Avisos y Noticias de Canadá y mensajes del Primer Ministro de Canadá

Noticias, Mensajes de Jean Chrétien cuando fungía como Primer Ministro de Canadá - 1993 a 2003

En ingles y/o francés con traducción al español ocasionalmente. Fuente: Oficina del Primer Ministro de Canadá

Noviembre 2003.
El 13 de noviembre de 2003 marca el fin de una era en la historia política de Canadá. El Muy Hon. Jean Chrétien se despidió del Partido Liberal de Canadá como su líder para dejar el puesto al Hon. Paul Martin, nuevo líder del partido y Primer Ministro designado. A continuación le presentamos el discurso del Muy Hon. Jean Chrétien de la noche del 13 de noviembre (fuente: Oficina del Primer Ministro)

Notes for an address by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on the occasion of a Tribute to the Prime Minister

November 13, 2003
Toronto, Ontario

My friends,

That video brought me back a long way. A very long way. So many memories. So many bonds and so many friendships. So much road travelled. For a young man born in a large working class family in Shawinigan.

And I am very proud to say it is a road we have travelled together.

Because if - as I have always said - Canada is my life, it is the Liberal Party that has been like family to me.

It is the Liberal Party that gave me the chance to grow. To meet people in every part of Canada. To learn the true meaning of democracy and public service. That opened my horizons and my world.

I began as president of the Young Liberals Association at Laval University. But it is in April 1963 that I proudly entered Parliament as MP for St. Maurice-LaflPche under the exceptional leadership of Lester B. Pearson.

He did so many things of lasting benefit for Canadians. He showed me so much kindness and confidence especially when he sent me to Mitchell Sharp to be trained to be the first francophone Minister of Finance.

Mitchell, still young at 92 years old, is here tonight. He proved to me, at an early age, that Liberalism is about heart and passion, yes, but it is also about responsibility, and balance, and creating growth and opportunity.

And Pierre Trudeau. Larger than life. And a presence so powerful that he forever changed the way we see ourselves as Canadians.

I was very proud to be part of Mr. Trudeau's team and of the confidence he had in me to do the challenging jobs that needed to be done, from transforming aboriginal policy, creating national parks, to the Quebec referendum in 1980, to bringing home the constitution and negotiating the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

That is Liberalism in action, my friends. The spirit and vision of governments like those of Lester Pearson and Pierre Trudeau.

That built the modern Canada we love so deeply.

That built the social programs that Canadians cherish. That gave our country its own flag.

That gave birth to national Medicare. To the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. To the Canada Pension Plan.

To a truly bilingual Canada that has become home to people from every corner of the world - and a shining model of how the human race can live together in peace, progress and prosperity.

It was these governments - under these two great Canadians - that cemented Canada as the champion of a multilateral approach on the international scene. Also as a trusted peacekeeper. As an honest voice in the world. A force for peace and stability.

My friends, that is what we are celebrating at this convention: the vision, the passion, and the spirit of Liberalism.

In June 1990, in Calgary, you gave me the great honour and responsibility of carrying the Liberal torch. Of succeeding a great Liberal, John Turner. Of upholding our timeless principles and traditions.

And adapting them to new times and new challenges as every leader must do. And that is what I have tried to do.

Because, my friends, when this country is in a time of need, in crisis, when things need to be righted, Canadians have always turned to Liberal governments.

And that is the way it was in Canada ten years ago.

We remember the state of the nation ten years ago. Canadians remember it. I know I will never forget it.

We were in a crisis, all right. The worst crisis Canada had seen in more than half a century. An economic crisis. A fiscal crisis. A national unity crisis. And even more troubling, a crisis of confidence.

Canadians had given up believing Canada could ever work again.

We were virtually broke. Almost bankrupt. Against the wall. The annual deficit was $42 billion, by far the largest in our entire history. Thirty-seven cents of every tax dollar went to servicing the national debt. Unemployment and interest rates were far too high, both above 11 percent.

The International Monetary Fund was knocking at the door. The Wall Street Journal was saying we were a candidate to become a Third World economy.

And that malaise went much, much deeper than the economy. The dice had been rolled on our national unity. And Canada was on the brink of disaster. Of falling apart. In Quebec, support for separatism was at its highest in history.

Western Canadians were turning their backs on national parties for a narrow regional party. It is hard to believe now, but people were giving up - actually giving up - on the very idea of Canada.

