General Public

1. Capitol Theatre sets the stage for success

   Modernization and enhancements will make top-quality programming more accessible than ever

2. New Federal Call for Proposals for National Energy Systems Modelling

   Today, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals for national energy systems modelling projects. This call will provide support for energy modellers as they address these challenges and develop new insights on energy technologies and systems that can help Canada reach net zero.

3. Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Atlantic Institution

   On December 6, 2023, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized at Atlantic Institution, a maximum-security federal institution.

4. Joint statement from Canada and Brazil on a forthcoming Partnership on Racial Equity and Inclusion

   Canada’s Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, the Honourable Kamal Khera, together with Brazilian Minister of Racial Equality, the Honourable Anielle Franco, today issued the following statement:

5. The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia invest in disaster mitigation infrastructure in Lawrencetown, Halifax Regional Municipality

   A section of Route 207 along Lawrencetown Beach will be rebuilt to protect it from the impacts of storm surge and sea level rise after a combined investment of over $2 million from the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.

6. The Government of Canada launches the renewed Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program

   Minister Khera announces a Call for Proposals for the Organizational Capacity Building component of the renewed program

7. Abitibi-Témiscamingue tourism experience to be enhanced thanks to Government of Canada support

   Eleven Abitibi-Témiscamingue region tourism organizations receive a total of over $1.8 million in funding from CED.

8. Patty Hajdu to hold a media availability on an Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands

   Please be advised that the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will hold a media availability on an Act respecting water, source water, drinking water, wastewater and related infrastructure on First Nation lands.

9. Statement to mark the end of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 

   The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, issued the following statement for Human Rights Day, which also marks the final day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. 

10. Government of Canada announces new economic incentive to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle

    Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a draft fourth protocol under Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. This new draft protocol, Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle (REME protocol), will incentivize farmers to implement changes that would reduce enteric methane emissions from their beef cattle operations with an opportunity to generate offset credits that they can sell.

11. At COP28, momentum increases for the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge

    Today at COP28, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change, convened a high level event with carbon pricing Champions working together to advance the global conversation on carbon pricing

12. Statement by Minister St-Onge on Human Rights Day

    On Human Rights Day, let’s work together to promote freedom, equality and justice for every person.

13. Statement on Human Rights Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, and the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, today issued the following statement:

14. The Government of Canada marks the 35th anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping Forces receiving Nobel Peace Prize

    The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to United Nations Peacekeeping Forces on 10 December 1988 to recognize the important contributions that peacekeepers made towards the pursuit of one of the UN’s most fundamental obligations: to maintain international peace and security.

15. Minister Joly hosts meeting in Ottawa with the Ministerial Committee of the Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted a meeting in Ottawa with a delegation of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the Palestinian Authority to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the path toward lasting peace in the region.

16. Canada Rejoins the International Tropical Timber Organization

    As the third most-forested country in the world, Canada is the steward of nine percent of the world’s forests and has a role to play in forest conservation and sustainable forest management globally.

17. Minister Guilbeault delivers Canada’s national statement at COP28

    Minister Guilbeault delivers Canada’s national statement at COP28

18. Canada welcomes the news of a joint statement by Armenia and Azerbaijan

    “Canada welcomes the joint statement by Armenia and Azerbaijan reconfirming their intention to establish and deepen bilateral dialogue and announcing confidence building and goodwill measures offered by the two countries.

19. Minister O’Regan and Employment Equity Act Review Task Force Chair to hold media availability on the Task Force’s final report

    Minister O’Regan and Employment Equity Act Review Task Force Chair to hold media availability on the Task Force’s final report

20. Government of Canada takes action to restore and protect nature with commitment to introduce a nature accountability bill in 2024

    Today, during the “Harnessing 30x30 to Tackle Climate Change” event at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, alongside his ministerial counterparts from other countries, announced the Government of Canada’s commitment to introduce a federal nature accountability bill in 2024.

