Canada & The World

1. Canada condemns dissolution of political parties by Myanmar regime

   Canada condemns the Myanmar regime’s dissolution of 40 political parties, including the National League for Democracy and Shan Nationalities League for Democracy. These clear attempts to undermine Myanmar’s democratic institutions and to silence opposition voices will only serve to deepen the ongoing crisis in Myanmar and delay the return to a fully democratic and inclusive Myanmar.

2. Minister Joly speaks with Minister Malki of the Palestinian Authority

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with His Excellency Dr. Riad Malki, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.

3. Minister Ng launches public consultations on Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity 

   Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced the launch of public consultations on Canada’s negotiations with the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP).

4. Canada imposes new sanctions against Iranian regime

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. This is the 10th package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime since October 2022.

5. Canada announces $8M in humanitarian assistance in response to Tropical Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique

   The impact of Tropical Cyclone Freddy on Mozambique and Malawi has been devastating, with high winds, flooding, and landslides causing the death of more than 600 people. These are exacerbating the already deadly cholera outbreaks, and leaving nearly 2 million in need of humanitarian assistance.

6. Statement on International Day of La Francophonie

   “Today gives us the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary richness and vitality of the French language and francophone culture in Canada and worldwide.”

7. G7 Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by North Korea

   Since last year, North Korea has intensified its escalatory actions through a record number of ballistic missile launches and its continued irresponsible and destabilizing rhetoric regarding the use of nuclear weapons.

8. Minister Joly speaks with Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

   Minister Joly and Minister Cohen discussed Canada and Israel’s strong, multidimensional and enduring friendship, driven by close people-to-people ties as Canada is home to the world’s third largest Jewish diaspora.

9. Canada and EU conclude the 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants

   The outflow of refugees and migrants from Venezuela is currently one of the largest displacement crises in the world, with nearly 7.2 million people having fled or left their country.

10. Minister Sajjan to co-host International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced today that he will travel to Brussels, Belgium on March 16–17, 2023, to attend the International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and their Host Countries and Communities, co-hosted by Canada and the European Union.

11. Minister Sajjan to hold press conference at the International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants

    March 15, 2023 - The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada will hold a press conference on March 17, 2023 from Brussels, Belgium. He will be joined by Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management representing the European Union as co-host of the 2023 International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and their Host Countries and Communities. The Minister will deliver short remarks before answering questions from the media.

12. Minister Joly to welcome Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Dendias in Ottawa and Montréal

    March 14, 2023 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will host Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias for bilateral meetings and activities with the Greek community.

13. Minister Joly to welcome Greece’s foreign minister to Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will welcome Nikos Dendias, Greece’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Ottawa, Ontario, and Montréal, Quebec, on March 15, 2023.

14. Biographical note

    Victoria Singmin (BSc Hons [Biology and Psychology], McMaster University, 2000) joined the Canadian International Development Agency in 2007.

15. Announcement of new diplomatic appointment

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointment:

16. Joint ministerial statement on Commonwealth Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today issued the following statement to mark Commonwealth Day:

17. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to attend Commonwealth Week in United Kingdom

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend Commonwealth Week events in London, United Kingdom, from March 12 to 17, 2023.

18. Canada-Norway joint statement on bilateral cooperation

    “Today, Canada and Norway reaffirm our excellent relations, which are anchored by our common values and commitment to the rule of law and the rules-based international order."

19. Visit to Canada of the President and First Lady of the United States of America – Media Accreditation Process

    Visit to Canada of the President and First Lady of the United States of America – Media Accreditation Process

20. Updated: Minister Joly and Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Huitfeldt to discuss pluralism, peace and security

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Her Excellency Anniken Huitfeldt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, will be discussing opportunities for advancing peace and multilateralism based on the shared values of Canada and Norway during a fireside chat hosted by the Global Centre for Pluralism. The ministers will hold a media availability following the discussion.

21. Minister Joly to welcome Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will welcome Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Ottawa, Ontario, from March 9 to 10, 2023.

22. Ministerial Statement on the Situation for Women and Girls in Afghanistan on International Women’s Day

    The following is a statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union.

23. Backgrounder: Minister Sajjan announces $157.6 million in development and humanitarian funding as he concludes visits to Bangladesh, the Philippines and Qatar

    While in Bangladesh, Minister Sajjan met with Abul Kalam Abdul Momen, Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this meeting, he underlined Canada’s commitment to deepening its engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and to the long and successful development partnership between Canada and Bangladesh. They discussed our responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including its impact on food security, and the interlinked Rohingya refugee crisis and situation in Myanmar.

24. Minister Sajjan announces $157.6 million in funding as he concludes visits to Bangladesh, the Philippines and Qatar

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada announced $157.6 million in funding as he concluded his visit to Bangladesh, the Philippines and Qatar. His trip focused on climate action, food security, green and inclusive growth, economic empowerment, health and advancing gender equality. He also attended the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), held in Doha, Qatar, where he highlighted the importance of inclusive partnerships with least developed countries to reduce poverty and advance sustainable development.

25. Media Freedom Coalition statement: International Women’s Day 2023

    As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2023, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition call attention to the safety of women journalists and media workers. Women journalists are integral to the pursuit of justice and truth. Via their work as journalists and media workers, they bring attention and a diversity of views on issues that need to be raised. However, while pursuing their work, they continue to face disproportionate violence, threats and harassment.

26. International Women’s Day statement by ministers Joly, Sajjan and Ng  

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada; and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, today issued the following statement:

27. Minister Joly announces new multifaceted support for Ukraine

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly announced new multifaceted support for Ukraine to help address its critical energy and security needs as it defends itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion. The announcement was made during the official visit to Canada of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

28. Canada welcomes announcement between Japan and the Republic of Korea

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement welcoming an announcement between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in addressing a longstanding historical issue and strengthening their ties:

29. Joint statement on successful conclusion of historic treaty to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, today made the following statement following the successful conclusion of negotiations on the creation of a legally binding treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).