Canadians gave us a job to do. They gave us a mission. A solemn responsibility. They wanted their country back. They wanted it turned around. They wanted to be proud again.

And my friends, that is what we set out to do. Together, with our team. Members of Parliament. Ministers. A professional public service. A skilled, committed team of men and women. Who cared deeply about their country and were eager to work hard, very hard.

I want to thank them - all of them - personally tonight for their contribution and their dedication.

Think of what we have accomplished with Canadians in ten years. Well, everyone knows - the whole world knows - how we turned the finances of this country around. It was hard. It hurt. Canadians made sacrifices. But we took that $42 billion deficit and turned it into six consecutive balanced budgets.

Today we are the only G-7 country with a balanced budget. Today we lead the industrial world in fiscal responsibility.

We in Canada are entering our seventh year in balance. And not only that, we have also paid down more than ten percent of the national debt.

In ten years, our economy has created three million new jobs. Interest rates are at their lowest levels in decades. Young families can afford to finance their homes. We have been able to pass on to the Canadian people the biggest tax cut in the history of Canada.

We have been able to invest large sums of money in health care.

And we have created the National Child Benefit which is the most important new social programme since Medicare.

My friends, we understood that our young people need to be liberated to make their dreams come true, to make their contribution to our country and to our future.

As soon as we eliminated the deficit, our first priority was to make massive investments in education, in our young people, in their brains and in their capacity.

From the Millennium Scholarships, to the Canada Research Chairs, from graduate scholarships, to the Canada Foundation for Innovation, to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and so much more, we are making Canada the place to be for young people in the 21st century.

We have restored an activist, progressive national government. That speaks and acts for the whole country. As only the national government can do. And we have done so in accordance with timeless Liberal principles and traditions.

Just as it took time to restore our fiscal health, it took several years to rebuild the unity of this country.

But slowly, carefully, deliberately, we took the steps to strengthen the bonds that tie our country together. It was not easy to fight years of myths that had been created by those who wanted to break up Canada.

But it was worth the fight. Yes, my friends, it was worth the fight. We vowed that we would never again run the risk of losing Canada through ambiguity and misunderstanding and lack of presence.

Ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake about it, the Clarity Act has secured the future of Canada.

Again, it wasn't easy. All the pundits, the elites, thought we were crazy to take such a risk. But the people of Canada - and the people of the province of Quebec in particular - knew better.

We did it by telling the truth to Quebeckers. We did not make unrealistic, empty promises. We refused to pander. We were frank and direct. And we governed well.

Today we as Liberals can hold our heads up high in Quebec.

Let me tell you, it was tough, my friends. It was tough for all of us who stood for Canada. It was very tough for me personally. It hurt me deeply. It hurt my family. To be vilified in my home province - the province I love - just for standing up for Canada.

Because I believed so profoundly, as I still believe today, that being part of Canada is best for Quebec.

But no matter how lonely it was - we never gave up.

And, tonight, I can tell you, my friends, that nothing gives me greater satisfaction than the knowledge that we have prevailed in Quebec. That we have earned the respect of the people of Quebec. That we have turned the page and are working on real solutions to real problems.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank my fellow citizens of Quebec.

And let me tell you that we would not have succeeded without the patience and understanding and commitment of Canadians across the land during a very difficult period. It made me so proud to be a Canadian.

Restoring the pride, restoring the faith of Canadians has been a big job, my friends.

And it has not stopped with the economy or with national unity.

We have worked hard to ensure that our values - Canadian values - are what have guided our government and its policies.

That is why we have one of the toughest gun control laws in the world. As a Canadian, that makes me very, very proud.

And we have restored the pride in who we are. Look at the cultural vitality of Canada today. We saw the wonderful artists here tonight.

The magic of Le Cirque du Soleil is seducing audiences around the world, and transforming entertainment in the 21st Century.

Taking their cue from two great friends of mine, Paul Anka and Oscar Peterson, who led the way many years ago, today Canadian women are the biggest phenomenon in the history of the recording industry. From Céline Dion to Shania Twain to Diana Krall to Alanis Morrissette to Avril Lavigne, they are taking over the world, and doing it in a very Canadian way.

Our authors are winning prestigious awards around the globe. It is nothing short of a renaissance of Canadian literature.

My friends, in every field, the Canadian arts are the most vibrant and celebrated they've ever been.

And of course, Canadians have been proud to once again reassert our independence on the world stage.

