities.
• Lieutenant Governors are appointed by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. They serve terms of at least five years.

Biographical Notes

• Janet Austin

Associated Link

• The Lieutenant Governors

Statement by the Prime Minister on the International Day of La Francophonie

March 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of La Francophonie:

“Today, we join Francophones in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 31^st International Day of La Francophonie.

“Over the centuries, Francophones have played a foundational role in building the Canada we know today. On the International Day of La Francophonie, we celebrate the French language and francophone culture, and honour the significant contributions Francophones have made to shape a more inclusive, open, and equal Canada.

“In 1970, Canada helped create the Agence de coopération culturelle et technique – later renamed the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie. Today, Canada is proud to be one of the organization’s 84 member states and governments, and remains committed to protect and promote the French language, as well as our cultural and linguistic diversity. Together, we can continue to build a better world based on shared values like inclusion, equality, and peace.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish all Francophones and all Canadians a happy International Day of La Francophonie. I encourage you to participate in activities in your communities to mark this important day.”

Itinerary for Wednesday, March 21, 2018

March 20, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Wednesday, March 21, 2018:

Ottawa, Ontario

9 a.m. The Prime Minister will attend the National Caucus meeting.

Toronto, Ontario

1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a Navroz celebration and deliver remarks.

The Ismaili Centre
49 Wynford Drive

Notes for media:

• Open coverage
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 12:45 p.m. and to register at theismailicentre@iicanada.org.

3:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at an announcement taking place at the 2018 UPS Management Conference.

Canada Room
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
100 Front Street West

Notes for media:

• Open coverage
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 3 p.m. and to register on site in the Ontario Room.

4:20 p.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.

Algonquin Room
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
100 Front Street West

Note for media:

• Open coverage

CANADA latest

Statement by the Prime Minister on the closing of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

March 18, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the closing of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea:

“Over the last 10 days, our Paralympians have pushed the limits, reached the top of the podium, and made history by winning 28 medals, a record number for Team Canada at the Paralympic Winter Games.

“Team Canada, you made us proud. We watched as years of discipline and hard work paid off, and shared in the excitement that only you – some of the world’s best athletes – can bring. 

“As we celebrate our Paralympians, we also honour the coaches, families, friends, and communities who have been behind them all the way. Helping each other succeed is an important part of the Canadian story, and it was on full display in PyeongChang.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate all Paralympians who participated in these Games, and thank South Korea for hosting such a memorable Olympics and Paralympics. Together, you have inspired people all over the world.”

Itinerary for Sunday, March 18, 2018

March 18, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Sunday, March 18, 2018:

Florida, U.S.

Personal        

Itinerary for Monday, March 19, 2018

March 18, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Monday, March 19, 2018:

Ottawa, Ontario

10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at the Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (SEB) Annual Corporate Client Conference. An armchair discussion with the Chairman of the SEB Group Board of Directors, Marcus Wallenberg, moderated by the CEO and Chair of NRStor Inc., Annette Verschuren, will follow.

Adam Room
Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau Street

Notes for media:

• Open coverage
• Media are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.

2 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend Question Period.

Gatineau, Quebec

8 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the SEB Annual Corporate Client Conference Dinner.

Grand Hall
Canadian Museum of History
100 Laurier Street

Closed to media

Itinerary for Saturday, March 17, 2018

March 17, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Saturday, March 17, 2018:

Florida, U.S.

Personal