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April 16, 2018

CANADA ECONOMICS



CANADA - FRANCE



Prime Minister announces partnerships on climate and culture with France Paris, France - April 16, 2018

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau embarked today on the first day of an official visit to France to further deepen the ties between our two countries and to promote even closer economic collaboration, including through the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), to build a strong middle class and create new jobs and opportunities for people in both countries.

Prime Minister Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron today concluded a productive meeting during which they discussed important shared issues including the environment, the economy, culture and international security. They also discussed ways we can increase trade and investment, grow the middle class and further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Together, the two leaders announced that, as of today, France and Canada commit to increase their cooperation against climate change, through the France-Canada Partnership on climate and the environment. Alongside the Paris Agreement, this new partnership will help the two countries to redouble their efforts and work together even more closely to fight climate change.

In order to deepen the close relationship between the two countries with regards to culture, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Macron also announced a new cultural initiative aimed at promoting cultural expression, diversity and the French language in the digital space. This initiative will also enable the two countries to enhance their collaboration within the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

During his first day in Paris, Prime Minister Trudeau also met with the Co-chairs of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, Isabelle Hudon, Ambassador of Canada to France and Monaco, and Melinda Gates. Together, they discussed ways to promote economic growth that benefits everyone, a theme that will be at the forefront of the upcoming G7 summit in Charlevoix.

The Prime Minister also met with representatives from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, UNESCO and the International Organization of La Francophonie, to strengthen Canada’s relationships with these important multilateral organizations.

Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will meet with Édouard Philippe, Prime Minister of France, Gérard Larcher, President of France’s Senate, and François de Rugy, President of the French Assemblée Nationale, before addressing the Assemblée Nationale. In his speech, Prime Minister Trudeau will discuss Canada’s role in the world. He will highlight Canada’s commitment to progressive trade, gender equality, international security and democracy, in addition to underlining the important values Canada shares with France and Europe. This will be the first time a Canadian head of government addresses the Assemblée Nationale.

Prime Minister Trudeau will also meet with Canadian business leaders to discuss the benefits of progressive trade and of CETA for entrepreneurs on both sides of the Atlantic.

Quote

“I would like to thank President Macron for his warm welcome. Canada and France have a close relationship and share an ambitious vision of how we can create economic growth that benefits everyone and shape our world for the better. Now, thanks to the France-Canada Partnership on climate and the environment and the new cultural initiative, we will be 
working even more closely together to fight climate change, further strengthen our cultural ties and build a better future for people in both countries.”

— Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts
  • Canada and France have a long-standing, solid relationship based on a common history and language, shared values, and diversified collaboration on economic, social, political and security issues.
  • CETA has shown its benefits even during its provisional implementation. In 2017, imports into Canada from France grew by 4 percent from the previous year, and Canadian investment in France increased by 23 percent. CETA represents the future of our stronger economic partnership based on common values and goals.
  • The France-Canada Partnership on climate and the environment will support and accelerate achievement of Paris Agreement targets thanks to concrete measures, such as mobilizing global players to promote carbon pricing and encouraging energy efficiency and reduce emissions in the land, marine and air transport sectors, with the aim of making this agreement in principle a reality.
  • This is the first time a Canadian head of state has been asked to speak inside the Assemblée Nationale (also known as the hemicycle) in front of all its members.
  • In Paris, at a ceremony to rekindle the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Prime Minister will pay homage to the sacrifice and courage of the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives on French soil during the two World Wars.
  • In the company of Isabelle Hudon, Ambassador of Canada to France and Monaco, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new chancery, to open officially on May 2. The chancery will provide a more suitable and modern space for Canadian culture in France by housing the embassy and the Canadian Cultural Centre under the same roof.
See also:
​Itinerary for April 17, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario - April 16, 2018
Note: All times local

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Tuesday, April 17, 2018:
Paris, France

9 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the Senate.

15 rue de Vaugirard                                                                       

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity of arrival
9:05 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Speaker of the Senate.

Petit Luxembourg Building
Senate
15 rue de Vaugirard

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
9:55 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the Hôtel Matignon.

57 rue de Varenne

Note for media:

Pool photo opportunity of arrival
10 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of the French Republic, Édouard Philippe.

Hôtel Matignon

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the National Assembly.

126 rue de l’Université

Note for media:

Open coverage
2:35 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Speaker of the National Assembly, François de Rugy.

Hôtel de Lassay
National Assembly
126 rue de l’Université

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
3 p.m. The Prime Minister will deliver an address to the National Assembly.