We have a wonderful story to tell the world. About how to live together in peace and diversity. About how to resolve differences with civility. About mutual respect. About building bridges. You might say the world could use a little more Canada.

And we've been delivering. The Land Mines Treaty. The International Criminal Court. New hope for Africa, NEPAD.

The effort to narrow the gap between the richest and poorest nations has been important to Canadians.

We have worked hard at it. Because we Canadians know how these disparities fuel hatreds and violence in the most troubled corners of our world.

We have not been afraid to confront those hatreds. That is why our brave Canadian troops went to Bosnia and Kosovo with NATO. That is why they are in Afghanistan today.

And that is why we stood shoulder to shoulder with our closest friend and ally, the United States when they were targeted on that terrible September day. We are with them and all civilized nations in the fight against terrorism. Canadians are making a vital contribution in that struggle - and we are very proud of it.

But we also have known when we must go our own way internationally. In a manner that is consistent with our values. Doing the right thing, no matter how difficult.

And it was because of our deep belief as Canadians in the values of multilateralism and the United Nations that we did not go to war in Iraq.

It was the same with the Kyoto Protocol. When it comes to a decision as important as the very preservation of our planet, you don't look over your shoulder to see what your neighbour is doing. You don't wait for others to decide first. You don't duck your head.

You do the right thing. For today, and above all the right thing for the future. For our kids. For their kids. For this planet. It was the same when we confronted the Europeans in the Turbot war in 1995.

That is what Canadians want. And that is what we as Liberals have provided.

That is not all that we did. We took historic action to limit the influence in elections of big business and big unions. Because that's what Liberalism is about. Giving power to the people, not to special interests. About opening up democracy. About ensuring that all Canadians are free to exercise their human rights.

And you know, when we speak of human rights, we are admired around the world for our social liberalism.

We have taken those classic Liberal values I spoke about earlier, and adapted them for a new era.

The world has changed in the past 40 years, and it continues to change. And we have to keep up with it. We recognize that issues respecting same sex must be dealt with, because the Charter of Rights is a precious heritage for Liberals. Any time we are asked to choose between fewer rights and more rights, we Liberals, and we Canadians will always choose more rights, and especially for minorities.

My friends, all this is some of what we have accomplished. Together as Liberals. Together with Canadians.

Ten years ... Ten years. From the Wall Street Journal calling us a candidate for the Third World to The Economist, a few weeks ago, telling the world that Canada is cool!!

We are proud of what we have accomplished. But tonight I want to let you in on a secret. I want to tell you what makes me happiest by far. It's not simply what we have done in government. It's not just our economy. It's not just the problems we solved.

It is the new spirit in the land. You can see it. You can feel it. The new pride of Canadians. Our sense of confidence. Our can-do spirit. We have never been more confident. We have never been more proud. We have never been more united. We have never been more sure of who we are. We have never been more eager, more prepared to take on the world.

My friends, that is the Canada of 2003. That is how far we have travelled in ten years. And I am honoured to have had the opportunity to play a part in it.

When the question is asked, are Canadians better off today than we were ten years ago? The answer is clear and unmistakable. Yes. Yes. Yes.

It has been a good time to be a Liberal. It is a good time to be a Liberal. And it is a great time to be a Canadian.

And as I leave as leader of our Party, I can say with pride, that with our record, we are in a very, very good position to win a fourth consecutive Liberal majority government.

Yes, we must celebrate our accomplishments. But we must not be satisfied with them.

We must remember, my friends, we do not govern by divine right. We do not have a permanent lease on office. It is not something that is owed to us.

We govern with the power and trust invested in us by the Canadian people. We must never, never forget that. We must never take them, or their support, for granted. We must earn it every day.

Being a Liberal means always, always thinking about the future. So tonight I would like to challenge us as a party, as I pass on the torch.

Tonight I want to ask you, my Liberal family, what can we do to ensure that our country is even better off ten years from now than it is today?

To govern is to lead. We define ourselves by the hard choices we make. By the decisions we make. We saw that with the deficit. We saw it with the Clarity Act. We saw it with Iraq. We saw it every time we stood tall for Canada.

Not just for the headlines of today, but for the world of tomorrow.

There is no substitute for doing the right thing at home or abroad.

The rest of the world looks to us as a model, as a beacon. Look at the people in this great hall. You see in this one location all the faces, all the races, and the colours, and religions that make up this planet. This is the Canada of today.

