Canada & The World

1. Global Affairs Canada engages international partners on Myanmar sanctions efforts

   On May 24, the Sanctions Coordinators for Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the services in charge of sanctions policy and implementation of the European Commission and the European External Action Service met to continue to assess and align ongoing efforts related to sanctions on Myanmar.

2. Minister Hussen to attend presidential inauguration in Nigeria

   Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, will visit Nigeria from May 27 to 29, 2023.

3. Canada announces $84.6-million contribution to fight global malnutrition and prevent acute malnutrition

   Climate change and the rising cost of food have contributed to a rise in malnutrition rates, with the heaviest burden falling on the most vulnerable, especially women and girls.

4. Canada announces financial contribution for projects to improve nutrition in Africa and Asia

   Canada has announced $84.6 million in funding for nutrition-specific programming to support the implementation of four new projects by Canadian partners. These projects will contribute to Canada’s 10-year Global Health and Rights commitment, including the priority focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and to Canada’s 2020 commitment to increase funding for gender-informed nutrition interventions.

5. INRA Statement on Small Modular Reactors and International Collaboration 

   Following its 51st meeting, members of the International Nuclear Regulators’ Association released a statement in support of a collaborative approach for the regulatory assessment of small modular reactor technologies.

6. Canada and Saudi Arabia to appoint new ambassadors

   Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement: “In light of what has been discussed between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in Bangkok on November 18, 2022, and the desire for both sides to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and common interests; it has been decided to restore the level of diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia to its previous level.

7. Biographical note

   Jean-Philippe Linteau (BSc [Agriculture], McGill University, 1994; MSc [Geography], University of Toronto, 1996) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1997. At Headquarters, he was director of the Clean Technology, Infrastructure and Life Sciences Division from 2016 to 2019. Abroad, he served as trade commissioner in Seoul from 1998 to 2001 and in Kuala Lumpur from 2001 to 2004, as political officer in Colombo from 2005 to 2007, as international business development program manager in Washington, D.C., from 2007 to 2011 and as investment counsellor and then senior trade commissioner in New York City from 2011 to 2016. He was most recently consul general in Dubai from 2019 to 2023.

8. Canada announces $58.1 million in new humanitarian assistance funding for Horn of Africa

   The Horn of Africa is facing a climate emergency that shows no sign of ending. Having had below-average rainfall for more than 2 years, the region is experiencing its worst drought ever recorded. Even in areas where rain has recently fallen, the ground is too dry to absorb it, leading to devastating flash floods.

9. Minister of Foreign Affairs in Conversation at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

   May 22, 2023 - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will join the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade for a conversation on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

10. Statement by Minister Hussen on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

    Today, on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, we celebrate the rich diversity of our communities.

11. Statement by Global Affairs Canada on Columbia River Treaty Negotiations

    Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement: “On May 16 and 17, 2023, Canada and the United States met in Kelowna, British Columbia, for the 17th round of negotiations to renew the Columbia River Treaty. Ratified by both countries in 1964, the Treaty provides for flood control measures and hydropower production. Negotiations to modernize the Treaty began in May 2018.

12. Ministers Champagne and Ng meet with North American counterparts, industry and universities on building continental semiconductor supply chain

    Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, concluded a two-day visit to Washington, D.C., where they took part in the first-ever North American semiconductor conference.

13. Minister Sajjan to travel to Ethiopia, Egypt and Chad

    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 visit Ethiopia, Egypt and Chad from May 21 to 27, 2023. He will be accompanied by Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West.

14. Canada joins Register of Damage for Ukraine

    Canada is working alongside its international partners to hold Russia to account as it continues to attack Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the rules-based international order.

15. Statement marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

    “Never before has the global landscape for 2SLGBTQI+ persons been so fluid and rapidly changing. Several countries have made meaningful progress in decriminalizing same-sex relations, prohibiting discrimination, penalizing hate crimes and recognizing transgender persons. However, legislative and policy setbacks have occurred in all regions of the world, and hatred and violence against 2SLGBTQI+ people occur far too often. Worldwide, 11 countries have jurisdictions in which the death penalty can be imposed for same-sex relations, and almost 70 countries criminalize people for their sexual orientation or gender identity.