30. Minister Joly to attend G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Raisina Dialogue in India

    At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Minister will discuss India’s G20 agenda under the theme of “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” with a focus on accelerating progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2023. Minister Joly will engage with her counterparts on common challenges, including food and energy security, development cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as effective multilateralism. She will address the acute challenges millions are facing around the world, which are compounded by Russia’s unjustifiable and illegal war against Ukraine.

31. Statement on World NGO Day

    On World NGO Day, we honour the remarkable dedication and resilience of workers in international development and humanitarian assistance. These often-unsung heroes are committed to reaching vulnerable and marginalized people with responsive, inclusive and life-changing assistance.

32. Canada further sanctions Iranian regime for gross violations of human rights

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations. This is the ninth package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime since October 2022.

33. Minister Sajjan strengthens bilateral relationship with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, met with Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, today in Dhaka. They discussed the Canada-Bangladesh development partnership, which began more than 50 years ago and is based on mutual respect, strengthening national capacities and empowering the most vulnerable.

34. Statement for Ukraine by the Governing Council Members of the Community of Democracies 

    One year into Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale military invasion against Ukraine, Members of the Governing Council of the Community of Democracies (Canada, Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States), remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine and reaffirm their commitment to the democracy, sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters.

35. Minister Duclos announces $20M for SOCODEVI to support climate adaptation in Senegal

    We recognize that the most marginalized communities, including women and girls, are disproportionately affected by climate change and biodiversity loss. Today, in his riding in the city of Québec, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Harjjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development, announced Canada’s support for SOCODEVI (Société de coopération pour le développement international) and their Natur’ELLES project during his visit at a local YWCA.

36. Canada provides new humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

    As the situation on the ground in Türkiye and Syria continues to be critical, the urgent, immediate needs of communities affected by the recent earthquakes are becoming clearer.

37. Statement marking one year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence; the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada; and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:

38. Canada to increase support for security and stabilization efforts in Ukraine

    One year ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine. Today, we mark an entire year of devastating war that has had a catastrophic effect on Ukraine, its neighbours and people around the world. We have witnessed immense human suffering, appalling human rights violations and intentional cruelty done to the people of an independent and sovereign nation. Yet the brave and resilient people of Ukraine continue to fight with extraordinary courage and inspire Canadians and people around the world with their unwavering resolve to defend their homeland and sovereignty.

39. Backgrounder – Increased security and stabilization efforts in Ukraine

    Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion, Canada has continued to stand with Ukraine and to support its people through many avenues. Since February 2022, Canada has contributed over $5 billion worth of multifaceted assistance to Ukraine, including for financial loans, military aid, humanitarian aid, development assistance, and security and stabilization efforts.

40. Minister Sajjan to travel to Bangladesh, Philippines and Qatar

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today announced that he will travel to Bangladesh, the Philippines and Qatar from February 24 to March 5, 2023. In the Philippines, he will be accompanied by Rechie Valdez, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville.

41. Canada urges North Korea to cease reckless provocations

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the latest missile launches by North Korea: “North Korea continues to violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. Its most recent missile launches, including the February 18, 2023, launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, and the February 20 launch of two short-range ballistic missiles that landed in the East Sea, are acts of aggression that threaten regional and international peace and security.

42. Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu to engage business leaders in Singapore and Indonesia on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be travelling to Singapore and Indonesia to engage with key business partners and stakeholders and to help advance Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. He will be in Singapore from February 20 to 23 and in Indonesia from February 23 to 26, 2023.

43. Minister Joly to travel to Paris, France

    During her trip, Minister Joly will hold a bilateral meeting with Catherine Colonna, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, to discuss Russia’s war against Ukraine as well as Canada and France’s common resolve to support Ukraine as the world approaches the one-year mark since the full-scale Russian invasion.

44. Joint statement from female foreign ministers attending the Munich Security Conference 2023

    “Together, we, female Foreign Ministers at the Munich Security Conference 2023, strongly condemn the Taliban’s push to exclude women from all public life."

45. Minister Joly to travel to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will visit Munich, Germany, from February 17 to 19, 2023, to attend the 59th Munich Security Conference (MSC).

46. Canada announces funding to support quality education for children in emergency and crisis situations worldwide

    Conflict, climate change and COVID-19 have caused a global education crisis, with an estimated 222 million children and adolescents who are not developing the essential skills and knowledge they need to build and prepare for their futures. Canada is investing in immediate and sustainable programs to ensure access to quality education for children and youth in emergency and crisis situations so that no child is left behind.

47. Minister Joly travels to Ukraine to discuss ongoing and unwavering Canadian support for Ukraine

    As the one-year mark of President Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine approaches, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, travelled to Ukraine to reaffirm Canada’s steadfast support for the people of Ukraine and to discuss Canada’s role in the path toward peace with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko, and the President’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak.

48. Backgrounder – Increased security and stabilization efforts in Ukraine

    Since the beginning of Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion, Canada has continued to stand with Ukraine and to support its people through many avenues. Since February 2022, Canada has contributed over $5 billion worth of multifaceted assistance to Ukraine, including for financial loans, military aid, humanitarian aid, development assistance, and security and stabilization efforts.

49. Supporting the OPCW upon the delivery of the third IIT report

    We, the participating States of the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, stand together to preserve the international standards and norms against the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances.

50. Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission appoints competition and digital expert to lead telecommunications

    The Chairperson and CEO of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Vicky Eatrides, is pleased to announce the appointment of Leila Wright to the position of Executive Director, Telecommunications.