Canada & The World

1. Statement by Minister Joly on Hong Kong arrest warrants

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “Canada deplores the decision by Hong Kong authorities to issue international bounties and cancel the passports of democracy activists and former Hong Kong lawmakers. Those targeted include Canadians and people with close ties to Canada.

2. Statement on the imposition of arbitrary sanctions against Canadian individuals and entities by China

   Global Affairs Canada expresses solidarity with the members of the Canadian Tibet Committee and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and condemns the decision by the Chinese government to punish them for speaking out for human rights.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Canada imposes new sanctions against Venezuelan officials

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

9. Backgrounder: Canada imposes sanctions against Venezuelan officials

   Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against Venezuelan officials by listing five individuals who are current or former senior officials of the Venezuelan government and who have engaged in activities that have directly or indirectly undermined democracy in Venezuela.

10. Joint statement from foreign ministers condemning Democratic Republic of Korea-Russia cooperation

    “Direct DPRK support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security.

11. Backgrounder – Deliverables of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy

    On December 6, 2024, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the launch of Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy (AFP).

12. Minister Joly announces support for human rights defenders and media freedom

    As the world marks Human Rights Day this week, Canada reiterates the importance of the protection and promotion of human rights defenders and their critical work. Canada is also committed to defending media freedom and its vital role as a pillar of society.

13. Statement on Human Rights Day

    “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights—adopted on this day in 1948—emphasizes that the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world. In the face of growing challenges to human rights worldwide, Canada will continue working with partners to not only safeguard but also expand the protection and promotion of human rights.

14. Backgrounder – Sanctions against individuals involved in the violation of human rights during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

    Canada is imposing sanctions against Russian authorities and their local collaborators in response to gross and systematic human rights violations that have been committed in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

15. Minister Joly announces additional sanctions against Russian individuals on Human Rights Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against individuals who are involved in Russia’s ongoing human rights violations since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and occupation of Crimea.

16. Backgrounder – Additional sanctions

    Effective December 10, 2024, Canada is imposing sanctions against 8 Chinese officials for human rights violations.

17. Canada sanctions Chinese officials for human rights violations

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (People’s Republic of China) Regulations against 8 former or current senior officials involved in grave human rights violations in the country.

18. Minister Hussen announces multi-year funding for Central Emergency Response Fund

    Global humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels. Global cooperation is essential in helping the estimated 300 million people worldwide who currently need humanitarian assistance and protection. Canada is working with its UN, Red Cross and NGO partners to meet the critical needs of those suffering around the world.

19. Statement on the situation in Syria

    Canada welcomes the end of the Assad regime in Syria, a regime that has inflicted decades of suffering on its own people. This event marks a significant turning point for the Syrian people, who have endured unimaginable hardship under the rule of Bashar al-Assad and his father, Hafez al-Assad.

20. In Manila, Philippines, Minister Ng concludes Canada’s largest Team Canada Trade Mission

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, concluded her highly successful visit to the Philippines. While in Manila, she welcomed more than 300 representatives of over 190 Canadian organizations who were taking part in the Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines, the Canada’s largest trade mission...

21. Minister Ng announces significant support to help Canadian businesses succeed in the Philippines

    During the Team Canada Trade Mission to the Philippines, from December 4 to 6, 2024, which was led by the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, Canadian companies announced several key initiatives and partnerships that will help advance trade and investment and create well-paying middle-class jobs for Canadians...

22. Minister Joly launches Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy

    The Arctic is experiencing major change. The shifting geopolitical landscape, evolving security threats and acceleration of climate change are impacting the Arctic in unique ways and highlight the need for strong Canadian leadership to respond to the changing reality in the region.

23. Ministers Joly, Blair and Vandal to launch the Arctic Foreign Policy

    Officials from Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada will offer a technical briefing to media on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy.

24. Statement by the Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen on International Volunteer Day

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development today issued the following statement: “Today, on International Volunteer Day, we celebrate the tireless volunteers in Canada and around the world, who dedicate their time, energy and expertise to serve others."

25. Backgrounder: Minister Ng announces significant support to help Canadian businesses succeed in Indonesia

    From December 1 to 3, 2024, during the mission to Indonesia as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, concluded the negotiations for a Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), and signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) under CEPA. The minister also witnessed the signing of a number of MOUs between Canadian and Indonesian companies.

26. Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Hussen on situation in Sudan

    Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing conflict in Sudan, and is gravely concerned by its widespread impact on civilians. There is an alarming escalation of violence in regions such as Darfur and Gezira, including horrific conflict-related sexual violence. We are appalled by reports of shelling near the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur.

27. Canada’s response to the crisis in Sudan

    Since the outset of the conflict in Sudan in April 2023, Canada has been working with its regional and international partners to address the deteriorating situation.

28. Minister Joly to hold teleconference following participation in 3+1, and in Advance of the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will hold a media call back following her participation in the 3+1, and in advance of the NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting scheduled to take place in Brussels, Belgium from December 03-04, 2024.