16. Canada joins Apostille Convention to facilitate use of public documents abroad

    “Canada has formally joined the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, otherwise known as the Apostille Convention.

17. Minister Joly to advance economic security cooperation in the Republic of Korea and deepen ties with the Philippines

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Seoul, Republic of Korea (Korea), from May 15 to 17, 2023 to jointly advance both countries’ economic prosperity and security cooperation.

18. Arctic Council Statement on the Occasion of the Thirteenth Meeting of the Arctic Council

    In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Arctic Council, and in recognition of the objectives and commitments expressed in the Declaration on the Establishment of the Arctic Council and subsequent Ministerial Declarations, the Arctic States joined by the Permanent Participants met and issued the following statement.

19. Minister Joly to welcome Kenyan counterpart to Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will welcome Alfred Mutua, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, to Canada from May 11 to 16, 2023.

20. Canada’s statement on escalation between Israel and Gaza

    “Canada is deeply concerned by the escalation between Israel and Gaza and stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear.

21. Minister Joly welcomes Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that on May 12, 2023, she will welcome Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Canada for his first official visit here.

22. Minister Joly announces Canada’s United Nations Human Rights Council candidacy

    Human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. But human rights are currently under attack, and the multilateral system that underpins these rights is under threat like never before. This is evident in challenges such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, rising racism, antisemitism, islamophobia and discrimination and an intensifying backlash against the most basic rights of women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

23. Minister Joly to make an important announcement regarding Canada’s leadership on human rights

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will hold a media availability during which she will make an important announcement on Canada’s leadership on human rights. Minister Joly will be joined by the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations; and the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth.

24. Canada declares Zhao Wei persona non grata

    Canada has decided to declare persona non grata Mr. Zhao Wei.

25. Minister Joly concludes visit to Kenya

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, yesterday concluded a productive visit to Kenya, where she met with Canadians who have been recently evacuated from Sudan and with Kenyan and international partners to discuss shared priorities, including the ongoing conflict in Sudan as well as regional peace and security.

26. Canada provides humanitarian assistance funding for Sudan and neighbouring countries

    Canada is deeply concerned by the conflict in Sudan and its humanitarian impact on the country’s population and those living in neighbouring countries already struggling as a result of poverty, violence, food insecurity and climate change. Canada calls for all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and facilitate humanitarian access to allow the provision of critical assistance throughout the country.

27. Media Freedom Coalition Statement: World Press Freedom Day 

    On this World Press Freedom Day, we, the undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition, pay tribute to journalists and media workers all over the world and the work they do in informing the public, exposing wrongdoing, revealing untold stories, and holding the powerful to account.

28. Canada sanctions Iranian regime for continued human rights violations

    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 11th package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime since October 2022, and builds on Canada’s efforts to align with recent designations announced by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States.

29. Minister Sajjan to hold press conference to announce humanitarian assistance funding for Sudan and neighboring countries  

    May 2, 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 to announce humanitarian assistance funding for Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic. Minister Sajjan will be joined by the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Anita Vandenbeld, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Development, and by Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West.

30. Scott Shortliffe to the Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications

    If it receives Royal Assent, Bill C-18, the Online News Act, would establish a framework for digital platforms and news businesses to enter into agreements regarding news content that is made available online.

31. Canada and United Kingdom announce recipient of the 2023 Media Freedom Award

    The 2023 Canada-United Kingdom Media Freedom Award has been presented today to independent Egyptian online newspaper Mada Masr for extraordinary commitment to high-quality independent journalism. The newspaper continued to report, amidst a takedown of their website and legal threats to its reporters. This award signals Canada and the UK’s enduring commitment to supporting free and independent journalism.

32. Government of Canada officials to provide technical briefing on the situation in Sudan

    Officials from Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency will offer a technical briefing on the situation in Sudan following recent developments.

