Canada & The World

1. Minister Joly to attend NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Belgium

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, today announced that she will be travelling to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from April 3 to 4, 2025.

2. Canada provides funding to respond to crises in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo

   Canada recognizes that the world is grappling with increasing geopolitical uncertainty, with conflicts spanning several continents impacting millions of people. This is why Canada is dedicated to doing its part to support those in need by collaborating with trusted and reliable partners on international assistance efforts.

3. Canada provides funding for humanitarian needs in Lebanon

   The situation throughout Lebanon, including in Beirut, remains volatile and unpredictable due to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Food insecurity, market disruptions, and mass displacement have led to an urgent need for shelter, food, clean water and hygiene products in Lebanon. Attacks on healthcare workers and health infrastructure have severely limited the ability of civilians to access basic and critical healthcare services. Canada is working with experienced humanitarian partners, including UN, the Red Cross and NGOs, to provide life-saving assistance to those who desperately need it.

4. Canada imposes additional sanctions against individuals linked to crisis in Haiti

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations to address the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation in Haiti, which has been exacerbated by the actions of the targeted individuals.

5. Backgrounder: Canada imposes additional sanctions against individuals linked to crisis in Haiti

   Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against 3 individuals who are actively undermining the peace, security and stability of Haiti. These individuals are being sanctioned in response to their involvement in serious disruptions of international peace and security, as well as grave violations of human rights.

6. Canada imposes new sanctions against Venezuelan officials

   Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions against Venezuelan officials under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations.

7. Backgrounder: Canada imposes sanctions against Venezuelan officials involved in committing human rights violations and/or undermining Venezuela’s democracy

   Effective immediately, Canada is listing 8 individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Venezuela) Regulations who are current senior officials of the Venezuelan government and who have engaged in activities that directly or indirectly supported human rights violations in Venezuela and/or activities that undermine Venezuela’s democracy.

8. Minister Joly announces assistance for people in Gaza and West Bank

   Following more than a year of devastating conflict, the UN estimates that the entire population of Gaza, more than 2 million people, is in need of urgent emergency assistance. At the same time, the West Bank is facing escalating violence, significant displacement, and movement restrictions that are hampering the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance and worsening the overall humanitarian crisis.

9. Minister Champagne to host federal, provincial, and territorial Finance Ministers’ Meeting

   The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance, will host a meeting with provincial and territorial Finance Ministers in Montréal, Quebec.

10. Statement on International Day of La Francophonie

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, today issued the following statement:

11. Government of Canada returns three reliquaries to the Italian Republic

    The Government of Canada returns three reliquaries of St. Nicholas to the Italian Republic, as part of efforts to combat illicit trafficking in cultural property.

12. G7 Foreign Ministers’ Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity

    We, the Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, reaffirm the G7’s steadfast commitment to contribute towards a free, open, and secure maritime domain based on the rule of law that strengthens international security, fosters economic prosperity, and ensures the sustainable use of marine resources.

13. Joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix

    The G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

14. Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant concludes visit to United Kingdom and announces new funding to support education initiatives across Commonwealth

    Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has concluded a productive visit to London, United Kingdom, where he attended Commonwealth Week events between March 11 and 13, 2025.

15. Backgrounder: Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant concludes visit to United Kingdom and announces new funding to support education initiatives across Commonwealth

    Canada has announced a total of $7.8 million in funding to the Commonwealth of Learning to support the organization’s education initiatives across the Commonwealth.

16. Statement from Minister Joly on negotiations between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement following a meeting between Ukraine and the United States that took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on March 11:

17. Statement from Minister Joly and Minister Hussen on the situation in Syria

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development issued the following statement:

18. Backgrounder: Canada announces measures and support for the people of Syria

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development announced measures in support of Canada’s concrete commitment to deliver much-needed humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people and to support a transition to an inclusive and peaceful future where all Syrians can live with dignity and security.

19. Statement by Minister Joly on election of new secretary general of Organization of American States

    “Canada congratulates Albert Ramdin on his election as the new secretary general of the Organization of American States [OAS.] Minister Ramdin is a seasoned diplomat with extensive multilateral experience, having previously served as the assistant secretary general of the OAS from 2005 to 2015..."

20. Statement by Minister Ng on United States imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development today issued the following statement following the U.S. reimposition of Section 232 25 percent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum as of March 12, 2025.

21. Minister Joly to host G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec

    March 11, 2025 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will host the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, in Charlevoix, Quebec, from March 12 to 14, 2025.

22. Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant to travel to United Kingdom for Commonwealth Week events

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend Commonwealth Week events in London, United Kingdom, from March 11 to 13, 2025.

23. Statement on Commonwealth Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement:

24. Backgrounder - Minister Hussen announces support for development projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $272.1 million in new funding for 14 projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region.

25. Minister Hussen announces support for development projects in Bangladesh and the Indo-Pacific region

    Canada and Bangladesh are steadfast partners working to advance mutual priorities and strengthen global sustainable development. This multifaceted partnership shares the united goals of gender parity, education and tackling climate change. Canada’s commitment to global partnerships will strengthen inclusion, reduce poverty and contribute to prosperity for Canadians.

