National News

1. Proposed amendments to the APPR have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for consultation

   Proposed amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) have been published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for consultation.

2. Proposed amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations

   Today, the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, the Honourable Anita Anand, issued the following statement: “I am pleased that the Canadian Transportation Agency’s proposed amendments to the Air Passenger Protection Regulations were published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on December 21, 2024, for a 75-day public comment period.

3. Statement by Minister Hajdu on  Jordan’s Principle

   Since 2016, nearly $8.8 billion has been announced for Jordan’s Principle to meet health, social, and education needs of First Nations children, taking into account their distinct circumstances, needs and experiences. More than 8.2 million products, services and supports have been approved under Jordan's Principle since 2016. We have worked to develop operations to meet the growing volume of requests. We are reviewing our processes at regional and national levels to be more consistent and clearer on the required documentation and the services First Nations children can access through Jordan’s Principle.

4. Supporting La TOHU’s important work

   Montréal organization receives over $1.5M in financial assistance from CED.

5. Joint Statement from the Tallinn Mechanism - Donors accumulate 200 million euros for Ukraine’s resilience in cyberspace

   Today, Global Affairs Canada issued the following joint statement: “Ukraine has withstood Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion for over 1000 days. This war does not only take place in the trenches but also in cyberspace; it confirms that cyberattacks are an integral part of 21st century conflict and warfare, and cybersecurity is a crucial dimension of the overall resilience of society. Thanks to Ukraine’s own resilience coupled with the international assistance it has received, Ukraine has persisted despite these attacks and has kept its digital ecosystem functioning throughout the war. The recent targeting of Ukrainian state registries underscores the importance of supporting Ukraine’s digital infrastructure in a comprehensive and timely manner.

6. Citizenship ceremony at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship

   As we welcome hockey players from around the world to Canada for the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will welcome 26 new Canadians from 14 different countries. Citizenship Judge Rania Sfeir will preside over the ceremony, as candidates take the Oath of Citizenship at this special ceremony hosted by Hockey Canada.

7. Government of Canada appoints André Loranger as new Chief Statistician of Canada

   Statistics Canada is a world-renowned institution that provides data and evidence to support good governance, helping Canadians understand their country's population, resources, economy, society and culture.

8. New Heritage Complex for Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in

   A new heritage complex for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in will provide an important space for cultural conservation and knowledge sharing after a joint investment of over $25.6 million from the federal government and Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in.

9. Statement from the Taxpayers’ Ombudsperson welcoming the new Minister of National Revenue

   I would like to welcome the new Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Élisabeth Brière, as the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau moves on to the next stage of her career.

10. Federal Government announces National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism

    Today, the Government of Canada announced that a National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism will be held in February 2025 in Ottawa.

11. Minister Blair concludes productive visit to Latvia and Poland 

    Yesterday, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, concluded a successful visit to Latvia and Poland during which he met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members ahead of the holidays and held bilateral meetings with his counterparts.

12. Joint donor statement on protection concerns related to the upcoming Secondary School Examinations in Sudan

    “Members of the international donor community strongly believe that every child in Sudan has the right to access safe and equitable education opportunities.

13. Canada Invests in Infrastructure Upgrades to Support Critical Minerals Development in Saskatchewan

    The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced that Foran Mining Corporation (Foran) has been conditionally approved for an investment of up to $20 million through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF), a key program under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy.

14. His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Charlottetown returns from Operation REASSURANCE

    Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown returned to its home port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea region under Operation REASSURANCE.

15. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security warns of sophisticated Iranian social engineering campaigns

    The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) today releases a report warning of the continued and growing sophistication of social engineering campaigns run by Iranian cyber threat actors.

16. Canada to Unlock Critical Minerals Rare Earth Development in Northern Quebec and Labrador With New Funding

    the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson announced up to $10 million in infrastructure funding, pending final due diligence, to Torngat Metals for its Strange Lake Northern Transportation Infrastructure Project.

17. CTA to hold a technical briefing on the consultation process for proposed amendments to the APPR

    CTA to hold a technical briefing on the consultation process for proposed amendments to the APPR

18. Statement from the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health – Government of Canada releases 2024 Suicide Prevention Progress Report

    I am pleased to share the 2024 Suicide Prevention Progress Report; so that we can reflect on the work we have done together and look ahead to the work that remains. This biannual report shares progress on suicide prevention efforts since the release of the National Suicide Prevention Action Plan on May 31, 2024.

19. Canada to Establish Caribbean Future Skills Fund

    Canada continues to strengthen its partnership with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries by focusing on tackling the region’s key development challenges through education, technical and vocational training.

20. Working Toward Making More Homes Energy-Efficient and Affordable in the Yukon

    Today, Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (NRCan), announced $1 million in funding through the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP) to Earthrise Building Services Inc.

21. New Investments to Help Yukoners Reduce Energy Costs and Stay Warm

    Today, Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley, on behalf of the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson and the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced a federal investment of $1.4 million from the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program (OHPA) and approximately $287,000 from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) to support climate action in the Yukon and help low-to-median-income homeowners reduce their energy costs. He was joined by John Streicker, Yukon Minister for Energy, Mines and Resources, who announced an additional $700,000 in territorial funding toward this initiative.