Sessions Room
Palais Bourbon
National Assembly

Note for media:

Open coverage
3:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend a reception with Parliamentarians given by the Speaker of the National Assembly.  

Closed to the media

4:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Canadian Commercial Delegation.

Open Space
6th Floor
Embassy of Canada

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
London, United Kingdom

8:25 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive in London, United Kingdom.

Inflite Jet Centre
London Stansted Airport

Note to media:

Pooled photo opportunity upon arrival

Itinerary for April 16, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario - April 15, 2018
Note: All times local

Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Monday, April 16, 2018:
Paris, France

9:20 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters.

7 place de Fontenoy

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity of arrival
9:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Audrey Azoulay.

Lowendal Lounge
7th Floor
UNESCO Headquarters

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
10:05 a.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie Headquarters.

19-21 avenue Bosquet

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity of arrival
10:08 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Secretary General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean.

Secretary General’s Lounge
3rd Floor
Organisation internationale de la Francophonie Headquarters

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
11:10 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Angel Gurría.

Salon Lafayette
Ground Floor
Hôtel du Collectionneur

Note for media :

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
1 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the Palais de l’Élysée.

Palais de l’Élysée
55 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity of arrival
1:05 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.

President’s Office
1st Floor
Palais de l’Élysée

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
1:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a working luncheon given by the President of the French Republic.

Closed to media

2:10 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the co-chairs of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council.

Salon Pompadour
Ground Floor
Palais de l’Élysée

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
2:55 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a signing ceremony.

Jardin d’hiver
Ground Floor
Palais de l’Élysée

Note for media:

Open coverage
3 p.m. The Prime Minister and the President of the French Republic will hold a joint media availability.

Jardin d’hiver
Ground Floor
Palais de l’Élysée

Note for media:

Open coverage
3:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a wreath laying ceremony.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arc de Triomphe

Note for media:

Open coverage
4:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Right Honourable Jacinda Ardern.

Presidence Room
2nd Floor
Sciences Po

Note for media:

Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
5:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will deliver an address followed by a question and answer session.

Émile Boutmy Amphitheatre
Sciences Po

Note for media:

Open coverage
7:20 p.m. The Prime Minister will arrive at the New Embassy of Canada.

130 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré

Note for media:

Pool photo opportunity of arrival
7:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chief Executive Officer of Airbus, Tom Enders.

Embassy of Canada

Note for media:

Pool photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
7:45 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Executive Vice President of Global Industrial Affairs of Sanofi, Philippe Luscan.

Embassy of Canada

Note for media:

Pool photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
8 p.m. The Prime Minister will attend the inauguration of the New Embassy of Canada.

Gallery Room
Lower Level
Embassy of Canada

Note for media:

Open coverage

Global Affairs Canada. April 15, 2018. Minister Champagne to lead trade mission to Paris

Ottawa, Ontario - Canada’s vibrant economy, attractive investment climate and highly-educated and skilled workforce make it a valuable trading partner, which will attract more job-creating investment into Canada. The recent entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union allows Canadian businesses to capitalize on these opportunities to diversify and attract trade and investments in key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and clean technologies.

From April 15 to 18, 2018, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, will lead a business delegation to Paris, France, with a focus on promoting Canada’s strengths and capabilities in AI and clean technologies, as well as its progressive trade agenda.

In addition to leading the business delegation, Minister Champagne will meet with business and political leaders, including Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, France’s Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with whom discussions will centre on progressive trade, including CETA, and Canada-France trade relations.

Minister Champagne will also participate in elements of the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s official visit to France.

Quotes

“The Canadian companies taking part in this business delegation stand to deepen their understanding of the opportunities in France. This delegation will allow us to demonstrate Canadian expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence and clean technologies as well as enhance the potential for collaboration in the areas of the environment, green and renewable energies, digital technologies, and information and communication technologies.

“I value the close cooperation between Canada and France and the importance we place on our bilateral trade, investment and innovation relations.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

  • France is Canada’s ninth-largest merchandise trading partner, as well as Canada’s ninth-largest export and import market. 
  • In 2017, the value of trade between the two countries was $9.6 billion.
  • The Canadian cleantech and AI sectors will benefit from CETA through the removal of all tariffs on their products. 
  • Canada has 500 AI companies, largely start-ups, and the country’s tech sector is growing and accessing foreign markets.

