Canada & The World

1. Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on the conclusion of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention

   Canada is pleased that the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention adopted the draft decision entitled “Addressing the Possession and Use of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic.” This decision underscores the international community’s commitment to hold Syria to account for its possession and use of chemical weapons. The victims of the Syrian regime’s war crimes deserve to see those responsible held accountable for their heinous actions.

2. Minister Garneau speaks with Indonesian counterpart

   Minister Garneau first offered his sincere condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones in the recent floods and earthquake in Indonesia. He affirmed that Canada stands with the people of Indonesia in this trying time.

3. Statement of the Equal Rights Coalition on the serious Human Rights Violations and Abuses against LGBTI Individuals in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation

   In December 2018, OSCE Moscow Mechanism rapporteur’s independent report on the situation in Chechnya found ‘clear evidence of the successive purges against LGBTI persons’ in Chechnya as well as of numerous other grave Human Rights violations. The report documented that LGBTI persons in Chechnya had been subjected to systematic harassment, persecution, arbitrary arrests and detentions, torture, enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings.

4. Canada concerned over the targeting of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong

   “Canada expresses grave concerns over the targeting of ten of Hong Kong’s most prominent pro-democracy activists for participation in a peaceful assembly.”

5. Media Freedom Coalition statement concerning media freedom in Myanmar

   The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition express their deep concern with the continued efforts by Myanmar’s military and police to crack down on media freedom.

6. Biographical notes

   Joanne Lemay (LLB, University of Montréal, 1992; MA [International Relations], Budapest University of Economic Sciences, 1994) was called to the Quebec bar in 1993 and joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1997, undertaking various assignments in Canada and abroad.

7. Announcement of new diplomatic appointments

   The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointments

8. The CBSA launches an investigation into small power transformers from Austria, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei), and South Korea

   The CBSA launches an investigation into small power transformers from Austria, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Chinese Taipei), and South Korea

9. Statement on SolarWinds Cyber Compromise

   Today, Canada joins the United States and international partners in voicing our concerns related to a Russian cyber-espionage campaign that exploited the SolarWinds Orion platform.

10. SolarWinds Cyber Compromise

    In December 2020, media reported that a highly skilled cyber-actor conducted a supply chain compromise by creating a backdoor into a software update for the SolarWinds’ Orion platform. This software update was downloaded by at least 16,000 SolarWinds clients.

11. Minister Garneau speaks with Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

    Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, National Security, Legal Affairs and Information of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

12. Canada issues advisory on doing business with Myanmar-related entities

    The Government of Canada today issued an advisory for Canadian companies doing business with Myanmar-related entities.

13. G7 foreign ministers’ statement on Ukraine

    We, 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, are deeply concerned by the large, ongoing buildup of Russian military forces on Ukraine’s borders and in illegally annexed Crimea.

14. Statement from Minister Garneau to announce the cancellation of export permits to Turkey

    Last fall, in line with our robust export control regime, the Government of Canada suspended export permits for military goods and technology to Turkey pending the results of an investigation into allegations that Canadian technology was being used by Azerbaijan in the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

15. Canada renews partnership with Grand Challenges Canada to spur innovations for global health

    World Health Day is commemorated to raise awareness of global health issues. This year, COVID-19 has highlighted the inequalities that persist for people accessing health services due to simple factors such as where they were born, their gender and their age.

16. Backgrounder - Canada’s partnership with Grand Challenges Canada to support sustainable innovations

    On World Health Day, April 7, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, announced that the Government of Canada is renewing its partnership with Grand Challenges Canada to support innovative solutions that improve global health.

17. Canada to press for continued coordinated COVID-19 support at the G7, G20 and Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank

    Canada to press for continued coordinated COVID-19 support at the G7, G20 and Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank

18. G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement on the situation in Tigray, Ethiopia

    We, 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 are strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Tigray.

