Canada & The World

1. 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...

2. Government of Canada supports Holocaust remembrance initiatives across Canada

   Minister Bendayan announces funding for Holocaust remembrance initiatives across the country

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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:

12. 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.

13. 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:

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. Statement marking 10 years since the death of Boris Nemtsov

    Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania and Sweden today issued the following statement marking 10 years since the death of Boris Nemtsov.

18. Announcement of new diplomatic appointment

    Leslie Scanlon becomes Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Israel. Ms. Scanlon replaces Lisa Stadelbauer.

19. Biographical note

    Leslie Scanlon (BJ Hons, Carleton University, 1986) worked in corporate communications in Japan after graduating from university.

20. Minister Joly to hold teleconference on her visit to the United Kingdom

    February 24, 2025 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will hold a media call back to discuss her visit to the United Kingdom. The Minister will be in the country for a bilateral visit from February 24 to 25, 2025.

21. Minister Joly concludes diplomatic week in Europe and G20 meetings with visit to the United Kingdom

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will travel to London, United Kingdom (U.K.), for a bilateral visit from February 24 to 25, 2025.

22. Statement marking 3 years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, today issued the following statement

23. Special Envoy for Syria to visit Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Special Envoy for Syria, will visit Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon from February 22 to 27, 2025, to consult with a range of stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, regional actors and international partners, on promoting inclusive governance and the protection of human rights in Syria.

24. Minister Hussen attends 48th CARICOM and announces new support for the Caribbean region

    Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a visit to Barbados, where he represented Canada at the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and reinforced Canada’s strategic partnerships with the region.

25. Minister Hussen announces new funding for multiple countries in the Caribbean

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced more than $38 million in new funding for several initiatives at the 48th Regular Meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The multifaceted strategic partnership between Canada and CARICOM continues to demonstrate shared priorities and Canada's commitment to the region.

26. Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team Steering Committee inaugural meeting joint statement

    “The governments of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States held the inaugural meeting of the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT) Steering Committee in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2025.

27. Minister Joly traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa, for G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Minister Joly will meet with her counterparts to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the crisis in Haiti. She will also address peace and security issues in Africa, particularly in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

28. Supporting a better CBC/Radio-Canada

    Minister Pascale St-Onge will announce her vision for a better national public broadcaster

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

    As Canada holds the G7 presidency this year, it is honoured to welcome foreign ministers to address pressing global challenges together and strengthen international cooperation.

30. Media Accreditation now open for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 

    Media representatives who wish to cover the visit must obtain media accreditation.

31. Minister Joly announces launch of Women Foreign Ministers’ Group

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the launch of the Women Foreign Ministers’ Group (WFMG).

32. Minister Joly to hold teleconference following visit to Belgium

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will hold a media call back following her visit to Paris, France, Munich, Germany and Brussels, Belgium.

33. Minister Joly concludes participation at Munich Security Conference and announces new funding for Ukraine

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded her participation at the 2025 Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany.

34. Joint statement marking one year since the death of Alexei Navalny

    “On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia’s dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.

35. Women foreign ministers’ statement on the ongoing and systematic violations of human rights in Afghanistan

    On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, chaired a Women Foreign Ministers Meeting, during which the gravity of the situation facing women and girls in Afghanistan was discussed.

36. Fourth anniversary of Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations

    “Today, we commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations, marking a significant milestone. Eighty countries and entities from all corners of the world have now endorsed the declaration, demonstrating a powerful and growing global consensus against the use of individuals as bargaining chips in diplomatic disputes.

37. Minister Hussen announces support to strengthen Canada’s development partnerships in Indo-Pacific region

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a productive visit to Bangladesh and Indonesia, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to sustainable development, climate action and cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and countries in the broader Indo-Pacific region. These development initiatives strengthen local communities while benefiting the global economy and Canada’s security and prosperity.

38. Backgrounder: Minister Hussen announces support to strengthen Canada’s development partnerships in Indo-Pacific region

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced $56.8 million in new funding for projects to support the Indo-Pacific region in the areas of gender equality, Rohingya refugees, health and economic growth and to strengthen Canada’s partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

39. Joint statement on Syria

    Statement by the Governments of France, Syria, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the European Union, the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States and the Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.

40. Minister Joly to participate in the Munich Security Conference

    February 13, 2025 - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will participate in the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany from February 14-16, 2024.

41. Minister Joly to travel to France, Germany and Belgium

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be traveling to France, Germany, and Belgium, from February 13 to 18, 2025.

42. Statement on International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers

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

43. Minister Joly announces support for digital security of human rights defenders

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Global Affairs Canada will provide $1.8 million in funding to Access Now for its project Counteracting Transnational Repression and Protecting Society in the Digital Age. This project aims to increase the safety and security of civil society actors and human rights defenders, with a focus on communities impacted by transnational repression.

44. Minister Joly launches Standing Table on Human Rights

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the launch of Canada’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs’ Standing Table on Human Rights.

45. Canada signs the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada has signed the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law.

46. 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 two individuals associated with the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

47. Backgrounder - Additional sanctions in response to ongoing conflict in Sudan

    Canada is imposing sanctions on two individuals in response associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and linked to the continued violence against civilians in Sudan. Through their leadership roles in financing and procurement networks in both opposing factions, these individuals are contributing to continued gross and systematic human rights violations by allowing both parties to sustain the fighting.

48. Rapid Response Mechanism Canada detects information operation targeting a candidate for the leadership campaign of the Liberal Party of Canada

    Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM Canada), in its mandate as part of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force to monitor the digital information ecosystem during the Liberal Party of Canada [LPC] leadership campaign, has identified an information operation targeting Chrystia Freeland. Ms. Freeland is Member of Parliament [MP] for University-Rosedale, and candidate in the LPC Leadership contest.

49. Minister Hussen announces new projects to strengthen health systems that reach the poorest and most vulnerable

    In the last few years, healthcare systems around the world, especially those in low- and middle-income countries, have faced unprecedented strains. Climate change and geopolitical crises have exacerbated these pressures. As a result, many women and children still lack access to essential health services, as well as clean water, adequate sanitation, hygiene, and good nutrition.

50. Backgrounder: Canada announces projects to strengthen health systems in Africa, Asia, and the Americas

    Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, announced the following 14 projects, totaling $248.2 million.