And this is our mission to the world. To show how it is possible to live together in diversity and in harmony. But to fulfill this mission, we have a solemn responsibility to speak to the world in our own voice - an independent voice.

It is not something to barter or give away, not for economic gain, commercial advantage or anything else.

My friends, we cannot be complacent, at a time when the opposition is getting together. When in a country of the centre, the opposition is moving to the right.

Canadians should beware of those on the right who put the interests of Bay Street over the interests of Main Street.

Canadians should beware of those on the right who put profit ahead of community ... beware of those on the right who put the narrow bottom line ahead of everything else.

Canadians should beware of those on the right who would reduce taxes at the expense of necessary public services ... beware of those on the right who do not care about reducing social and environmental deficits.

Canadians should beware of those on the right who would weaken the national government because they do not believe in the role of government.

My friends, my fellow Canadians, my fellow Liberals, if you remember only one thing that I say tonight, remember this ... we must never ever lose our social conscience.

My final message for you is simple. Trust Canadians. They are wise. They are generous. They care.

And above all, trust the young generation of Canadians that is coming up. I have a lot of faith in young Canadians today. There has never been a generation in history more sure of itself and its Canadian identity, and yet more in touch and involved in every corner of the world. They care. And they understand.

My friends, I am passing on the leadership of our Party to a new leader. A new prime minister.

A great Liberal. Who has been a big part of our record. Of the Liberal record. Of the record we are so proud of.

Although we have accomplished so much, there is still so much more to do. Paul Martin will need all our support, the support of all of us. And I can assure Paul that he has my support.

And when he has some lonely moments, as I know he will, he should remember, as I have, how each successive leader has been strengthened by our Liberal values. He should remember Laurier, remember King, remember St-Laurent, remember Pearson, remember Trudeau, remember Turner.

There is no greater privilege than to be able to serve your country. To be Prime Minister of the most wonderful country in the world. I have always felt a special love of this country. With all my fellow citizens. Regardless of their political views.

So from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the people of Canada for the confidence they have shown in me over so many years. I will be forever grateful.

I want to thank the Liberal Party for the great confidence you have shown in me since you chose me as your leader 13 years ago.

And for the privilege I have had in leading the greatest political party in the world.

When I first announced my candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Party back in 1984, I said: "Fasten your seat belts - it's going to be a helluva ride".

Well my friends, it has been a hell of a ride.

Now I finish my career as I began, as an ordinary Liberal. I will be there to support our new team. I will be there to encourage young Canadians to continue to be engaged. And I will be there to support our new leader.

I want to thank tonight, the people of St. Maurice who have shown their confidence in me for the last 40 years, as well as the people of Beauséjour for three years. Without them, I would not be here tonight.

And, my friends, I will be there side-by-side with Aline, my rock of Gibraltar for almost the last 50 years…

Vive le Canada!

El Muy Honorable Jean Chrétien, Primer Ministro de Canadá, visitó México del 26 de febrero al 2 de marzo de 2003. El Primer Ministro Chrétien anunció el año pasado que se retirará de la política en febrero de 2004, después de más de treinta años en la política canadiense.

Discurso/Catédra del Primer Ministro en la Universidad Autónoma de México:

NOTES FOR AN ADDRESS BY PRIME MINISTER JEAN CHRÉTIEN to the National Autonomous University of Mexico February 27, 2003

Mexico City, Mexico

It gives me great pleasure to be here today, at the oldest university in the Americas. I congratulate you, the faculty and student body, as you celebrate a remarkable 450 years of tradition and history. You have earned an international reputation for excellence in scholarship and teaching.

I am particularly gratified to receive, on behalf of the Canadian people, this most prestigious award. It acknowledges the contribution that Canada, its people and government, have made to world peace, security and prosperity. I thank you for this honour, which I am pleased to accept in the name of my fellow citizens.

Peace, security, and prosperity are essential elements of my address to you today. They form a trinity of well-being – a formula that creates the foundation of quality of life and strengthens democracy.

As we know, in too many parts of the world we see the negative side of this formula: poverty, instability, and conflict and the end result of hopelessness, despair, and political uncertainty.

Today I would also like to reflect on how the relationship between Mexicans and Canadians, as partners and friends, is growing and changing. And how we can meet, together, some of the complex challenges we face in this hemisphere and indeed globally to transform poverty, instability, and conflict into peace, security, and prosperity.