19. Minister Ng concludes successful virtual trade mission to France on exploring sustainable business opportunities

    As the Government of Canada continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic and work toward an inclusive and sustainable global economic recovery, it is helping Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs to start up, scale up, and access new markets.

20. Minister of Foreign Affairs speaks with Ukrainian counterpart

    Minister Garneau expressed Canada’s concerns regarding the recent destabilizing Russian actions, including the movement of troops near Ukraine’s borders and in occupied Crimea. He also expressed condolences to Ukraine and the families of the 4 Ukrainian service members who were killed in the Donbas on March 26.

21. Minister Ng participates in first G7 trade and investment ministers’ meeting

    As the Government of Canada continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic, collaborating with international partners is essential to fighting the virus and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive global economic recovery from the pandemic.

22. Minister Ng speaks with Germany’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy about vaccine exports

    Yesterday, as part of a broader ongoing engagement across government with the European Union and its member states, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, spoke with Minister Peter Altmaier, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, about the importance of the continued shipment of vaccines from Europe to Canada.

23. Minister Gould participates in global gathering for gender equality and reaffirms support for women’s rights organizations

    The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified systemic and long-standing inequalities, with women and girls disproportionately affected by the crisis. Bold action is needed to renew momentum and accelerate progress on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in all their diversity.

24. Minister Ng leads virtual trade mission to Singapore on e-commerce 

    As the Government of Canada continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic and work towards an inclusive and sustainable global economic recovery, it is helping Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs to start up, scale up, and access new markets.

25. Minister Ng to conclude Canada’s virtual trade mission to France by highlighting sustainable mobility collaboration

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, will host a conversation with Florent Menegaux, Michelin’s Chief Executive Officer, on the fourth and final day of Canada’s virtual trade mission to France.

26. Minister Garneau announces funding for stabilization projects in Iraq and Syria at meeting of Global Coalition against Daesh

    The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting the stability and security of the Middle East region. Canada continues to support the peace and stabilization efforts of the Global Coalition against Daesh and the Global Coalition’s regional partners in Iraq and Syria.

27. Canada’s stabilization projects in Iraq and Syria

    On March 30, 2021, the Government of Canada announced more than $43.6 million in funding for 11 stabilization projects in Iraq and Syria. These projects, funded through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, are aligned with the Global Coalition against Daesh’s stabilization efforts in these countries. Since 2016, Canada has committed up to $3.5 billion through its Middle East engagement strategy to respond to the crises in Iraq and Syria and address the impact theyhave had on the region.

28. Joint Communiqué by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Small Group

    At the invitation of Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sophie Wilmès and U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the Foreign Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS Small Group met virtually today to reaffirm our shared determination to continue the fight against Daesh/ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and to create conditions for an enduring defeat of the terrorist group, which remains the Coalition’s sole purpose, through a comprehensive, multifaceted effort.

29. Joint statement on the WHO-Convened COVID-19 Origins Study

    The Governments of Australia, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America remain steadfast in our commitment to working with the World Health Organization (WHO), international experts who have a vital mission, and the global community to understand the origins of this pandemic in order to improve our collective global health security and response.

30. Minister Ng to emphasize importance of digital information technology in green economic recovery on third day of virtual trade mission to France

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, will deliver remarks and take part in a conversation with Cédric O, France’s Minister of State for the Digital Transition and Electronic Communication, on the third day of Canada’s virtual trade mission to France. The Minister and Isabelle Hudon, Canada’s Ambassador to France, will then co-host a fireside chat with women entrepreneurs in the information and communications technology sector.

31. Canada announces new funds to assist millions of Syrians 

    A decade of war has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, leading to the dire suffering of millions of people in Syria and neighbouring countries. The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified their hardship.

32. Backgrounder - Canada announces new commitment for Syrians

    Canada has consistently supported the United Nations in working toward an inclusive intra-Syrian political solution, as laid out in UN Security Council Resolution 2254. An inclusive political transition is only possible through the meaningful participation of all Syrians, including women. Canada is a vigorous advocate for the inclusion of women in politics, negotiations and conflict resolution. Canadian officials have continued to support the women, peace and security agenda in all engagement with Syrian stakeholders.

