Canada News Centre2025-09-26T14:43:13-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/news.htmlhttps://www.canada.ca/etc/designs/canada/wet-boew/assets/wmms-blk.svghttps://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2025/09/statement-on-protection-of-journalists-in-gaza.html

The governments of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Qatar, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom issued the following statement: “On September 24, during the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly, France, along with Reporters Without Borders, organized an event dedicated to the situation of journalists in Gaza. At the end of this event, this statement was endorsed by 21 countries:

Global Affairs Canada2025-09-26T14:43:13-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2025/08/foreign-ministers-statement-on-international-ngo-restrictions.html

The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels. Famine is unfolding before our eyes. Urgent action is needed now to halt and reverse starvation. Humanitarian space must be protected, and aid should never be politicised.

Global Affairs Canada2025-08-12T09:19:18-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/08/diplomats-for-equality-joint-statement.html

“We, Canada and the undersigned Diplomatic Missions, join together once again as Diplomats for Equality to express our solidarity and support for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and all other queer persons in Canada and around the world.

Global Affairs Canada2024-08-25T13:15:20-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/07/biographical-notes1.html

Patricia Atkinson (BA Hons [Social Sciences], University of Ottawa, 2002) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003, following an internship in Lithuania.

Global Affairs Canada2024-07-16T10:00:14-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/07/media-freedom-coalition-statement-on-evan-gershkovichs-trial.html

The undersigned members of the Media Freedom Coalition note with deep concern the trial of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia.

Global Affairs Canada2024-07-08T10:58:27-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/06/joint-statement-in-support-of-the-international-criminal-court.html

“As States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), we uphold that the Court, its officials and staff shall carry out their professional duties as international civil servants without intimidation. In line with the May 17, 2024, press release of the President of the Assembly of States Parties and the May 3, 2024, statement by the Office of the Prosecutor, we reconfirm our unwavering support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution.

Global Affairs Canada2024-06-15T11:57:37-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/02/parliamentary-secretary-damoff-to-attend-human-rights-councils-55th-session-and-high-level-segment-of-conference-on-disarmament.html

Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Pam Damoff, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will represent Canada at the high-level segment of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council and at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament on February 26 and 27, 2024, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Global Affairs Canada2024-02-26T09:00:03-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2024/01/joint-statement-marking-three-years-since-the-military-coup-in-myanmar.html

The following is the text of a joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, marking three years since the military coup in Myanmar:“Three years ago, on 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military overthrew the democratically elected government, undoing a decade of progress.

Global Affairs Canada2024-01-31T19:25:07-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/09/joint-statement-by-canada-and-the-netherlands-on-the-launch-of-the-global-declaration-on-information-integrity-online.html

Information integrity is essential to help ensure the strength of democratic processes and to protect fundamental rights. The erosion of information integrity, including the propagation of disinformation, weakens the strength of democratic engagement because it hinders open public debate on important issues that affect all of us. Countries are coming together as a concrete step towards the development of international norms for addressing information integrity online that is rooted in democratic values.

Global Affairs Canada2023-09-20T13:11:53-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/09/minister-joly-to-welcome-swiss-counterpart-to-ottawa.html

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will welcome Ignazio Cassis, Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, on September 18.

Global Affairs Canada2023-09-17T09:00:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2023/06/minister-oregan-discusses-2slgbtqi-rights-and-workplace-violence-and-harassment-at-international-labour-conference.html

Today, Minister of Labour Seamus O’Regan Jr. concluded his participation at the 111th annual International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland. During the Conference, Minister O’Regan discussed key issues with his international counterparts. Topics included promoting respect for fundamental rights at work, supporting inclusive economic growth and combatting forced labour in global supply chains.

Employment and Social Development Canada2023-06-14T10:00:20-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/05/statement-by-the-equal-rights-coalition-on-the-anti-homosexuality-act-in-uganda.html

The Equal Rights Coalition expresses grave concerns about the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 which further criminalizes LGBTI persons in Uganda. The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 criminalizes same sex-relations with even broader and more draconian punishments for LGBTI conduct, including life imprisonment or death. In addition to criminalizing the “promotion of sexuality,” the law threatens LGBTI organizations engaged in human rights advocacy or engaged in health assistance programs, and criminalizes support to LGBTI organizations and those working on the human rights of LGBTI persons.

