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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following appointment to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians:Brenda Shanahan, Liberal, Member of Parliament for Châteauguay—LacolleMs. Shanahan joins the existing members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, which includes representatives from the House of Commons and the Senate. With the appointment of Ms. Shanahan, who previously served on the Committee when it was established in 2017, all seats are now filled.The Committee follows a non-partisan approach to review national security and intelligence activities carried out across the Government of Canada, including by the Communications Security Establishment, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. It provides the Prime Minister with an annual report, and special reports when needed. The reports, which include findings and recommendations, are then tabled by the Prime Minister in both the House of Commons and the Senate.Quick FactsWith this appointment, the members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians are:The Honourable David J. McGuinty, P.C., Liberal (Chair)Stéphane Bergeron, Bloc QuébécoisDon Davies, NDPThe Honourable Patricia (Pat) Duncan, SenateDarren Fisher, LiberalThe Honourable Marty Klyne, SenateThe Honourable Frances Lankin, P.C., C.M., SenatePatricia Lattanzio, LiberalRob Morrison, ConservativeAlex Ruff, M.S.C., C.D., ConservativeBrenda Shanahan, LiberalThe Committee was first created under the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act, which received Royal Assent on June 22, 2017. It is dissolved at the end of each session of Parliament, and new members are appointed after the new session of Parliament opens.Since its launch, the Committee has produced a number of comprehensive and well-received reports on issues ranging from foreign interference, to cyber threats, to diversity and inclusion within the security and intelligence community.The Secretariat of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians assists the Committee in fulfilling its review mandate.Associated LinkNational Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the opening of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games:“Today marks the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As we watch the opening of this remarkable event, let’s take a moment to celebrate the training and sacrifice of athletes from Canada and around the world.“Over the next two weeks, more than 330 athletes will represent Team Canada, competing in 28 sports – from swimming, to track and field, to table tennis. With an unmatched display of athleticism, sportsmanship, and talent, our athletes will cement their legacies and inspire the next generation of Canadians.“A special congratulations to Maude Charron and Andre De Grasse on being named Team Canada’s Opening Ceremony flag bearers. You’ve both won gold medals for our country and now you’ll be carrying our flag forward.“For well over a century, the Olympic Games have brought together communities from across the world – encouraging fitness, active participation in sport, and the values of teamwork and hard work. These are universal values that anchor our work to build a better, fairer future for everyone in Canada.“Over the next two weeks, let’s cheer on our Team Canada athletes as they wear the Maple Leaf with pride and make history. Best of luck to all of them.“Go Team Canada!”

Australia, Canada and New Zealand today issued the following statement on the need for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the risk of expanded conflict between Hizballah and Israel.The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue.We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas for the atrocities of October 7 and ongoing acts of terror. Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages. We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza. Israel must listen to the concerns of the international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas. It must end.An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately. Civilians must be protected, and a sustained increase in the flow of assistance throughout Gaza is needed to address the humanitarian situation.We fully stand behind the comprehensive ceasefire deal, outlined by President Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council. We call on parties to the conflict to agree to the deal. Any delay will only see more lives lost.We are committed to working towards an irreversible path to achieving a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognised borders. This is the only realistic option to achieve a just and enduring peace.We call on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ’s advisory opinion, and ensure accountability for ongoing acts of violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers, reverse the record expansion of settlements in the West Bank which are illegal under international law, and work towards a two-state solution.We are gravely concerned about the prospect of further escalation across the region. We condemn Iran’s attack against Israel of April 13-14, call on Iran to refrain from further destabilizing actions in the Middle East, and demand that Iran and its affiliated groups, including Hizballah, cease their attacks. We also condemn the Houthis’ ongoing reckless acts, including their indiscriminate drone attack in Tel Aviv and ongoing attacks on international shipping.We are particularly concerned by the situation along the Blue Line, including the escalation of hostilities and rhetoric between the terror group Hizballah and Israel. It has led to the displacement of thousands of Israelis along the northern border and thousands of Lebanese along the southern border. Further hostilities put tens of thousands of civilians in Lebanon and Israel at risk. This escalation in hostilities only makes a ceasefire in Gaza more urgent. We urge all involved actors to exercise restraint and de-escalate. We support diplomatic efforts to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. A wider scale war would have disastrous consequences for Israel and Lebanon, and for civilians across the region.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Mayor of Jasper, Richard Ireland, to discuss evacuations in Jasper and the rapidly changing wildfire situation.The Prime Minister highlighted the important work being delivered by the Government Operations Centre and Parks Canada, which are working closely with federal and provincial partners to co-ordinate the response to the wildfire situation in Alberta and mobilize all necessary federal resources to assist those who have been impacted. This includes the constant flow of information and communication between governments and agencies and the immediate deployment of Canadian Armed Forces resources, which will provide evacuation support, wildfire support, and the co-ordination of firefighting and airlift assistance.The Prime Minister and the Mayor expressed their gratitude for the courage of the first responders working tirelessly to protect the residents of Jasper, their homes and businesses, and the many visitors to the area. The Prime Minister also shared his appreciation for members of neighbouring communities who have opened their homes to evacuees.Prime Minister Trudeau and Mayor Ireland committed to staying in regular contact as they work with all partners to address this evolving situation. The Prime Minister thanked the Mayor for his leadership during this incredibly difficult time.Associated LinkWildfires