We come from a good starting point. Trade has sown the seeds of prosperity across North America. Canada’s first commercial mission was sent to Mexico in 1887. As early as 1905 a trade commissioner was posted to Mexico City in support of Canadian investment in the electricity, urban transport and banking sectors. But it is in more recent times that our trade relationship really took off -- with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994.

Since that time our trade has multiplied three-fold. Canada has become Mexico’s second largest market, after the United States; while Mexico is the fourth largest purchaser of Canadian goods and services. Canada and Mexico hold an impressive thirty percent share of the US market. Over the past decade, North America has led the world in economic growth.

NAFTA has served us well and has served as a catalyst for cooperation in other sectors: the environment; labour; energy and agriculture – to name a few. As a result, Mexico is the Latin American country with which Canadians have the most substantial and profound political agenda.

This political agenda benefits from the fruitful and frequent meetings between our countries. President Fox and I have now met six times since your July, 2000 elections. Over the past year, half of the Canadian cabinet has met with its Mexican counterparts, several more than once. The linkages between our parliamentarians – several of whom are with me today – and between our officials are expanding exponentially.

The people of Mexico and Canada are also busy forging links. Every year, almost a million Canadian tourists visit Mexico and over 180,000 Mexicans travel to Canada for business, pleasure or study.

Canadian educational institutions host more than 10,000 Mexican students. There are over 400 university-to-university cooperation agreements, including 30 with your university alone. We support 10 Canadian Studies programmes in Mexican universities, including the recently established Margaret Atwood/Gabrielle Roy Chair of Canadian Studies and Culture at UNAM. UNAM also has an active programme in the city of Gatineau, in my home province of Quebec.

Canada was honoured to have been chosen as the featured country at last year’s International Cervantino Festival. Over 260 Canadian artists took part – the largest ever Canadian cultural exposé in Mexico.

We will provide a strong contingent again this year, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra. We mount an annual Canadian Film Festival, and we invite you to attend this year’s edition, to be held in June.

Our newest, and most important, bilateral endeavour is governance cooperation. Mexico is undergoing a profound democratic transition.

President Fox and I agree that the quality of governance is crucial to a flourishing democratic political system.

As a result, over the past two years, our officials have pursued opportunities to exchange expertise on the management of government, including: budget planning; access to information; strategic planning; borders and related security issues; e-government; and federalism.

Governance exchanges have resulted in our institutions and peoples understanding each other better than ever before. I see governance cooperation as being at the heart of what the Canada-Mexico dynamic can accomplish not only for our citizens, but, by example, throughout the hemisphere.

Through our bilateral trade and cooperation, we are strengthening the foundation of prosperity, security and peace.

But there is more we must do to extend these benefits throughout our shared hemisphere – the Americas.

Many countries of our region are being put to the test – trying to reverse the equation of poverty, instability, and conflict. Mexico and Canada must be concerned because in the face of these challenges, democracy can become vulnerable.

The state of Venezuela is under severe strain. Violence continues to threaten that country’s democratic institutions.

Recent terrorist attacks in Bogota have presented a new threat to Colombian democracy – that of urban warfare. The situation in Haiti is untenable – such that without further efforts by the Government and opposition parties to implement OAS resolutions, the country will sink further into despair. The recent violence in Bolivia has shaken that country and placed its democratic ways in jeopardy.

Canada encourages all sectors in these countries to live up to the commitments embodied in our common hemispheric instruments and mechanisms.

In this respect, I am most pleased that Mexico will be hosting the Hemispheric Security Conference in May. We see the conference as an unprecedented opportunity to acknowledge the shift in the hemisphere from traditional notions of security to a more encompassing approach.

Mexico’s new foreign policy direction follows a similar path to Canada. You recognize that democracies must be fortified by measures that seek to address poverty, instability and conflict, and specifically the issues of environmental degradation, and human rights.

We must do all we can – and Canadians are determined to do our part – to protect the democracies of the hemisphere and make them stronger. Together we have forged strong tools. We have the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which was conceived at the April 2001 Quebec City Summit of the Americas. We have the Quebec City Summit Declaration and Plan of Action that commits us to reduce poverty and work toward social and democratic development. We have the Inter-American Convention against Corruption to strengthen the development of democratic institutions. We have the Inter-Parliamentary Forum of the Americas to strengthen the role of legislatures. We have the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism – which Canada was the first to ratify – to coordinate our hemisphere’s fight against terrorism.