FULL DOCUMENT: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2018/04/minister-champagne-to-lead-trade-mission-to-paris.html



G7



Global Affairs Canada. April 16, 2018. G7 foreign ministers’ statement

Ottawa, Ontario - The G7 foreign ministers today issued the following statement:

“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, are united in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the attack that took place against Sergei and Yulia Skripal, using a nerve agent in Salisbury, United Kingdom, on March 4, 2018. A British police officer and numerous civilians were exposed in the attack and required hospital treatment, and the lives of many more innocent British civilians have been threatened. We express our deepest sympathies to them all and our admiration and support for the U.K. emergency services for their courageous response.

“The United Kingdom has thoroughly briefed G7 partners. We share, and agree with, the U.K.’s assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the attack and that there is no plausible alternative explanation. We condemn Russia’s continued failure to address legitimate requests from the U.K. government, which further underlines its responsibility. We call on Russia to urgently address all questions related to the incident in Salisbury. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has now independently confirmed the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury. Russia should provide full and complete disclosure of its previously undeclared Novichok program to the OPCW in line with its international obligations.

“This use of a military-grade nerve agent, of a type developed by Russia, constitutes the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War and is a grave challenge not only to the security of the United Kingdom but to our shared security. It is an assault on U.K. sovereignty. Any use of chemical weapons by a state party, under any circumstances, is a clear breach of international law and a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. It is a threat to us all. Their use is abhorrent, completely unacceptable and must be systematically and rigorously condemned. We, participating states of the International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons, stand together against impunity for those who develop or use these weapons, anywhere, any time, under any circumstances.

“The G7 is committed to protecting and promoting the rules-based international system. We stand in unqualified solidarity with the United Kingdom. Our concerns are also heightened against the background of a pattern of earlier irresponsible and destabilizing Russian behaviour, including interference in countries’ democratic systems. We call on Russia to live up to its Chemical Weapons Convention obligations, as well as its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to uphold international peace and security. In order to bring Russia back into the rules-based international system, we will continue to engage with Russia, as appropriate, on addressing regional crises and global challenges.

“The G7 will continue to bolster its capabilities to address hybrid threats, including in the areas of cybersecurity, strategic communication and counter-intelligence. We welcome national action taken to constrain Russian hostile-intelligence activity and to enhance our collective security. The G7 will remain closely focused on this issue and its implications.”

Employment and Social Development Canada. April 6, 2018. Speech from the Minister Jean-Yves Duclos for the B7 Business Summit of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Château Frontenac. Québec, Quebec

Introduction

Hello everyone. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being in the presence of people who are central to our economic and social development.

I would like to highlight the fact that we are meeting today on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat Nation.

I would also like to thank Ms. Dawn Farrell and Mr. Claude Gagnon, as well as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, for organizing this important event.

As Member of Parliament for the constituency of Québec, where we are today, I would like to welcome you to our beautiful region of Québec.

I would like to talk to you about the Government of Canada's plan to support inclusive growth—that is, growth in which we can all take part and from which we can all benefit.

Investing in our citizens and their future, in our communities and our infrastructure, is not just the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do for the development of our businesses.

We all know that globalization, the rapid evolution of technology, demographic changes and calls for protectionism and isolationalism create a great deal of pressure on businesses and governments.

3D Development

By appointing me Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Prime Minister assigned me a large portfolio that includes Employment Insurance, child care, old age pensions and family benefits, housing and the fight against homelessness.

It is a key department for improving the quality of life of all Canadians through every stage of their life.

This department also contributes to attaining higher levels of development—sustainable development, economic development and inclusive development.

In particular, I would like to emphasize our vision of inclusive development.

Inclusion

We live in a world where extreme wealth rubs elbows with severe poverty; not only globally, but also in many countries.

Between the two extremes, members of the middle class and those who are working hard to join it often experience insecurity for themselves and their children, and regularly ask themselves what their place in society will be and what they can expect for their future.

I'm also thinking of how economic and political processes can elicit feelings of exclusion and frustration among members of the public concerning, among other things, the effects of free trade and technological changes, the perceived ability of governments to work for the betterment of all and involvement in the major development challenges facing our society.

When we see how feelings of social exclusion—sometimes legitimate, sometimes imagined—generate increasingly worrying political tensions, I think it is important to recognize the value of inclusion, not only for social reasons, but also for economic development and political reasons.

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently said:

"Concerns about losing out are not unique to Canada. We see it, in widespread calls for nationalism over globalization, and in those who promise to build walls instead of tearing them down. When prosperity isn’t shared, people increasingly feel left behind, and they start to look to deceptively easy solutions."