Global Affairs Canada2023-05-30T09:00:05-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/02/canada-announces-funding-to-support-quality-education-for-children-in-emergency-and-crisis-situations-worldwide.html

Conflict, climate change and COVID-19 have caused a global education crisis, with an estimated 222 million children and adolescents who are not developing the essential skills and knowledge they need to build and prepare for their futures. Canada is investing in immediate and sustainable programs to ensure access to quality education for children and youth in emergency and crisis situations so that no child is left behind.

Global Affairs Canada2023-02-16T08:00:00-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2023/01/joint-statement-on-second-anniversary-of-military-coup-in-myanmar.html

A joint statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union, and the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Armenia, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, the Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States, on the two year anniversary of the military coup in Myanmar: “On 1 February 2021, the Myanmar military staged a coup d’état and seized power against the will of the people, plunging the country into a deep political, economic and humanitarian crisis.

Global Affairs Canada2023-01-31T18:55:58-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2023/01/minister-oregan-to-hold-a-media-availability-with-union-leaders-following-the-ratification-of-the-international-labour-organizations-violence-and-h.html

Minister O’Regan to hold a media availability with union and employer leaders following the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Violence and Harassment Convention (C-190)

Employment and Social Development Canada2023-01-26T16:14:52-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/12/joint-statement-from-foreign-ministers-on-the-talibans-ban-on-afghan-women-working-for-national-and-international-ngos.html

The following is a statement from the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States and the High Representative of the European Union.

Global Affairs Canada2022-12-29T10:32:10-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/12/statement-from-foreign-ministers-on-taliban-decision-to-ban-women-from-universities.html

The foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the High Representative of the European Union, today issued the following statement: “We strongly condemn the Taliban’s recent decisions to ban women from universities, to continue to bar girls from secondary schools, and to impose other harsh restrictions on the ability of women and girls in Afghanistan to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Global Affairs Canada2022-12-21T17:17:48-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/11/media-freedom-coalition-statement-on-international-day-to-end-impunity-for-crimes-against-journalists.html

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.

Global Affairs Canada2022-11-02T09:29:44-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/09/joint-statement-high-level-meeting-on-the-safety-and-security-of-civil-nuclear-facilities-in-armed-conflicts.html

“We, the ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Ukraine and senior officials from Canada, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United States of America, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy wish to express our grave concern regarding the threats posed to the safety and security of nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes in Ukraine and their personnel, significantly raising the risk of a nuclear accident..."

Global Affairs Canada2022-09-25T10:41:42-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/07/parliamentary-secretary-oliphant-to-travel-to-switzerland-and-united-kingdom.html

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 Lugano, Switzerland, and London, United Kingdom, from July 4 to July 6, 2022.

Global Affairs Canada2022-07-03T08:55:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/06/minister-ng-welcomes-successful-twelfth-ministerial-conference-in-geneva.html

Canada is a trading nation and a strong proponent of the international rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. Multilateralism is essential in achieving a strong, sustainable and inclusive global economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Affairs Canada2022-06-23T09:27:23-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/06/itinerary--minister-ng-to-attend-meetings-of-organisation-for-economic-co-operation-and-development-and-wto.html

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, will attend the 2022 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France, from June 9 to 10, and then the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 12 to 15.

Global Affairs Canada2022-06-08T11:31:26-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2022/05/canada-concludes-successful-meetings-at-the-g7-health-ministers-meeting-and-75th-world-health-assembly.html

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, concluded a successful trip to Europe where he attended the G7 Health Ministers’ Meeting and the 75th World Health Assembly. Canada is committed to working with its international partners to collaborate on shared health priorities and tackle global public health threats during a time of multiple crises.