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, to discuss evacuations in Jasper and the rapidly changing wildfire situation.Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Smith discussed the special and cherished place that Jasper holds in the hearts of many Albertans and Canadians across the country, and shared their hopes for a swift recovery. The Prime Minister acknowledged the fear and uncertainty faced by many Albertans whose homes, businesses, and neighbours have been affected.The two leaders expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for the courage of the first responders and emergency officials working tirelessly to protect the residents of Jasper, including their homes and businesses, and the many visitors to the area. They agreed that it is thanks to the exceptional efforts and professionalism of this personnel that Jasper could be evacuated so swiftly and safely, with no reported injuries to date. The Prime Minister also shared his appreciation for members of neighbouring communities who have opened their homes to evacuees.The Prime Minister shared with the Premier the ongoing and productive conversations between Ministers Sajjan, LeBlanc, Guilbeault, and their counterparts in Alberta. Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated that the federal government would use every tool at its disposal to support the province and protect its communities. This includes the constant flow of information and communication between governments and agencies and the immediate deployment of Canadian Armed Forces resources, which will provide evacuation support, wildfire support, and the co-ordination of firefighting and airlift assistance, in response to Alberta’s request for federal assistance. He also highlighted the important work of the Government Operations Centre and Parks Canada, which are working closely with federal and provincial partners to co-ordinate the response to the wildfire situation in Alberta and to mobilize all necessary federal resources to assist those impacted.Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Smith agreed to stay in regular contact as they work with all partners to address this evolving situation. The Prime Minister thanked the Premier for her leadership and collaboration during this incredibly difficult time.Associated LinkWildfires

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened the Incident Response Group with ministers and senior officials to discuss the wildfire situation in Jasper, Alberta.The group discussed the latest developments on the ground, the federal government’s commitment to support provinces and territories, and the devastating impact on local and Indigenous communities, including the evacuation of thousands of people in Jasper National Park and the destruction of homes and businesses in the area.The Prime Minister, ministers, and senior officials first and foremost acknowledged that the work continues to fight structural fires in Jasper, and they commended the speed at which members of the community and Park evacuated, meaning that all residents, tourists, and first responders remain safe today. They expressed their gratitude for the firefighters who continue to put their lives at risk to battle these devastating wildfires and protect homes, the first responders who have been supporting those who have been impacted, and the neighbouring communities who have opened their homes to evacuees.Ministers and senior officials provided an update on the federal support currently being deployed on the ground. This includes the constant flow of information and communication between governments and agencies and the immediate deployment of Canadian Armed Forces resources, which will provide evacuation support, wildfire support, and the co-ordination of firefighting and airlift assistance, in response to Alberta’s request for federal assistance. Ministers also discussed the ongoing co-ordination of firefighting, including with international partners. Hundreds of firefighters from countries such as Mexico, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia are either already in Canada or on their way to support local efforts.The group highlighted the important work being delivered by the Government Operations Centre and Parks Canada, which are working closely with partners to co-ordinate the response to the wildfire situation in Alberta and to mobilize all necessary federal resources to assist. They discussed ongoing safety issues, including the impact on roads, railways, and telecommunication services, and further actions needed to mitigate the impacts of wildfires on local communities and infrastructure.The Prime Minister thanked all ministers and officials who have been urgently assisting with co-ordinating the emergency response and evacuation process, and he urged them to keep working with all partners, including Indigenous partners, to address the situation as it continues to evolve. He stressed that the federal government would continue to use every tool at its disposal to support those impacted, keep people safe from harm, and protect our communities.Associated LinkWildfires

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following appointments to the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA):The Honourable Marie Deschamps, C.C.,is reappointed as member and Chair of the NSIRA, for a three-year term, effective September 6, 2024.Craig Forcese is reappointed as member and Vice-Chair of the NSIRA, for a four-year term, effective July 24, 2024.Charles Fugère is appointed as Executive Director of the NSIRA Secretariat, for a three-year term, effective July 24, 2024.Established in 2019, the NSIRA works to ensure that Canada’s national security agencies are complying with the law and that their actions are reasonable and necessary. It is made up of top independent experts who, with full and independent authority, review all Government of Canada national security and intelligence activities, investigate public complaints, and provide recommendations to the government. The NSIRA’s work helps keep Canadians safe and protect our rights and freedoms.Biographical NotesThe Honourable Marie Deschamps, C.C.Craig ForceseCharles FugèreAssociated LinkNational Security and Intelligence Review Agency

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark 41 years since Black July:“Forty-one years ago today, violent attacks targeting Tamil civilians and businesses started in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Thousands of innocent lives were lost, and many more Tamils were injured, subjected to sexual violence, and forced to flee the country. The anti-Tamil pogrom, known as Black July, escalated tensions in what became a decades-long armed conflict. It remains one of the darkest chapters in Sri Lanka’s history.“In 2022, the Parliament of Canada unanimously adopted a motion to make May 18 Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day – a recognition of Canada’s commitment to stand in solidarity with Tamil-Canadians and Tamil communities around the world in remembering and honouring the victims and survivors of these senseless acts of violence. As a steadfast defender of human rights, the Government of Canada will continue to demand accountability for human rights violations and abuses against vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka.“In the aftermath of Black July, Canada established a Special Measures program to help 1,800 Tamils relocate to safety in Canada and build new lives for themselves and their families. Canada now has one of the largest Tamil diasporas in the world, and we celebrate the contributions Tamil-Canadians make to our country every single day – and we will always protect them.“On this day, I join Canadians in expressing my deepest condolences to all who have suffered and lost loved ones during Black July. Together, let us honour the victims of this tragedy and recommit to building a more inclusive and peaceful future, free of hate and violence, for people everywhere.”

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a change to the Ministry:Steven MacKinnon becomes Minister of Labour and Seniors.In his previous role as Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister MacKinnon accumulated a wealth of experience building consensus and working with partners to pass legislation. He has advanced progress on health care, affordable housing, organized labour, and climate action – and has steered the government’s work to make life better for Canadians.Minister Karina Gould will resume her role as Leader of the Government in the House of Commons upon her expected return from parental leave at the end of July.Associated LinkCabinet