Concrete measures by the Government of Canada

In Canada, we’ve taken some steps to help allay that anxiety and to help people deal with the uncertainty of a changing world.

For example, we increased taxes for the wealthiest 1 percent of individuals in order to lower taxes for the middle class. We did not do it out of lack of consideration for people who are very successful in life, but rather because we believe that middle class families need more help.

We also transformed assistance to families by introducing a new tax-free, monthly Canada Child Benefit that is simpler, fairer and more effective.

This innovative policy allows nine out of ten Canadian families to have more money to raise their children and about 300,000 Canadian children to escape poverty.

We have implemented the first National Housing Strategy, which will enable more Canadians to have a safe, affordable home where children can learn and grow, where parents can find the stability that they need to be successful in the labour market and where seniors can live in dignity.

We have increased the amount of assistance Canadian students can get, helping make post-secondary education more affordable.

In 2019, we are going to enhance the Canada Workers Benefit, which will put more money in the pockets of low-income workers. This will help over 2 million Canadians who are working hard to join the middle class and will lift 70,000 workers out of poverty by 2020, while encouraging more Canadians to join or stay in the labour market.

And we’re investing in a range of training and employment programs for unemployed and underemployed Canadian workers, allowing them to upgrade their skills so they are ready for the modern workforce.

These are just a handful of the things we have done to help people adapt to and feel confident in the context of the changes we are all feeling.

Before I finish, I would also like to add that Canada is well aware that we cannot allow ourselves to leave out half of our population.

That is why we are implementing various measures to help more women access the labour market.

We therefore do not hesitate to support pay equity, women's entrepreneurship and the participation of women in non-traditional jobs.

We also encourage gender equality, not only at work, but also at home.

That is why we are providing significant support to the efforts of the provinces and territories to offer high-quality, affordable child care services.

Taking gender equality seriously also means taking the supply of high-quality, affordable child care services seriously.

In addition, our recent Budget provides for a new Parental Sharing Benefit that aims to increase gender equality and promote more equal parental roles.

Conclusion

Our government recognizes that new growth opportunities and the importance of equality are central to Canada's future economic success.

Giving the Canadian population the opportunity to reach its full potential is not only the right thing to do; it is also the smart thing to do to create a growing economy that benefits everyone.

To do this, we know that we can and must work together, because a prosperous society, a society in which diversity is our strength and pride and a society in which everyone has a real and fair chance to succeed, is a society of the future.

Thank you. Merci.



EMPLOYMENT



Department of Finance Canada. Introducing the Canada Workers Benefit

Backgrounder

The Government has a plan to invest in the middle class and everyone working hard to join it. This includes more support for those who need it most, to ensure that the benefits of growth are shared amongst all Canadians.

Over the last four decades, lower- and middle-income workers have seen their wage prospects stall, making it more difficult to make ends meet each month. Many of these workers struggle to support their families and afford basics like healthy food and clothes for growing kids.

New in Budget 2018

In Budget 2018, the Government is introducing the new Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), a tax benefit that will put more money in the pockets of low-income workers.

The new CWB (a strengthened version of the Working Income Tax Benefit) will encourage more people to join the workforce and will offer real help to more than two million Canadians who are working hard to join the middle class, while raising roughly 70,000 Canadians out of poverty.

At the same time, starting in 2019, the Government will also make it easier for people to access the benefit they have earned, by making changes that will allow the Canada Revenue Agency to calculate the CWB for any taxfiler who hasn't claimed it. As a result, everyone who can benefit from the CWB will receive it when they file their taxes.

Compared to the Working Income Tax Benefit, the CWB will increase both the maximum benefits received, as well as the income level at which the benefit is phased out completely. As a result, a low-income worker earning $15,000 would receive up to almost $500 more from the CWB in 2019 than in 2018 to invest in the things that are important to them. That's more money for more people to spend on things like groceries, utility bills and other essentials.

Unattached Worker

Unattached Worker

Couple and Single Parents

Couple and Single Parents

Notes: Assumes net income is equal to earnings. These figures are based on the proposed federal design; the Incremental benefit may vary in provinces or territories that enter agreements to reconfigure the design of the CWB.


The Government also proposes to increase the maximum benefit provided through the CWB disability supplement by an additional $160 to offer greater support to Canadians with disabilities who face financial barriers to entering the workforce

The Government also maintains the previously announced $250 million enhancement to the program, starting in 2019, as part of the enhancement of the Canada Pension Plan. All told, the Government will invest almost $1 billion in new annual funding in the CWB.

