Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on National Public Service Week 2016 

Ottawa, Ontario
12 June 2016

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement for National Public Service Week 2016:

“This National Public Service Week, I invite Canadians to join me in celebrating our federal Public Service.

“Every day, public servants work hard to strengthen the middle class and improve the lives of all Canadians. Their commitment ensures that we receive the services we need, no matter the pressures they face or the challenges before them.

“The theme of National Public Service Week, ‘Proudly Serving Canadians,’ could not be more apt. Since last November, my team and I have seen the passion and dedication of Canada’s public servants in every task and project that they undertake. Whether helping resettle more than 25,000 Syrian refugees into Canada, or assisting the thousands of Canadians affected by the devastating wildfires in Fort McMurray, Canada’s public servants make a real difference – day in and day out – in the lives of Canadians and people around the world.

“Our public servants understand that to remain focused on the people we serve, we must work together to make openness and transparency key values of our institutions. They understand the need to renew and modernize so that together we can – effectively and efficiently – meet the needs of Canadians today and into the future.

“Now is also the time to build and promote a welcoming and healthy federal Public Service environment in which public servants can access the support they need in times of personal crisis. A healthy workplace is a proud workplace – a dynamic, engaging, and appealing one to young Canadians looking for an exciting career that helps them make a real difference in the lives of others.

“To public servants, I say thank you for all that you do to help us tackle the real challenges that we face as a country. You serve a vital role in our democracy, and are a source of pride and a model to other countries and governments. It is truly a privilege to work with you every single day.

“I look forward to the great things we will achieve together for all Canadians.”

Source: Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on National Public Service Week 2016 | Prime Minister of Canada

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 

Ottawa, Ontario
29 May 2016

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers:

“Today, we salute United Nations peacekeepers, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of peace, safety, and freedom for others. They have greatly sacrificed to provide hope and security for the most vulnerable persons around the globe.

“Peacekeeping has a deep connection to Canadian values and leadership. The first UN peacekeeping mission came about in large part due to the efforts of Lester B. Pearson, our fourteenth Prime Minister, and the leadership of UN Forces Commander E.L.M. “Tommy” Burns. Together, their actions during the Suez Crisis of 1956 marked the beginning of Canada’s identity as a peacekeeping country.

“Since then, UN peace operations have evolved from separating belligerents and monitoring cease fires to protecting vulnerable populations and working to establish the conditions for durable peace. As conflicts have grown in intensity and complexity, so too have the risks for UN peacekeepers who put their lives on the line for the safety of others.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I commend UN peacekeepers for their selfless work and tremendous contributions to the advancement of global peace and human rights. We will continue working with the UN to promote peace and the resolution of serious conflicts around the world.”

Source: Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister of Canada concludes his visit to Tokyo | Prime Minister of Canada

The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mrs. Grégoire-Trudeau arrive in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo, Japan

24 May 2016

The Government of Canada has committed to deepen and renew its social and economic engagement with Asia, in order to better pursue Canada’s interests and values.

Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, concluded his official working visit in Japan, which included an audience with the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

While in Tokyo, the Prime Minister met with representatives of the automotive sector to underline that Canada is a great place to invest. He also took the opportunity to discuss trade opportunities, promote Canadian quality, and highlight Canada’s research and development capacity and innovation expertise. The automotive sector represents tremendous opportunities to create jobs, strengthen the middle class, and grow both countries’ economies.

During the meeting with Prime Minister Abe, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues important to Canada and Japan, including the implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change, global health initiatives, infrastructure for sustainable growth, and collaboration on Arctic science. Finally, they discussed the revitalization of the Canada-Japan Joint Economic Committee, an important forum to improve economic ties between Canada and Japan.

Quote

“Improving trade relations with Japan is a top priority of our government. The growing collaboration between Canada and Japan – on innovation and science – will contribute directly to our economic growth, and will benefit all Canadians.”

– Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

  • Prime Minister Trudeau last met with Prime Minister Abe on March 31, 2016 in Washington D.C.
  • Japan is among Canada’s top five bilateral merchandise trading partners.
  • This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Canada-Japan Joint Economic Committee (JEC), which began in 1976 based on the Japan-Canada Framework for Economic Cooperation.
  • The JEC focuses on priority areas of cooperation, including infrastructure, energy, science and technology, the business environment, promoting investment and tourism. A cooperative working group led by Global Affairs Canada and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will monitor progress within these priority areas of cooperation to ensure that the framework is as effective as possible.
  • Canada and Japan are partners in numerous international groups and organizations including the G7, G20, APEC, the ASEAN Regional Forum, and the OECD.

Source: Prime Minister of Canada concludes his visit to Tokyo | Prime Minister of Canada

Prime Minister announces changes to employment insurance for three additional EI economic regions

Edmonton, Alberta

13 May 2016

Canada is a great country because we work hard – and we take care of each other. Whether it is recovering from a disaster like a wildfire, or helping our neighbours get back on their feet after a job loss, we lend a hand in tough times.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced changes to provide extended Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in three other EI economic regions.

In Budget 2016, twelve EI economic regions were listed as qualifying for extended benefits due to the downturn in the commodities sector. The Government of Canada promised to monitor the economic situation following the budget, and today fulfilled that commitment by announcing three final additions to this list: Edmonton; Southern Interior British Columbia; and Southern Saskatchewan. This completes the assessment, and no more regions will be added.

This extension will mean that those who are eligible for EI can claim an additional five weeks of benefits for regular claimants, and a further 20 weeks of benefits for long-tenured workers. These benefits will be available for one year – beginning July 3, 2016 – and will apply retroactively to anyone who started a claim on or after January 4, 2015, and is still unemployed.

Quote

“Today’s announcement is about helping three other EI regions facing tough economic times. The commodities downturn has been particularly difficult for many Canadian communities, and the EI provisions announced today will make it easier for claimants who are eligible for EI to collect the benefits they need. We lend a hand in tough times. It is who we are, and what we do.”

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

Associated Link

Source: Prime Minister announces changes to employment insurance for three additional EI economic regions | Prime Minister of Canada

Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Israel Independence Day 

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY

Ottawa, Ontario

12 May 2016

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut:

“Today, we celebrate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel with our Israeli friends and Jewish communities, both here in Canada, and around the world.

“The State of Israel is a thriving and vibrant country, which Canada is proud to call a close partner and steadfast ally.

“Canada and Israel unite in their people-to-people ties, shared values, respect for democracy, and growing trade relationship. I look forward to continuing to strengthen our strong friendship.

“Although today is a joyous day, let us also reflect on the threat that Israel and its people continue to face throughout the world in the form of terrorist attacks, acts of anti-Semitism, and religious intolerance. Canada stands with Israel and will continue to promote peace and stability in the region.

“On behalf of Sophie and our children, I wish everyone celebrating Israel’s Independence Day a Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach. Shalom.”

Source: Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on Israel Independence Day | Prime Minister of Canada