Canada & The World

1. Minister Joly meets with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya

   Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya during her visit to Ottawa.

2. Minister Joly to travel to Italy and the Holy See for bilateral visit and G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she is travelling to Italy and the Holy See and will be in Rome on April 16 and in Capri from April 17 to 19.

3. Canada provides funding for Sudan and neighbouring countries at international conference in Paris to address humanitarian crisis

   Canada is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, which was exacerbated by the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 and has displaced more than 6.5 million people within the country and has forced another 1.8 million to flee to neighbouring countries.

4. Sanctions in response to ongoing human rights violations in Belarus

   Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions on 21 individuals who are involved or complicit in ongoing human rights violations in Belarus since the fraudulent presidential election of 2020.

5. Minister Joly announces sanctions in response to ongoing human rights violations in Belarus

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing sanctions on 21 individuals under the Special Economic Measures (Belarus) Regulations. These sanctions are in response to the ongoing human rights violations in Belarus since the fraudulent presidential election of 2020.

6. Minister Joly announces sanctions in response to ongoing conflict in Sudan

   Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is introducing new sanctions measures under the Special Economic Measures Act in response to this ongoing conflict.

7. Backgrounder – Sudan sanctions

   Canada is imposing sanctions on Sudanese entities and individuals in response to their role in directly or indirectly undermining peace, security, and stability in Sudan and for their links to the main parties to the ongoing conflict, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

8. Minister Joly to welcome Belarusian opposition leader to Ottawa

   The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will welcome Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya to Ottawa from April 14 to 15, 2024. While in Ottawa, Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya will meet with government officials and engage with members of the Belarusian diaspora.

9. Canada provides funding to Sudan and neighbouring countries to respond to humanitarian needs

   The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by members of Canada’s Sudanese community, announced today in Toronto, Ontario, that Canada is providing $132.2 million in international assistance funding, including $100.7 million in humanitarian assistance funding and $31.5 million in development assistance funding, to address urgent needs in Sudan and its neighbouring countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

10. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to travel to Kosovo

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Pristina, Kosovo, from April 14 to 17, 2024.

11. Statement regarding Ecuador’s unauthorized entry into Embassy of Mexico 

    “Canadian officials have reviewed in detail the footage of the unauthorized entry by Ecuadorian authorities into the Embassy of Mexico in Quito on April 5 that was a clear violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations..."

12. Minister Hussen announces over $142 million in funding to support health systems and women’s health and rights and provide humanitarian assistance in Democratic Republic of Congo and in Benin

    The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today met with members of the Congolese-Canadian community in Ottawa, where he announced funding for projects in Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This funding will advance gender equality, improve access to health supports for women and girls, address sexual and gender-based violence and bring forth more inclusive governance. The announcement comes following his recent trip to both countries, where he saw first-hand how Canada’s international development efforts are supporting local communities.

13. Minister Joly meets with African Union Commissioner Bankole Adeoye

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today for the first time with H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

14. Minister Hussen highlights Canada’s strong engagement in Africa during visit to Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda

    Yesterday, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded his trip to Benin, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. During his trip, he reaffirmed Canada’s engagement in Africa, particularly in support of empowering women and girls, increasing green economic growth and ensuring a more prosperous world for all.

15. Canada provides update on assisted departures out of Haiti

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs issued the following statement regarding Canada's assisted departures from Haiti: “The safety of Canadians, at home and abroad, is our top priority.

16. Minister Joly meets France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris  

    The ministers exchanged views on the initiatives recently put forward by the two countries to strengthen support for Ukraine, which continues to defend itself against Russia's full-scale invasion, as well as on the possibilities for strengthening coordinated military support for Ukrainians.

17. Minister Joly to travel to Belgium to attend NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from April 3 to 4.

18. Government of Canada expands assisted departures from Haiti

    As the security situation in Haiti remains extremely volatile, and the Port-au-Prince airport remains closed, the Government of Canada continues to take action to protect the safety and security of Canadians in Haiti.