26. Canada announces international assistance to continue to advance gender equality globally

    Canada is committed to protecting and advancing gender equality, human rights, and democracy. Creating communities that treat women and girls as equals is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and build stronger economies. Inclusive economies open new markets for businesses and strengthen Canada’s trade relationships. Gender equality also accelerates other development objectives like social inclusion, good health, quality education, peace and protecting the environment.

27. Backgrounder: Canada announces projects to advance gender equality and empower women and girls

    Today, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, Anita Vandenbeld, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, announced the following 20 projects, totaling $193.45 million.

28. Statement by ministers Joly, Hussen and Ng on International Women’s Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement.

29. Minister Joly announces additional sanctions against Iran

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations against Iranian individuals and entities who have engaged in gross human rights violations against Iranian civilians and destabilizing activities in the Middle East region and globally that undermine international peace, security or stability in a manner that is consistent with the policies of Iran.

30. Backgrounder: Additional sanctions against Iran

    Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations against 3 Iranian individuals and 4 entities that have engaged in destabilizing activities in the Middle East region and globally that undermine international peace, security or stability in a manner that is consistent with the policies of Iran.

31. Canada signs Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence Against Women

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, are pleased to announce that today, Canada signed the Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Belém do Pará Convention).

32. Canada announces new sanctions against Myanmar military regime

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced sanctions against 13 Myanmar senior government officials and 3 entities for undermining the peace, security and stability of the country and contributing to gross human rights violations.

33. Backgrounder: additional sanctions for Myanmar

    Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against the following individuals and entities for undermining the peace, security and stability of the country and contributing to gross human rights violations.

34. Minister Hussen renews Canada’s pledge for global health and lifesaving vaccines 

    Vaccines work. They save lives, protect the most vulnerable – especially children – and make the world safer for everyone. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 children around the world lack access to pre-existing vaccines and an estimated 1.5 million children die from vaccine-preventable illness every year.

35. Government of Canada supports Holocaust remembrance initiatives across Canada

    Minister Bendayan announces funding for Holocaust remembrance initiatives across the country

36. Backgrounder: Government of Canada supports Holocaust remembrance initiatives across Canada

    The Honourable Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety, announced nearly $1.5 million in funding for 7 initiatives across Canada as part of the National Holocaust Remembrance Program...

37. Rapid Response Mechanism Canada detects second ‘Spamouflage’ campaign targeting Canada-based Chinese-language commentators and their families

    Spamouflage has been publicly reported over a period of several years by technology companies and threat intelligence experts who have connected the activity to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). RRM Canada has been able to attribute this new campaign, including the bots involved, to the PRC with high confidence.

38. Canada launches its first global Africa Strategy: A partnership for shared prosperity and security

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development; and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, launched Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security—Canada’s first global strategy that will drive economic prosperity, security and fairness for both Canadians and Africans for years to come.

39. Minister Joly announces additional sanctions in response to ongoing conflict in Sudan

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act against seven individuals and three entities associated with the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

40. Backgrounder: Additional sanctions in response to ongoing conflict in Sudan

    Canada is imposing sanctions on 7 individuals and 3 entities  associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and linked to the continued violence against civilians in Sudan.

41. Government of Canada supports Holocaust remembrance initiatives in Vancouver and Victoria

    Member of Parliament Taleeb Noormohamed announces funding for Holocaust remembrance initiatives in Vancouver and Victoria.

42. Biographical note

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointment: Sarah Quigley will become Consul General in Denver (United States of America). Ms. Quigley will replace Sylvain Fabi. She will take up her appointment in the coming months.

43. Announcement of new diplomatic appointment

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointment: Sarah Quigley will become Consul General in Denver (United States of America). Ms. Quigley will replace Sylvain Fabi. She will take up her appointment in the coming months.

44. Minister of Foreign Affairs in conversation with the Toronto Region Board of Trade

    March 4, 2025 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will join the Toronto Region Board of Trade for a conversation on Canada-US relations, followed by a media availability.

45. Statement by Ministers Joly, Hussen and Ng on Rwanda’s involvement in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo conflict

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development; and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, today issued the following statement:

46. Minister Hussen announces projects to support a more equitable world on Zero Discrimination Day

    Canada champions the advocacy and protection of human rights for everyone because focusing on the inclusion of diverse populations creates a more equitable and fair society for us all.

47. Backgrounder - Minister Hussen announces projects to support a more equitable world on Zero Discrimination Day

    Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced a total of $37.9 million in funding for the following projects:

48. Minister Hussen announces support for development projects in the Caribbean Region

    The relationship between the Caribbean region and Canada is deep and multifaceted. It increases employment opportunities, advances economic growth, and strengthens global stability and security. It aims to reduce global climate change effects, protect ecosystems, empower communities and promote gender equality, benefiting both the Caribbean and Canada.

49. Statement from Minister Joly following Thailand’s forced return of Uyghur refugees to China

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “Canada is deeply concerned that 40 Uyghur refugees were forcibly returned to China today, putting them at a serious risk of torture, mistreatment, repressive surveillance, arbitrary detention and forced labour.

50. Minister of Foreign Affairs in conversation at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and the Port of Vancouver

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will join the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade for a conversation on Canada-US relations and visit the Port of Vancouver, followed by a media availability.