We also have momentum toward establishing a Free Trade Area of the Americas, to promote trade and economic prosperity that is sustainable and fairly shared.

We have many tools at our disposal, but they are effective only if we use them together, in a coordinated way.

No nation – no matter how strong and powerful – can be effective acting alone. Today’s issues – global terrorism, crime and corruption, and environmental damage require multi-lateral and coordinated solutions.

Canada has developed a strong belief in the value of a multilateral approach to global problems. Multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Organization of American States are essential to managing our evermore integrated world. It is through these organizations that we can work together toward a more secure hemisphere.

We have the means at our disposal to build strong and well-governed institutions, resolve conflicts, fight terrorism, organized crime, and illegal drug trafficking. With perseverance, we can make this hemisphere a place where each individual can live freely and in safety.

World events have shocked us profoundly.

We are faced with the harsh truth that our personal human security is intimately linked to the security of strangers living continents away. We have learned that great powers are not safe from danger. Wealth cannot buy safety. Military might is no guarantee of security.

To protect our own security we must take action to advance human development in places far away from our borders.

By helping people lift themselves out of poverty, we advance our own security, prosperity and well-being. In the long run, the issues of poverty, trade, and development are as important to a secure, stable world as addressing the immediate threats we face from terrorism.

I am proud of Canada’s leadership in promoting human security on the international scene. Working within the United Nations, the G-8, and The Human Security Network, we will take action in favour of governance and accountability, conflict resolution, and peace.

Canada’s engagement has made a difference throughout the world. The Ottawa Convention for the elimination of landmines is one good example. The influence of the Ottawa Convention has gone beyond the borders of signatory states. It has made the use of landmines a much broader, moral issue that has changed the practices of many states – even the practices of states who were not signatories.

Another area where Canada took the lead was in the establishment of the International Criminal Court – another key element in the global human security agenda. With the landmark creation of this body, we strengthened human security around the globe because heinous crimes will no longer go unpunished.

The worst criminals on the world stage – who were so seldom brought to justice before – will feel the full weight of justice. They will be made responsible for their crimes and face the consequences of their actions.

Prosperity, security, and peace. Together, Mexico and Canada have achieved much.

While it is true that the other side of this equation – poverty, instability, and conflict – gets more headlines, we must not get discouraged. As any experienced politician will know – and I think with almost 40 years in politics I can consider myself experienced – good news stories seldom make the headlines.

The quiet efforts to build trade and prosperity, strong democratic institutions, and instruments to avoid conflict, make a lasting difference and form the background of many a success story. And we must agree that the partnership and friendship between Mexico and Canada is a success story.

Our bilateral cooperation has been so mutually beneficial. Now is our opportunity to work together so that these benefits are enjoyed by more people and to help other nations of the hemisphere follow our example. Even in the face of difficult situations, we must not give up our efforts to promote prosperity, security, and peace.

On the contrary, we must work harder to ensure that opportunity and prosperity make their way into more communities and households. We must work on behalf of all citizens of the Americas, indeed of the world, so that more may enjoy the benefits we share.

Prosperity, security and peace are the building blocks of strong democratic nations. Let us use our experience, our commitment, and the tools of multilateralism to continue building them, block by block, together.

Vive le Canada, Vive le Mexique. Thank you very much.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

March 30, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued this statement today on the news that Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, had passed away:

"Today, all Canadians join me in expressing sorrow that a symbol to the world of abiding grace, dignity and personal courage has been taken from us.

The life of the Queen Mother spanned more than a century of breathtaking change and global transformation. Throughout, she was a touchstone of timeless values and continuity. Above all, she will be remembered for her matchless and galvanizing devotion to duty during the darkest hours of World War Two, when Britain, Canada and the Commonwealth stood alone against a seemingly invincible tyranny.

We were blessed by her full life, made richer by her presence and example, and feel a profound sense of loss that her extraordinary spirit is gone.

Aline joins me in extending our deepest sympathies to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to the Royal Family, and to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."

DÉCLARATION DU PREMIER MINISTRE

Le 30 mars 2002
Ottawa (Ontario)

Le Premier ministre Jean Chrétien a émis la déclaration suivante aujourd’hui à la suite de l’annonce du décès de la Reine Elizabeth, la Reine Mère :

« Aujourd’hui, tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes se joignent à moi pour exprimer la tristesse d’avoir perdu un symbole constant de grâce, de dignité et de courage personnel.