21. Government of Canada launches online questionnaire to gather input for 2024 Annual Report on Sustainable Development Goals 

    The Government of Canada is committed to reporting annually to Canadians on its progress toward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Canada and internationally.

22. Samuel De Champlain Bridge: Special Illumination for Human Rights Day

    On December 10th, the Samuel De Champlain Bridge will be lit up in blue and yellow from sunset to 1:00 a.m. to mark Human Rights Day.

23. Federal investment supports upgrades to Indigenous innovation centre in Tofino

    The federal government is investing over $4.9 million to retrofit and upgrade the IISAAK Learning Lodge at the Pacific Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) Innovation Centre’s Clayoquot Campus. Four private companies – RJC Engineers, AME Mechanical, Number TEN Architectural Group, and AES Engineering Ltd. – are supporting the project.

24. End of lockdown and search at Mission Institution – Medium security unit

    The lockdown and exceptional search put in place at the medium-security unit at Mission Institution on November 24, 2023, ended on November 28, 2023. The institution has since resumed normal operations and visits were reinstated.

25. The Government of Canada will announce new safe sport measures

    The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, will announce new safe sport measures to continue to address the causes of and prevent maltreatment in Canada’s sport systemTweet

26. Expanding legal supports and services for Indigenous people living in urban areas

    Everyone in Canada should expect to live in a society where the justice system is fair and accessible.

27. Canada consulting with international partners to further review the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

    At my instruction on June 14, 2023, the Government of Canada immediately halted all government-led activity at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This urgent step was taken after serious concerns were raised about the AIIB by a former employee.

28. Federal government partners with FCM to strengthen asset management in British Columbia

    Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Scott Pearce, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), announced a federal investment of over $400,000 to help 9 communities in British Columbia implement innovative strategies to manage their municipal infrastructure.

29. Applicants Wanted: The Fighting and Managing Wildfire in a Changing Climate Program - Training Fund

    Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced the launch of the Fighting and Managing Wildfire in a Changing Climate Program — Training Fund (FMWCC) call for applications. Under this program, the Government of Canada will provide funding to train 1,000 firefighters to help reduce the risks of wildfires and support community-based capacity to mitigate, prepare and respond to wildfires on an ongoing basis.

30. Performance update: 10-day passport service at the Comox Valley Service Canada Centre

    Improving passport service quality, accessibility and timeliness remain top priorities for Service Canada. That is why Service Canada expanded the 10-day passport service to the Comox Valley Service Canada Centre in Courtenay.

31. The Governments of Canada and British Columbia sign bilateral agreement to end gender-based violence

    Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Katrine Conroy, Minister of Finance in British Columbia, and Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity in British Columbia, announced a historic bilateral agreement.

32. Backgrounder – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia sign bilateral agreement to end gender-based violence 

    The National Action Plan builds on existing federal, provincial, and territorial approaches and strategies to prevent and address GBV.

33. Government of Canada to make an announcement on oral health care for Canadians

    The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens' Services, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, will hold a press conference to make an important announcement on oral health care.

34. Performance update: 10-day passport service at the Comox Valley Service Canada Centre

    Improving passport service quality, accessibility and timeliness remain top priorities for Service Canada. That is why Service Canada expanded the 10-day passport service to the Comox Valley Service Canada Centre in Courtenay.

35. Deputy Prime Minister to host federal, provincial, and territorial Finance Ministers’ Meeting

    Next week in Toronto, Ontario, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will host the annual meeting of federal, provincial, and territorial Finance Ministers.

36. Government of Canada investing to strengthen Atlantic Canada’s startup ecosystem

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced a $2.9 million investment to Atlantic Canada’s virtual accelerator, Propel, which helps entrepreneurs in the region build capacity to take their businesses to the next level.

37. Port de Grave harbour a bright spot for local tourism

    Tourism is a vital economic driver for many small and rural communities throughout Atlantic Canada. The Government of Canada, together with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, is investing to help Port de Grave Peninsula Heritage Society Inc. prepare for the community’s annual boat lighting festival.