19. Minister Joly to travel to France to strengthen Canada-France relationship 

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will be travelling to Paris, France, on April 2, 2024, where she will meet with Stéphane Séjourné, recently appointed as France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.

20. Minister Hussen wraps up tour of Atlantic Canada focused on supporting a robust international development sector

    Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, concluded a tour in Atlantic Canada with several engagements focused on the Canadian international development sector.

21. Statement on release of Foundations for Peace: Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security - 2023 to 2029

    “Gender equality is a fundamental human right. The facts are also clear: it is a foundation of a more peaceful world. Where gender equality is lacking, states are almost twice as likely to be unstable and more than three times as likely to have a government that is autocratic and corrupt."

22. Minister Ng strengthens trade relations with Malaysia during first Team Canada Trade Mission to Southeast Asia

    The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, has concluded her visit to Malaysia, the first stop of the Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and Vietnam. One of the key initiatives under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the mission opened doors to key markets for a diverse group of Canadian exporters and trailblazers.

23. Canada helps vulnerable Canadians leave Haiti

    March 25, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs CanadaThe Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

24. Minister Joly to provide an update on the situation in Haiti

    March 25, 2024 - The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs will speak to journalists this afternoon about the situation in Haiti.

25. Minister Hussen announces international youth internships in Atlantic Canada

    During a tour in Atlantic Canada to highlight the importance of Canada’s international assistance, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today reaffirmed Canada’s commitment of $24.5 million in funding for the International Y

26. Minister Ng kicks-off the 2024 Team Canada Trade Missions in Malaysia and Vietnam 

    As part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and Vietnam, from March 24 to 29.

27. Statement regarding Hong Kong’s adoption of a new national security law

    Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement on Hong Kong’s rapid passage of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and expressing deep concern regarding the impact the new law could have on human rights in Hong Kong:

28. Street closures for the state funeral in memory of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney

    Access to some streets in Montréal's Ville-Marie borough will be restricted during the state funeral in memory of the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney

29. Minister Joly meets with Iraq’s Foreign Affairs Minister in Ottawa

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met yesterday with His Excellency Fuad Hussein, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, during his visit to Canada. The ministers met to discuss the shared interests of their two countries, including the promotion of inclusive security, stability and prosperity in Iraq and in the Middle East.

30. Statement on International Day of La Francophonie

    Today is a day to celebrate the French language, the diverse and rich cultures of the francophone world, and the spirit of solidarity that animates La Francophonie. Canada is proud to be a pioneering member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and is working with its global partners to promote French language and advance democracy, human rights and gender equality.

31. Speech by Minister Joly regarding the motion on “Canada’s actions to promote peace in the Middle East”

    Mr. Speaker, I welcome debate during this pivotal moment for the region and the world.I rise having just returned from visiting the Middle East, where I met with my counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

32. Canada announces funding for development projects in Iraq

    Canada and Iraq’s friendly ties and good bilateral relationship are supported by shared interests and a commitment to advance security, stability and prosperity in Iraq and the region. Since 2016, Canada has supported development assistance in Iraq to strengthen good governance, advance gender equality, address climate change and promote the economic empowerment of women and girls.

33. Canada and Ukraine provide update on International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children

    Launched in Kyiv, Ukraine, on February 2, 2024, the coalition is a joint initiative by Ukraine and Canada to coordinate efforts and cooperation between Canada, Ukraine and partner states to address the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. As of today, 33 countries have become active members of the coalition and will combine their efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with their families and ensure their safe reintegration into families and communities...

34. Minister Hussen announces $65.8 million in funding for international development projects in Mozambique and concludes trip to southern Africa

    Minister Hussen began his trip in Madagascar, where he met with participants in Generation Unlimited, a UNICEF initiative supported by Canada aimed at building green skills for youth employment while creating mentorship and internships...