29. Minister Joly to travel to Latvia and Belgium

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that from December 1 to 4, 2024, she will travel to Riga, Latvia, to attend the second Canada-Baltic “3+1” Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

30. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to attend Cairo conference on humanitarian response in Gaza

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Egypt to represent Canada at the Cairo conference on the humanitarian response in Gaza on December 2, 2024. This conference is co-convened by the Government of Egypt and the UN.

31. Canada hosts meeting of Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Commission, advancing key priorities to grow and support free, open and rules-based trade

    The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) helps Canadian businesses by facilitating access to key markets and resolving trade barriers, which helps create good-paying middle-class jobs for Canadians.

32. Statement following the 21st Kimberley Process plenary on conflict diamonds

    Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement: Canada participated in the 21st Plenary Meeting of the Kimberley Process on Conflict Diamonds held from November 12 to 15, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a founding member, Canada values this multilateral forum for the role that it has played in breaking the link between conflict and diamonds since its founding in 2003.

33. Minister Hussen announces $50 million for humanitarian assistance in Gaza and West Bank

    Canada continues to be deeply concerned by the persistent and worsening catastrophic humanitarian conditions and the imminent risk of famine in Gaza. The human suffering at this scale and severity requires urgent attention and an immediate response. Canada remains committed to ensuring that Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank receive the life-saving assistance they desperately need.

34. Minister Hussen to make an important announcement on November 29, 2024

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development will hold a press conference to make an important announcement.

35. Joint statement between Canada and the Democratic Forces of Belarus

    "Participants expressed grave concern over the continued lack of respect of the will of the Belarusian people, especially as we move towards Belarus’s 2025 presidential election, that is expected to be neither free nor fair.

36. Statement by ministers Joly and Hussen on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

    “Gender-based violence is among the most pervasive violations of human rights worldwide. Women and girls are subjected to particularly high rates of violence at home, online and in public and political spaces. When women who are politicians, activists or human rights defenders face violence, their right to safety is violated and democracy is threatened. Amid a growing global backlash against women’s and girls’ rights, Canada is working to protect civic space and promote women’s full participation in public life.

37. Minister Joly to hold teleconference following the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Italy

    November 25, 2024 - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will hold a media call back to discuss her participation in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting that took place in Italy from November 25-26, 2024.

38. Minister Joly to travel to Italy to attend G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will travel to Anagni and Fiuggi, Italy, from November 25 to 26, 2024, to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

39. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly to hold media availability in Washington D.C.

    November 20, 2024 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will hold a media availability on November 21, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

40. Minister Joly to travel to Washington, D.C. 

    While in Washington, Minister Joly will meet with U.S. leaders, including Republican and Democratic senators, to discuss trade, investment and security.

41. Statement by Minister Joly on sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy advocates

    “Canada is deeply concerned following the sentencing today of 45 people in a national security trial of pro-democracy advocates known as the Hong Kong 47. The prosecution of these individuals and the lengthy prison sentences that ranged from 4 to 10 years are troubling.

42. Statement on 1,000 days since start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “A thousand days ago, Russia escalated its war on Ukraine into a brutal, full-scale invasion. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin thought a victory would be swift and decisive."

43. Canada and Zambia lead on UN resolution to end child, early and forced marriage

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement: “Today, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its sixth resolution on ending child, early and forced marriage. This is the 10th anniversary of Canada and Zambia’s partnership leading this resolution together. While good progress has been made, we must continue to collectively accelerate efforts to prevent, address and eliminate child, early and forced marriage by 2030.

44. Statement by ministers Joly and Hussen on persistent risk of famine in Gaza

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

45. Media Registration – Important announcement to support housing in Canada

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development—in collaboration with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will make an important announcement to support housing in Canada

46. Announcement of new diplomatic appointment

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointment: Cameron MacKay becomes Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Mexican States. Mr. MacKay replaces Graeme Clark.

47. Minister Hussen to make an announcement related to Indigenous climate projects in Latin America

    November 12, 2024 – The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development—in collaboration with Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations, and Lewis Archer, Director of the National Reconciliation Program with Save the Children Canada, will make an important announcement to support Indigenous Peoples in Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala and Peru to build climate resilience through joint advocacy and knowledge sharing with Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

48. Backgrounder – Minister Hussen announces more than $35 million for international assistance projects in Africa

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced today $35 million in new funding to support gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives on the African continent.

49. Minister Hussen announces more than $35 million for international assistance projects in Africa

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, announced today $35 million in new funding to support gender equality and women’s empowerment initiatives on the African continent.

50. Government of Canada to announce new partnership with United States and Finland to support shipbuilding and create more middle-class jobs

    The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, will be joining the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, and Finland Minister of Economic Affairs, Wille Rydman, in Washington, D.C., to sign a new partnership to support shipbuilding and create more middle-class jobs.