In addition, over the next year, the Government will also begin work to determine if the delivery of the CWB can be improved to provide better support to low-income Canadians throughout the year, rather than through an annual refund after filing their taxes.



GOVERNMENT FINANCE



Department of Finance Canada. April 16, 2018. Department of Finance Canada Releases Annual Report on Federal Tax Expenditures

Ottawa, Ontario – The Government of Canada is committed to building an economy that works for everyone—one that supports a strong and growing middle class, while offering real help to those who need help most.

Part of keeping this promise involves ensuring that Canada has a tax system that is modern, simple and efficient where everyone pays their fair share.

In keeping with the Government’s commitment to openness and transparency, the Department of Finance Canada today released the 2018 Report on Federal Tax Expenditures—Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations. This report provides estimates of the fiscal cost of federal tax measures designed to ensure the proper functioning of the federal tax system and support the economic and social priorities of the Government of Canada.

This year’s edition also includes a commitment to undertake a Gender-based Analysis Plus of the federal tax system and tax expenditures, with the results of this analysis, including information related to the gender distribution of tax expenditures, to be presented in subsequent editions of this report.

The release of today’s report coincides with the tabling of the Main Estimates in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board.

Quick Facts

  • The Government of Canada first reported on federal tax expenditures in 1979. It has published estimates of tax expenditures for personal and corporate income taxes, as well as for the Goods and Services Tax, since 1994.
  • The Report on Federal Tax Expenditures—Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations is a key component of the Government’s reporting on the federal tax system, contributing to public dialogue on federal tax policies.
  • Tax expenditure reporting is considered an international best practice to foster government budgetary and fiscal transparency.
  • International organizations have recognized the quality of Canada’s reporting on federal tax expenditures, notably with respect to the number of tax measures and years for which cost information is presented, the detailed methodological information provided, and the publication.
Report on Federal Tax Expenditures—Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations: https://www.fin.gc.ca/taxexp-depfisc/2018/taxexp18-eng.asp



CANADA - CUBA



Global Affairs Canada. April 16, 2018. Statement by Global Affairs Canada on ongoing health and security situation of Canadian diplomatic staff and dependants in Havana, Cuba. Statement

Ottawa, Ontario - The Government of Canada continues to investigate the potential causes of unusual health symptoms reported in 2017 by some Canadian diplomatic staff and dependents posted to Havana, Cuba. There is a government-wide effort to address this situation, including an ongoing investigation in cooperation with Cuban authorities. The health, safety, and security of our diplomatic staff and their families is our top priority.

All members of the Canadian diplomatic family who reported unusual symptoms have received medical testing. In the majority of cases, no additional medical follow-up was required.

There have been no new incidents since the early fall of 2017. Diplomatic families who have returned to Canada, however, have continued to experience symptoms. The symptoms include dizziness, headaches and lack of ability to concentrate, amongst others. In some cases the symptoms have appeared to lessen in intensity, before reasserting themselves.

In March 2018, the Department received the results of an environmental assessment of our diplomatic staff quarters in Havana, including tests of air and water quality. This assessment did not indicate anything that could point to a cause.

More recently we have received information from Canadian medical specialists involved in the evaluation of affected Canadian diplomats and dependents, as well as from American medical specialists studying a cohort of affected US diplomatic staff at the University of Pennsylvania. According to these specialists, medical information raised concerns for a new type of a possible acquired brain injury. Additional research is needed to better understand this. The cause remains unknown but could be human-made.

As a result of this ongoing uncertainty, Global Affairs Canada has decided to change the designation of our Embassy of Canada to Cuba to an ‘unaccompanied post’. This means that Canadian diplomats posted to Cuba will not be accompanied by their dependents. Arrangements will be made to support our diplomatic staff and their families returning to Canada in the coming weeks, as well as for those families who had expected to be posted to Cuba this summer.  At the same time we will be reviewing all of our diplomatic positions in Cuba, with a view to balancing our duty of care to our staff members and their families, with the ongoing need to deliver services to Canadians in Cuba, and to promote and protect Canadian interests there.

Canada has a positive and constructive relationship with Cuba and has received close cooperation from the Cuban authorities since health concerns of Canadians serving in Cuba first surfaced in the spring of 2017. While regular Embassy operations will continue, there may be some service delays as the Department manages the departure of dependents in the coming days.


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LGCJ.:
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