La vie de la Reine Mère s’est étendue sur plus d’un siècle pendant lequel le monde a connu des transformations inouïes. Tout au long de sa vie, elle a incarné la continuité et un ensemble de valeurs éternelles. Surtout, elle laissera le souvenir d’un dévouement incomparable et inspirant durant les heures les plus sombres de la Seconde Guerre mondiale, alors que la Grande-Bretagne, le Canada et le Commonwealth résistaient seuls à une tyrannie en apparence invincible.

Sa vie bien remplie a été une bénédiction pour nous. Sa présence et son exemple nous ont enrichis, et la disparition de cette âme extraordinaire laisse un grand vide dans nos coeurs.

Aline se joint à moi pour offrir nos plus profondes condoléances à Sa Majesté la Reine Elizabeth II, à la famille royale et aux peuples du Royaume-Uni et du Commonwealth. »

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Monterrey, México. Marzo 2002.
A Statement by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien to the United Nations International Conference on Financing for Development

On behalf of Canada I would like to voice strong support for the Monterrey Consensus. A consensus that is unprecedented in scope and participation. That seeks to take an indispensable step forward together in securing a fundamental common cause of the United Nations. As expressed in the Millennium Declaration.

That of creating a true international partnership or compact for development. Whose ultimate goal is nothing less than ensuring that the benefits of globalization are truly global.

Canada is especially pleased that the Consensus acknowledges the complexity of the issue at hand. It resists the temptation to resort to attractive but simplistic solutions.

The Consensus recognizes the importance of development assistance. Something that Canada has acknowledged with increases in recent years to our development assistance budget. But the Consensus also recognizes the fact that development assistance will never by itself create the sustained economic growth that is integral to achieving meaningful development and a better quality of life.

That is why meeting the challenge of forging a real partnership is essential.

Leaders of developing nations need to follow policies that create a framework for sustainable economic growth and productive private sector investment. Including a commitment to good governance and the rule of law. Sound fiscal and monetary policies. And improved transparency.

The challenge for leaders of developed countries is to reward these efforts with effective assistance. The Monterrey Consensus is a blue print for how we can work together to meet this sweeping challenge.

Beyond aid it recognizes that we must deal with choking debt loads. This will continue to be a Canadian priority. It also recognizes that there will be little prospect of investment and trade if developing nations are denied access to world markets. This is a message I have heard loud and clear in my own recent discussions with African leaders. Particularly in respect of agriculture.

As the Chair of the G8 Canada has made building a development partnership with Africa a priority. With an approach that reflects and seeks to advance the Monterrey Consensus.

Our goal is to endorse a concrete Africa Action Plan. Based on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development . This Partnership is an historic point of departure from the past in that it is Africa-driven It has been conceived by progressive African leaders on their own initiative. Not at the behest of donor agencies.

It is based on the principle that the key to progress in Africa lies first and foremost with Africans.

It entails strong commitments by African governments to good governance and sound policy. And seeks an international partnership in dealing with debt and trade issues. As well as on untying aid and knowledge sharing. To implement the objectives of the G8 Action Plan we have set aside an additional $500 million.

Discussions with G8 leaders are going well. And I look forward to reporting our results.

Above all we must recognize that the global dialogue on development must continue. A dialogue in which the Monterrey Consensus and the G8 Africa Action Plan are not the end of the road. But in many ways just the beginning of our journey. Toward a more just more prosperous and more secure world.

Rt. Hon. Jean Crétien, Primer Ministro de Canadá

"An amazing thing came up the other day.  Somebody said to me, well, you know, in your speech to Congress, there were some that took affront in Canada because I didn't mention the name.  I didn't necessarily think it was important to praise a brother; after all, we're talking about family.
There should be no doubt in anybody's mind about how honored we are to have the support of the Canadians, and how strong the Canadian Prime Minister has been.  And not only his condolences, but his offer of support for the American people.  I guess there's -- somebody is playing politics with you, Mr. Prime Minister."

George W. Bush, President of the United States of America. 24 september 2001

"This problem of terrorism is a problem that concerns all the nations of the world.  And we're working together to build a coalition that will defeat that, because it will disrupt the societies around the world.  And I think that you know you have the support of Canadians.  When you will need us, we will be there."

Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chrétien. 24 september 2001.