33. Canada imposes new sanctions on individuals and entities involved in illegal annexation of Crimea

    The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced new sanctions against 2 individuals and 4 entities, under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations, in response to Russia’s illegal occupation and annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

34. Sanctions on Russia related to Crimea

    The Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and the Special Economic Measures (Ukraine) Regulations impose asset freezes and dealings prohibitions on listed persons by prohibiting persons in Canada and Canadians outside of Canada from dealing in any property of these individuals or providing financial or related services to them.

35. Minister Ng to discuss green economic recovery and sustainable consumption during second day of virtual trade mission to France

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, will take part in a conversation with Nicolas Roucou, Director General of Groupe Decathlon, on the second day of Canada’s virtual trade mission to France. The Minister will then lead a fireside chat with business leaders Richard Laniel, President of Kanuk, and Barb Stegemann, President and Founder of The 7 Virtues.

36. Minister of Foreign Affairs condemns attacks on protestors in Myanmar

    Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the military’s use of force against protestors that left more than 100 people dead today in Myanmar. Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones as well as the people of Myanmar, who continue to fight courageously for democracy.

37. Minister of Foreign Affairs responds to Chinese sanctions

    China’s sanctions against Canadian parliamentarians and democratic institutions are unacceptable and an attack on transparency and freedom of expression.

38. Minister Ng wraps up successful Joint Committee Meeting on Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement

    Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has been committed to ensuring global supply chains are strong and resilient. It is more important than ever that the world works to advance an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery from the pandemic.

39. Minister Ng receives assurances from European Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis about vaccine exports to Canada

    Minister Ng welcomed the close collaboration with the EU on the continued supply of contracted deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines to Canada, and underscored the importance that this continue in light of the EU’s recent announcement regarding amendments to their mechanism on vaccine exports.

40. Biographical note

    Lisa Stadelbauer (BA [Administrative and Commercial Studies], University of Western Ontario, 1988) joined External Affairs and International Trade Canada in 1990.

41. Announcement of a new diplomatic appointment

    Lisa Stadelbauer becomes Ambassador to the State of Israel. Ms. Stadelbauer replaces Deborah Lyons.

42. Minister Garneau speaks with Lebanese counterpart

    Le ministre des Affaires étrangères, l’honorable Marc Garneau, s’est entretenu aujourd’hui avec le ministre des Affaires étrangères et des Émigrants du Liban, Charbel Wehbé.

43. Support for Health Care and Vaccinations across Canada

    On March 25, 2021, the federal government introduced legislation to provide an additional $5 billion in direct support to provinces and territories for health care and vaccination roll-out.

44. Support for Municipalities

    Public health measures needed to contain COVID-19 have greatly impacted municipalities’ revenues and their ability to fund their operations.

45. Canada Holds Creative Industries Virtual Trade Mission to Germany

    The Government of Canada has concluded its successful virtual trade mission to Germany for businesses in the Canadian creative industries

46. Joint statement by 19 states in support of the establishment of the International Accountability Platform for Belarus

    Statement on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America

47. Russia sanctions

    Effective March 24, 2021, Canada is imposing sanctions against Russian officials in response to gross and systematic human rights violations that have been committed in Russia.

48. Canada imposes new sanctions in response to deteriorating human rights situation in Russia

    The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced new sanctions against 9 Russian officials under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights in Russia.

49. Announcement of a new diplomatic appointment

    Nancy Smyth becomes Ambassador to Ireland. Ms. Smyth replaces Kevin Vickers.

50. Biographical note: Nancy Smyth

    Nancy Smyth (BA Hons [French, German], McMaster University, 1987; MA [International Affairs], Carleton University, 1991) joined Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 2005 as deputy director for Policy Planning (2005 to 2008) and acted as deputy head in the Transformation Office (2008 to 2009).