38. Canada announces sanctions in response to long-standing human rights violations

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions against seven individuals under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Regulations for human rights violations.

39. Backgrounder: Sanctions in response to long-standing human rights violations in Russia, Iran and Myanmar

    Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against seven individuals who are responsible for, or complicit in, various human rights violations in Russia, Iran and Myanmar.

40. Agreement reached on retaining Medicago’s strategic research and development assets in Canada and recovering payment from Medicago

    Following the cessation of Medicago’s operations by its parent company Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (“MCG”) in February 2023, the Government of Canada’s objectives were threefold: maintain Medicago’s intellectual property and critical research assets in Canada; ensure a Canadian company retains the technology platform, talent and expertise; and identify third-party investors that could help maintain and expand Medicago’s platform capabilities in-country. This is to enhance domestic pandemic preparedness capabilities and ensure that a promising technology platform remains in Canada.

41. Bison return to the landscape on Métis Nation-Saskatchewan land near Batoche National Historic Site

    Bison return to the landscape on Métis Nation-Saskatchewan land near Batoche National Historic Site.

42. Government of Canada improves railway freight and passenger train brake inspection and safety rules

    Today, the Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, announced changes to the Railway Freight and Passenger Train Brake Inspection and Safety Rules that will come into force on December 1, 2025. These rules specify safety requirements for the safe operation of train brakes on all freight and passenger trains.

43. Government of Canada Report Shows Climate Change Impacts — and Adaptation Actions — Are Evident in Sectors and Ecosystems in Canada

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced the release of the Canada in a Changing Climate: Synthesis Report, the summary report of Canada’s National Knowledge Assessment of how and why Canada’s climate is changing; the impacts of these changes on our communities, environment, and economy; and how we are adapting. This report will help inform and support adaptation to climate change across the country.

44. Media Advisory: Infrastructure Announcement in Lawrencetown, Halifax Regional Municipality

    Members of the media are invited to an infrastructure announcement with Darrell Samson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Member of Parliament for Sackville–Preston–Chezzetcook, and the Honourable Kent Smith, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Eastern Shore.

45. Minister Blair congratulates successful Canadian innovators in first NATO DIANA challenges

    As announced in 2022, NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is coming to Canada, with its North American Regional Office finding a home in Halifax

46. The Government of Canada will make an announcement with the Quebec Government concerning an investment for the city of Gatineau road network

    The Federal Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, the Deputy Premier of Quebec and Provincial Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, and the Provincial Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister responsible for Youth and Minister responsible for the Outaouais region, Mathieu Lacombe, will make an announcement concerning an investment in Gatineau's road network.

47. Laurentides region’s tourism experience to be enhanced thanks to Government of Canada support

    Eighteen Laurentides tourism organizations receive a total of $4,091,861 in financial assistance from CED.

48. Federal and provincial investments in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in southern B.C.

    Two communities in southern British Columbia will receive significant upgrades to their drinking water and wastewater infrastructure thanks to an investment of more than $4.5 million from the federal and provincial governments, along with the City of Greenwood and the Village of Keremeos.

49. The Haida Nation and Government of Canada celebrate three years of increased marine protection measures off the west coast of Haida Gwaii

    The Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez, and the President of the Council of the Haida Nation, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, recognized the third anniversary of the launch of the Voluntary Protection Zone (VPZ) for shipping on the west coast of Haida Gwaii through Canada’s Oceans Protections Plan, noting a 94% compliance rate. The VPZ plays a significant role in mitigating current and future shipping impacts by reducing the number of vessels transiting through this sensitive ecological area.

50. Revised requirements to better protect international students

    Canada is a top destination for international students, thanks to our high-quality educational institutions; our welcoming, diverse society; and the opportunities for some to work or immigrate permanently after graduation. While international students have contributed to life on campuses and innovation across the country, they have also experienced some serious challenges, such as finding adequate housing, as they pursue their studies in Canada.