Canada & The World

1. Canada launches Indo-Pacific Strategy to support long-term growth, prosperity, and security for Canadians

   As a Pacific nation, Canada recognizes that the Indo-Pacific region will play a significant and profound role in Canada’s future. Every issue that matters to Canadians—national security, economic prosperity, respect for international law and human rights, democratic values, public health, protecting our environment—will be shaped by the relationships that Canada, along with its partners, have with countries throughout the Indo-Pacific. Decisions made in the region will impact Canadians for generations, and it is critical that Canada be at the table.

2. Canada and the Indo-Pacific

   The Indo-Pacific is the fastest growing economic region in the world. By 2030, it will be home to two-thirds of the global middle class. By 2040, the region will account for more than half of the global economy. The Indo-Pacific will play a critical role in shaping Canada’s future over the next half century.

3. Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: New initiatives and resources

   Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy offers a comprehensive framework for Government of Canada engagement in the region over the next decade. The first five years of the strategy include new initiatives and investments of almost $2.3 billion over five years, detailed below. In 2026-27, the Government of Canada will return with an update that will cover initiatives and resources for years 2027-2032.

4. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to attend the International Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative Conference, in London, 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 travel to London, United Kingdom, for the International Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative Conference which will take place on November 28, 2022.

5. Joint statement on Venezuela negotiations

   The following statement was released by Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs the Honourable Mélanie Joly, and the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs James Cleverly.

6. Minister Joly to hold press conference on the Indo-Pacific Strategy

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will be joined by ministerial colleagues, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, the Honourable Marco Mendocino, Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard at a press conference on November 27 in Vancouver. The Ministers will make an announcement on Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

7. Joint statement marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

   Right now, women in Iran are leading a powerful and necessary call to end violence against women and girls. The killing of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the so-called morality police has sparked a courageous, global movement to stand up for a more fair and inclusive future for women and girls in Iran.

8. Canada to open consulate in Armenia

   Global Affairs Canada announced today that it will officially open a consulate in Yerevan, Armenia, headed by Honorary Consul Vardges Avagyan. Alison LeClaire, Ambassador of Canada to Armenia, made the announcement in Yerevan, where Canada is marking through various events the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and Armenia.

9. Canada expresses condolences following heinous terror bombings in Jerusalem

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the people of Israel and the Jewish community in Canada after the terrorist attack in Jerusalem this morning, which resulted in many injuries and the tragic death of a Canadian. Canada stands with the people of Israel and strongly condemns these acts of terror in the strongest possible terms.

10. Announcement of new diplomatic appointments

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointments.

11. Announcement of new diplomatic appointments - Biographical notes

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointments (Biographical notes).

12. Canada imposes additional sanctions on Belarusian regime

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing further sanctions on the Lukashenko regime for facilitating and enabling Russia’s illegal invasion and attempted annexation of Ukrainian territory.

13. Minister Joly to meet with Opposition Leader of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya in Ottawa

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs will meet the Opposition Leader of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, in Ottawa, on November 22.

14. G7 Foreign Ministers Statement on the launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)

    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, condemn in the strongest terms the brazen launch of another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) conducted on 18 November 2022 by the DPRK. This missile launch is another blatant violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) by the DPRK. This reckless act, together with the evidence of ongoing nuclear activities, underscores the DPRK’s determination to advance and diversify its nuclear weapons and missile capabilities. It further destabilizes the region, despite calls from the international community for peace and stability.

15. Minister Sajjan travels to Qatar to attend 2022 FIFA World Cup

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will be in Qatar from November 21 to 23, 2022, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The Minister will be accompanied by Stephen Ellis, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester.

16. Canada imposes additional sanctions against Haitian political elites

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.

17. The Governing Council of the Community of Democracies statement regarding protest in Iran

    “We, the following Member States of the Community of Democracies Governing Council (Argentina, Canada, Chile, Estonia, Guatemala, Lithuania, Morocco, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay) express our solidarity with the courageous people of Iran, especially women, who are protesting against oppression by the Iranian authorities, including gender-based discrimination, human rights violations and abuses, and disproportionate use of force, and we are calling for justice, accountability, and respect for human rights and dignity."

18. Canada further sanctions 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 fifth package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime this year in response to its ongoing gross and systematic human rights violations and continued actions to destabilize peace and security.

19. 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 Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, today issued the following statement:

20. Canada celebrates 5th anniversary of the Vancouver Principles and Elsie Initiative

    “Five years ago, Canada launched a pair of global initiatives aimed at reinforcing our fundamental convictions that children should never be recruited to serve as soldiers, workers or slaves in war, and that peace is more likely to endure when women are involved in peace operations."

21. Minister Sajjan meets with newly appointed counterpart in United Kingdom, discusses human rights with Shirin Ebadi and attends remembrance service

    The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, recently returned from a 3-day visit to the United Kingdom, where he met with his newly appointed British counterpart, Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State for Development and Africa.

22. Canada implements United Nations Security Council sanctions against Haitian gang leader

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada implemented a recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolution into Canadian law under the United Nations Act. The measures are in response to the egregious conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti.

23. Minister Joly to attend ASEAN Summit, G20 Summit, and Sommet de la Francophonie

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will join Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, and the 18th Summit of La Francophonie in Djerba, Tunisia. She will be traveling from November 12 to 20, 2022.

24. Biographical notes

    Madeleine Féquière (BA [Translation], Concordia University, 1985) works as the corporate credit chief at Domtar Corporation since 2008, providing oversight and support for credit risk management on a global scale.