22. Early 2023 greenhouse gas estimates show Canada’s climate plan is working: emissions have dropped to their lowest level in 27 years (excluding pandemic years)

    For the first time in Canada’s history, the Government of Canada has released an early summary of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions estimates from the National Inventory Report ahead of the full publication in the spring of 2025.

23. Federal government partners with Port Coquitlam to strengthen flood protection efforts

    The federal government is investing $9.6 million in two projects to mitigate flooding risks to the community by upgrading critical infrastructure.

24. CBSA investigation leads to seizure of 3,826 cartons of contraband cigarettes from Vancouver residence

    Following an investigation, on November 19, 2024, CBSA criminal investigators executed a search warrant at a Vancouver residence. CBSA officers arrested a 34 year-old Vancouver resident for their suspected involvement in the cigarette smuggling operation and the investigation is ongoing.

25. Canadians benefit from mortgage relief measures through FCAC’s actions

    Canadians benefit from mortgage relief measures through FCAC’s actions

26. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment to the Tax Court of Canada

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016.

27. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Quebec

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016.

28. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Ontario

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016.

29. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016.

30. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment to the Federal Court

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016.

31. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of Alberta

    The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016.

32. Major milestone reached in Correctional Service of Canada’s Health Centre of Excellence

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced the results of the Request for Qualifications stage of the Health Centre of Excellence facility in Dorchester, New Brunswick.

33. Federal government commits more than $14 million to the City of Greater Sudbury through the new Canada Public Transit Fund

    Today, Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, and Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury announced more than $14 million in federal funding for the City of Greater Sudbury’s public transit infrastructure, through the Baseline Funding stream of the Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF).

34. Remarks made by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly at the launch of the Arctic Foreign Policy

    I would like to acknowledge the presence of my dear colleagues Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Rob Oliphant, my Parliamentary Secretary, MP Brendan Hanley and MP Michael McLeod.

35. The federal government, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the City of St. John’s invest in public transit upgrades 

    St. John’s is purchasing new electric buses and upgrading Metrobus Transit’s facilities after a combined investment of over $50.3 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.

36. Federal investment supports comfort centre in Big Pond, Cape Breton

    Local facility will be better equipped to provide services to community members

37. Canada welcomes the adoption of a second International Decade for People of African Descent by the United Nations General Assembly

    The Government of Canada is committed to supporting Black communities by putting forward transformational investments and initiatives that empower people of African descent, combat anti-Black racism, and address longstanding and systemic barriers to their social and economic inclusion.

38. Government of Canada to expand early retirement eligibility for frontline public service safety and security workers                               Early retirement measures recognize the demanding and critical roles of frontline safety and security public servants

    Government of Canada to expand early retirement eligibility for frontline public service safety and security workers

39. Steering Committee Meeting of the Canada-United States Joint Action Plan on Opioids

    Since its launch in January 2020, the Governments of Canada and the United States have been taking action through the Joint Action Plan on Opioids (OAP) to continue collaborative counternarcotic efforts to strengthen law enforcement, border control, and public health responses to combat organized drug crime and save lives.

40. Minister Virani to Hold Media Availability Following Royal Assent of Bill C-40

    Members of the media are invited to join the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, along with James Lockyer and Susan Milgaard, for a press conference following royal assent of Bill C-40.

41. Minister Blair meets with Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz 

    Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, held a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Poland, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

42. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Port Coquitlam

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam and His Worship Brad West, Mayor of the City of Port Coquitlam.

43. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Greater Sudbury

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, and Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury.

44. Minister LeBlanc to make an announcement about the Health Centre of Excellence in Dorchester   

    Members of the media are invited to join the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, for an announcement regarding the Health Centre of Excellence in Dorchester, New Brunswick.

45. Freedom Online Coalition issues joint statement on the future of the multistakeholder approach at the United Nations

    The Freedom Online Coalition issued the following statement: “The Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) is a group of 42 countries deeply committed to respecting, promoting, and protecting human rights for all—both online and offline. We strongly support inclusive and open multistakeholder approaches to the governance of digital technologies.

46. Statement by Minister Ng on forced labour measures in 2024 Fall Economic Statement

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today issued the following statement regarding new measures to combat forced labour announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement:

47. Governments of Canada and the Yukon Make Energy Affordability Announcement in Whitehorse

    Whitehorse — Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for Yukon, will make an energy affordability announcement alongside the Honourable John Streicker, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Minister responsible for Yukon Development Corporation, Minister responsible for Yukon Energy Corporation and Minister responsible for French Language Services Directorate. Media availability will follow.

48. Minister Blair meets with Latvian Defence Minister Andris Sprūds 

    On December 16, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister for Defence of the Republic of Latvia, Andris Sprūds.

49. Statement for International Migrants Day

    As the world evolves, more people than ever are making the life-changing decision to leave their homes in search of safety and opportunity. Migrants and refugees bring skills, innovation and cultural diversity, enriching communities and strengthening economies. International Migrants Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions of newcomers to Canada and to reaffirm our commitment to protecting migrants’ rights, fostering their inclusion in society and building meaningful connections within their new communities.

50. David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law receives Royal Assent, establishing new, independent Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission

    Today, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced that David and Joyce Milgaard’s Law, which establishes a new, independent commission to review potential wrongful convictions, has received Royal Assent.