33. Canada announces expansion and renewal of Women’s Voice and Leadership program

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today announced $195 million over 5 years and $43.3M annually thereafter, on an ongoing basis to provide sustainable, flexible and responsive programming to women’s rights organizations across the globe.

34. Government of Canada officials to provide technical briefing on the situation in Sudan

    Officials from Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency will offer a technical briefing on the situation in Sudan following recent developments.

35. Government of Canada officials to provide technical briefing on the situation in Sudan

    Officials from Global Affairs Canada, the Department of National Defence, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency will offer a technical briefing on the situation in Sudan.

36. Government of Canada helping Canadians in Sudan

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence, provided an update on assistance to Canadians in Sudan, including departures in close coordination with partners and allies.

37. Canada concerned with latest developments in Lachin Corridor

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the latest developments in the Lachin corridor

38. Canada temporarily suspends operations in Sudan

    After consulting with Canada’s Ambassador to Sudan, the decision has been made to temporarily suspend our operations in Sudan. Canadian diplomats will temporarily work from a safe location outside of the country. They will continue working with the Government of Sudan, neighbouring countries, as well as with like-minded governments and the international community to coordinate the response to this crisis, and to support Canadians still in country.

39. Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Anand on the situation in Sudan

    We are actively monitoring the situation in Sudan and working with neighbouring countries, as well as with like-minded governments and the international community to coordinate the response to this crisis.

40. Minister Joly meets with Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with her Japanese counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa, on April 18 on the margins of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

41. Minister Joly names Canada’s Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific

    The partnership between Canada and the Indo-Pacific is deeply rooted in the vibrant and dynamic ties between our peoples, as well as long-standing trade and diplomatic relations. Canada is committed to strengthening this partnership to advance our ambitious Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in November 2022. This will contribute to our economic resilience and growth, prosperity, security and national interests.

42. Joint Statement from the International Coordination and Response Group for the victims of Flight PS752 on the criminal trials in Iran

    On January 8, 2020, the Islamic Republic of Iran callously shot down Flight PS752 over Tehran. This week, Iran announced the verdicts in the criminal trials against the alleged perpetrators.

43. Canada deplores guilty verdict for Vladimir Kara-Murza

    Canada deplores the guilty verdict handed down to Russian political activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, who has been sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment in Russia for making legitimate political comments. This court ruling is yet another gross violation of Russia’s international human rights commitments.

44. Minister Joly strengthens security cooperation with the Republic of Korea

    Canada and the Republic of Korea (Korea), in this year of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, reaffirm their strong and historic relations and steadfast friendship. The two countries also commit to supporting the rules-based international order and realizing the full potential of their relationship.

45. Backgrounder: General Security of Information Agreement 

    Canada and the Republic of Korea (Korea), in this year of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, reaffirm their strong and historic relations and steadfast friendship. The two countries also commit to supporting the rules-based international order and realizing the full potential of their relationship.

46. Backgrounder: Potato wart facts and figures

    Potato wart is a soil-borne fungus, Synchytrium endobioticum. that can remain dormant in a field for more than 40 years.

47. Statement on North Korea’s continued missile launches

    Canada strongly condemns North Korea’s launch yesterday of an intercontinental ballistic missile. These continued advancements in their missile program and reckless provocations violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, undermine the region’s peace and security and are putting civilian lives at risk.

48. Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu to travel to Detroit

    During his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu will meet with partners and focus on cross-border cooperation. He will also engage in important discussions on issues such as the flow of people and goods between Canada and the United States and the preservation and restoration of the Great Lakes, a treasure shared by the two nations...

49. Minister Sajjan highlights budget investments to strengthen public health care

    Today the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, met with stakeholders in Calgary to highlight Budget 2023’s investments in public health care.

50. Minister Joly to travel to Republic of Korea for bilateral visit and Japan for G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will visit the Republic of Korea (Korea) from April 13 to 15, 2023, to strengthen bilateral relations, and to Japan, from April 16 to 18, to participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.