25. Announcement of new diplomatic appointments

    November 9, 2022 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointments

26. Parliamentary Secretary Sidhu to travel to Jamaica

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced today that Maninder Sidhu, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Jamaica from November 9 to 11, 2022.

27. Minister of Foreign Affairs in Conversation with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy

    November 8, 2022 – Prior to travelling to the Indo-Pacific region, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will join the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy to discuss Canada’s work to expand partnerships and deepen ties within the region.

28. Statement by Minister Joly on North Korea’s continued provocations

    “Canada strongly condemns North Korea’s continued ballistic missile launches, including the latest launch of a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile, and its threatening military activity in close proximity to the demilitarized zone."

29. Canada imposes sanctions against Haitian political elites

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced in coordination with the United States that Canada is imposing targeted sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations in response to the egregious conduct of Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.

30. Backgrounder: Sanctions against Haitian political elites

    Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against Haitian political elites in response to the egregious conduct of political elites who provide illicit financial support to armed gangs.

31. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to travel to the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Lebanon

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will visit the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Oman and Lebanon from November 3 to 11, 2022.

32. Minister Joly to travel to Germany for G7 foreign ministers meeting

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will travel to Münster, Germany, to participate in the G7 foreign ministers meeting taking place from November 3 to 4, 2022.

33. Media Freedom Coalition statement on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists

    The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists was established on 2 November 2013, so that the international community could stand together in support of journalists and media workers, and demonstrate its commitment to fighting against impunity for crimes committed against them.

34. Statement by Minister Hussen on Hindu Heritage Month

    This November, Canada celebrates Hindu Heritage Month for the first time!

35. 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 fourth package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime in response to its ongoing gross and systematic human rights violations and continued actions to destabilize peace and security.

36. Canada-United States continued partnership on key issues

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to Canada for his first official visit from October 27-28, 2022.

37. Canada and African Union Commission conclude first high-level dialogue

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development; and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, yesterday concluded a successful first Canada–African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue, in Ottawa, Canada.

38. A Prosperous Africa: Sustainable Development and Economic Cooperation

    Canada announced over $168 million in funding at the A Prosperous Africa: Food Security, Climate Change and Economic Cooperation session during the Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue. The funding is being distributed as indicated below.

39. Peaceful and democratic Africa

    On October 27, 2022, Canada hosted the first Canada-African Union Commission High-Level Dialogue. The dialogue gave Canadian and African Union representatives the opportunity to discuss efforts in the areas of peace and democracy, sustainable development and economic cooperation.

40. Canada conducts assessment mission in Haiti

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is conducting an assessment mission in Haiti.

41. Minister Joly and Secretary of State Blinken to hold joint media availability from Ottawa

    October 26, 2022 - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will welcome the United States of America’s Secretary of State, Anthony J. Blinken to Canada for Secretary Blinken’s first official visit, during which the Minister and the Secretary of State will hold a series of media engagements in Ottawa and Montreal on October 27 and 28, 2022. Notably, on Thursday, October 27, the Minister and the Secretary of State will hold a joint media availability from the Sir John A. Macdonald Building in Ottawa.

42. Joint statement by women foreign ministers on events in Iran

    “We, as women foreign ministers, are gathered in solidarity with the courageous Iranian women engaging in their right of peaceful assembly and advocating for their human rights. We recognize that Iranian women are also fighting for a better future for all Iranians and we have the moral obligation to support them."

43. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the first official visit to Canada by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken on Thursday, October 27, and Friday, October 28, 2022.

44. Statement on United Nations Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement: “Today, we mark the 77th anniversary of the coming into effect of the Charter of the United Nations, the document that created the UN and laid the foundation for the longest period of global peace and security in modern history. Signed by 51 nations, including Canada, following the devastation of the Second World War, the charter affirmed the primacy of human rights and dignity, underlined the equality of individuals and of nations and promoted the importance of prosperity for all. Applying these principles was, and remains today, the best means of saving humanity from war.

45. Announcement of new diplomatic appointments

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the following diplomatic appointments...

46. Biographical notes  (Anna-Karine Asselin | Arif Keshani | Martine Moreau)

    Biographical notes Anna-Karine Asselin Arif Keshani Martine Moreau

47. Canada-Japan Action Plan for contributing to a free and open Indo-Pacific region

    On October 11, 2022, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Mélanie Joly and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan HAYASHI Yoshimasa met in Tokyo.

48. Freedom Online Coalition Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in Iran

    We, the undersigned members of the Freedom Online Coalition, are deeply alarmed by and strongly condemn the measures undertaken by Iran to restrict access to the Internet following the nationwide protests over the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini. In furtherance of what has become a longstanding pattern of censorship, the Iranian government has to a large scale shut down the Internet yet again for most of its 84 million citizens nationwide by cutting off mobile data; disrupting popular social media platforms; throttling Internet service; and blocking individual users, encrypted DNS services, text messages, and access entirely.

49. Canada sanctions additional representatives of the 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 third package of sanctions imposed by Canada against the Iranian regime because of its ongoing gross and systematic human rights violations and continued actions to destabilize regional peace and security.

50. Minister Joly to host Women Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Iran

    October 19 – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will host a virtual meeting of women foreign ministers to discuss the grave state of women and human rights in Iran in the midst of mass unrests and ongoing protests against the Iranian regime. The Minister will open the meeting by delivering remarks reiterating Canada’s commitment to working with the international community to support Iranians.