Health Canada2022-06-13T15:42:14-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2022/05/minister-champagne-concludes-european-visit.html

Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, concluded a visit to Europe, where he met with key industry stakeholders and business leaders to continue promoting Canada as a reliable, stable and attractive economic partner.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada2022-05-27T16:45:10-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2022/05/canada-meets-with-international-partners-at-the-g7-health-ministers-meeting-and-75th-world-health-assembly.html

Today, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, arrives in Berlin for the G7 Health Ministers’ Meeting where the G7 partners will work jointly on global health issues. Minister Duclos will then travel to Geneva from May 22-24 for the 75th World Health Assembly. He will deliver Canada’s plenary statement highlighting our continued commitment to international and multilateral engagement to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

Health Canada2022-05-18T15:58:17-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/03/minister-sajjan-wraps-up-canadas-together-for-learning-summit-on-education-for-displaced-children-and-youth.html

Through meaningful engagement and by working together, youth leaders, government officials, members of civil society organizations and global education stakeholders can drive progress in global, national and local responses to refugee education.

Global Affairs Canada2022-03-31T14:59:34-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/03/joint-statement-on-armed-forces-day-in-myanmar.html

A joint statement on Armed Forces Day in Myanmar by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union and the Foreign Ministers of Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Palau, Republic of Korea, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Global Affairs Canada2022-03-26T17:24:20-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/03/minister-joly-concludes-trip-to-switzerland-poland-belgium-and-romania.html

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today concluded a productive trip to Switzerland, Poland, Belgium and Romania during which she met with multiple allies to discuss Russia’s unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.

Global Affairs Canada2022-03-08T10:13:25-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2022/01/minister-ng-discusses-wto-reform-at-wto-ministerial-meeting.html

A rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core, is essential to ensuring that the ongoing global response to the pandemic is coordinated and equitable and that the shared global economic recovery is strong, sustainable, and inclusive.

Global Affairs Canada2022-01-21T09:25:06-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/12/announcement-of-new-diplomatic-appointments.html

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

Global Affairs Canada2021-12-23T18:03:55-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/12/biographical-notes.html

Biographical notes

Global Affairs Canada2021-12-23T18:03:47-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/12/joint-statement-on-reports-of-summary-killings-and-enforced-disappearances-in-afghanistan0.html

We are deeply concerned by reports of summary killings and enforced disappearances of former members of the Afghan security forces as documented by Human Rights Watch and others...

Global Affairs Canada2021-12-06T18:50:49-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/12/international-idea---joint-statement-on-democracy.html

Democracy is a universal aspiration and an enabler of sustainable development. As Member States of International IDEA, we are stewards of this conviction and heirs to the historic transformation of the past century, which turned democratic government into the global norm, thus enhancing development, human rights, peace and security.

Global Affairs Canada2021-12-06T15:36:47-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/news/2021/11/government-of-canada-announces-adjustments-to-canadas-border-measures.html

The Government of Canada will adjust some of Canada’s border measures beginning on Nov. 30 to include additional COVID-19 vaccines accepted for entry to Canada and changes to certain exemptions, testing and ArriveCAN requirements.

Public Health Agency of Canada2022-02-04T10:31:23-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/11/minister-ng-speaks-with-wto-director-general-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-in-geneva-about-wto-priorities.html

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, met with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss progress in preparations for the upcoming 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12).

Global Affairs Canada2021-11-12T15:42:28-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/11/itinerary--minister-ng-to-meet-with-world-trade-organization-partners-in-geneva.html

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, will be meeting her World Trade Organization partners in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 10 to 12, 2021.

Global Affairs Canada2021-11-09T14:22:18-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/04/statement-of-the-equal-rights-coalition-on-the-serious-human-rights-violations-and-abuses-against-lgbti-individuals-in-the-chechen-republic-of-the-.html

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.

Global Affairs Canada2021-04-19T17:27:26-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/04/media-freedom-coalition-statement-concerning-media-freedom-in-myanmar.html

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.

Global Affairs Canada2021-04-16T13:08:38-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2021/03/joint-statement-by-19-states-in-support-of-the-establishment-of-the-international-accountability-platform-for-belarus.html

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

Global Affairs Canada2021-03-24T15:11:45-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/11/media-freedom-coalition-ministerial-communique.html

We, the members of the Media Freedom Coalition, held our first ministerial-level meeting on November 16, 2020, to exchange views and coordinate action in the defence of media freedom worldwide.