35. Backgrounder - Update on membership of International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children

    The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children is a joint initiative by Ukraine and Canada to coordinate collective efforts and cooperation between Canada, Ukraine and partner states to address the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. Thirty-three countries have now become active members of the coalition. They will combine their efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with their families and ensure their safe reintegration into families and communities...

36. Statement by Minister of Foreign Affairs on Russia’s sham presidential election

    “Canada is deeply concerned by the flawed electoral process that concluded in Russia on March 17, 2024. Russia has violated international commitments on the conduct of elections that it had previously accepted, including those in the 1990 Copenhagen Document. Canada condemns the conduct of voting in occupied territories of Ukraine, which is a blatant breach of international law..."

37. Minister Joly welcomes Iraq’s Foreign Affairs Minister to Ottawa

    The ministers will meet to discuss ways to enhance the growing Canada-Iraq relationship, including through diplomatic engagement and cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally, and expansion of bilateral trade...

38. Minister Joly meets with Palestinian Authority President and Minister of Foreign Affairs

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, and with the Palestinian Authority Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riad Malki, while visiting the West Bank.

39. Government of Canada officials to provide an update on the situation in Haiti

    March 14, 2024 - Officials from Global Affairs Canada will offer a technical briefing on the situation in Haiti.

40. Canada temporarily draws down to essential personnel at its embassy in Haiti

    “Global Affairs Canada continually assesses the security of its personnel and property abroad through a rigorous risk assessment analysis. Due to the volatility of the security situation, the lack of reliable supplies and the need to support an effective presence in a volatile situation, Canada is temporarily drawing down to essential personnel at its embassy in Haiti. Relocated personnel will continue to fulfill their duties from a third country. In similar situations, temporary drawdowns of missions are not uncommon..."

41. Minister Ng meets with British Columbia Premier David Eby

    During the meeting, Minister Ng spoke about Team Canada engagement to promote economic ties between Canada and the United States and two-way benefits both countries share. She highlighted the essential role that provinces and territories have as part of Team Canada and working together to promote Canada’s interests for our businesses and workers.

42. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to travel to Ethiopia 

    During his trip, Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant will meet with government officials and representatives of the African Union Commission. He will reiterate Canada’s commitment to deepening relations and to work in partnership towards shared priorities. He will also engage with civil society organizations, international organizations and community members to exchange ideas and discuss challenges and opportunities to strengthen Canada-Africa relations.

43. Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant to travel to United Kingdom for Commonwealth Week

    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 from March 11 to 13, 2024, for Commonwealth Week.

44. Joint ministerial statement on Commonwealth Day

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement to mark Commonwealth Day:

45. Minister Joly meets with Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today with Israel Katz, Israel’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

46. Minister Joly meets with United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs and confirms Canadian participation in humanitarian sea corridor to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met yesterday with His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. Minister Joly and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed discussed a number of priorities and reaffirmed their commitment to work together on international issues, including global and regional security. The two Ministers exchanged views on a range of international and regional security challenges, including the crisis in Gaza.

47. Statement by Minister Khera on the first day of Ramadan

    Government of Canada issues statement to mark the start of the month of Ramadan

48. Minister Hussen to hold press conference to provide an update on Canada’s humanitarian assistance in Gaza

    March 8, 2024 - The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, will hold a press conference to announce additional humanitarian assistance for Gaza.

49. Canada announces continued assistance for people in Gaza

    Canada is deeply concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza that is worsening by the hour. Help must reach civilians as quickly as possible. Canada is working to overcome challenges related to humanitarian access and the delivery of life-saving relief so that more assistance can reach those in need.

50. Minister Joly meets with Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait City

    The two ministers discussed the strong Canada-Kuwaiti bilateral relationship, which will mark its 60th anniversary in 2025, and agreed to work together to deepen it further. The two ministers also discussed their countries’ shared commitment to international law and international security.