Global Affairs Canada2020-12-14T17:10:18-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/09/joint-statement-on-internet-shutdowns-in-belarus.html

We, the signatories, are deeply troubled by and condemn the recently reported and ongoing use of partial and complete Internet shutdowns, as well as targeted content blocking, by the Government of Belarus in the aftermath of the fraudulent 2020 Belarusian presidential elections. Shutdowns and blocking or filtering of services unjustifiably limit the rights of peaceful assembly and freedoms of association and expression, especially when they lack procedural fairness and transparency. In conjunction with restrictive measures and intimidation employed against opposition candidates and the mass arrests and detentions of Belarusian civil society members and journalists, actions to limit access to the Internet, including social media and other digital communication platforms, further erode civic space. We will continue to stand with the people of Belarus, who are making their voices heard in spite of these oppressive measures, and we are especially heartened by the critical and central role women are playing in calling for fairness and accountability.

Global Affairs Canada2020-09-22T15:57:32-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/08/minister-champagne-concludes-visit-to-switzerland-and-italy-on-his-way-to-lebanon.html

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, concluded successful visits to Switzerland and Italy, where he met with his counterparts and top officials from key international organizations.

Global Affairs Canada2020-08-26T12:44:14-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/08/minister-champagne-travels-to-lebanon-and-europe.html

On his first overseas trip since the Covid-19 pandemic began, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, will travel to Beirut, Lebanon, later this week and make stops in Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Global Affairs Canada2020-08-22T14:58:43-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/05/statement-on-protecting-sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-rights-and-promoting-gender-responsiveness-in-the-covid-19-crisis.html

Humanity is confronted with the unprecedented threat of COVID-19. Around the world, the pandemic is having a devastating impact on health systems, economies and the lives, livelihood and wellbeing of all, particularly older people. Responding effectively to this fast-growing pandemic requires solidarity and cooperation among all governments, scientists, civil society actors and the private sector.

Global Affairs Canada2020-06-03T15:52:57-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/05/statement-by-the-media-freedom-coalition-on-world-press-freedom-day.html

Today, we celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom around the world.

Global Affairs Canada2020-05-03T10:23:44-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/04/statement-on-joint-wto-efforts-to-ensure-open-and-predictable-trade-for-food-and-agricultural-products-amid-covid-19.html

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today issued the following statement: “As countries take action to respond to the impacts of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it is imperative that trade remains open and predictable to ensure people in Canada and around the world can access the food and essential goods they need.

Global Affairs Canada2020-06-17T14:00:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/04/joint-statement-of-the-alliance-for-multilateralism.html

The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call for multilateralism. Trying to cope with the immediate devastating effects of the virus, nations have turned toward imposing unprecedented executive measures, including closing borders. However, a virus knows no borders. All countries are affected. We must remain united in our shared humanity. The fight against this global pandemic, which is taking so many lives and challenging our societies, requires more and enhanced international cooperation and worldwide solidarity.

Global Affairs Canada2020-04-16T18:39:00-04:00https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2020/01/minister-bains-announces-new-cybersecurity-centre-to-help-protect-canadians-online.html

Digital technologies are integral to our daily lives. By 2025, there will be 75 billion connected devices around the world. Canadians must be able to trust that their data and privacy are protected online.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada2020-01-23T08:28:15-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2020/01/minister-ng-to-participate-in-the-world-economic-forum-in-davos-switzerland.html

Open, transparent and rules-based multilateral trade and investment policies contribute to growth and prosperity for all Canadians and lead to high-value jobs for middle-class workers.

Global Affairs Canada2020-01-21T15:09:11-05:00https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2020/01/minister-bains-to-promote-canadian-economic-opportunities-at-world-economic-forum.html

The Government of Canada is building a modern, inclusive and sustainable economy that works for all Canadians. Canada’s highly innovative people and businesses fuel the country’s success in a rapidly changing global economy and the creation of good middle-class jobs for Canadians.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada2020-01-21T12:59:29-05:00