"There can be no cause or grievance that could ever justify such unspeakable violence. Indeed, such an attack is an assault not only on the targets but an offense against the freedom and rights of all civilized nations.

All Canadians are praying ... We stand ready to provide any assistance that our American friends may need at this very, very difficult hour and in the subsequent investigation.

Aline joins me in offering, on behalf of all Canadians, our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the American people."

Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien, Primer Ministro de Canadá. 11 september 2001

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
The Great Martin Luther King, in describing times of trial and tribulation, once said that: "In the end, it is not the words of your enemies that you remember, it is the silence of your friends."

Mr. Ambassador (Paul Celluci), as your fellow Americans grieve and rebuild, there will be no silence from Canada. Our friendship has no limit. Generation after generaltion, we have travelled many difficult miles together. Side by side, we have lived through many dark times, always firm in our shared resolve to vanquish any threat to freedom and justice. And together, with our allies, we will defy and defeat the threat that terrorism poses to all civilized nations. Mr. Ambassador, we will be with the United States every step of the way. As friends. As neighbours. As family.

Rt. Hon. Jean Chrétien. Parliament Hill. 14 september 2001. National Day of Mourning.

Allocution du Premier ministre Jean Chrétien à
l’occasion de l’annonce d’une Journée de deuil
national à la mémoire des victimes des
attentats terroristes aux États-Unis

Le 13 septembre 2001
Ottawa (Ontario)

J’invite tous les Canadiens à prendre part à une journée de deuil national pour les victimes des attentats terroristes perpétrés plus tôt cette semaine aux États-Unis.

Par ce geste nous voulons témoigner notre solidarité à nos amis américains et aux familles des victimes canadiennes.

Nous avons invité l’ambassadeur des États-Unis, Monsieur Paul Celluci, à titre de représentant du peuple américain.

À l’occasion d’une cérémonie qui se déroulera à demain à midi, sur la colline parlementaire.

Nous souhaitons affermir leur courage face à cette situation terrible.

Nous nous joignons à tous les peuples civilisés et nous engageons à leur assurer un soutien sans réserve dans les jours à venir.

Ainsi que notre pleine collaboration pour traduire en justice les responsables de ce crime épouvantable.

J’aimerais, une fois encore, remercier tous les Canadiens pour la grande compassion et la générosité dont ils font preuve à l’endroit de nos voisins américains en ces jours où ils en ont tant besoin.

Je désire aussi insister sur le fait que nous luttons contre le terrorisme.

Et non contre une communauté ou une croyance en particulier.

Statement by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announcing
a National Day of Mourning in Canada on
September 14, 2001 in memory of the
victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States

September 13, 2001
Ottawa, Ontario

I am asking all Canadians to join tomorrow in a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the terrorist attacks that took place in the United States earlier this week.

This will show the solidarity that we feel towards our American friends and the families of the Canadian victims.

We have invited Ambassador Paul Celluci of the United States to represent his people.

For a ceremony that will take place at noon tomorrow on Parliament Hill.

We want to fortify their courage in the face of this terrible situation.

We join all civilized nations in pledging our complete support in the days to come.

And our full cooperation in bringing those who have committed this awful crime to justice.

I also once again wish to thank all Canadians for the tremendous concern and generosity they have shown for our American neighbours in their time of need.

I also want to emphasize that we are in a struggle against terrorism.

Not against any one community or faith.

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER

September 12, 2001

Ottawa, Ontario

At the request of President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement to the Canadian people:

"I spoke early this morning with President Bush. I reiterated directly to him the sincerest condolences of the Canadian people for the horrific attacks yesterday on innocent Americans and our offer of any security or humanitarian assistance that the United States may need. I also told him that, as our closest friend and partner, America could count on our complete support and solidarity in the days to come.

He asked that I let the Canadian people know how grateful he and the American people are for the assistance that Canada has provided at this terrible time; particularly for the safe haven and warm hospitality we have given to diverted American air travellers. He said that at many points yesterday, during a very, very trying day, he was told of the extraordinary effort that Canadians have made.

I told him that the Government of Canada - on behalf of the Canadian people - would continue to coordinate its activities to deliver the most timely and effective assistance that we can."

DÉCLARATION DU PREMIER MINISTRE

Le 12 septembre 2001

Ottawa (Ontario)

À la demande du Président George W. Bush, le Premier ministre Jean Chrétien a émis la déclaration suivante aujourd’hui à l’intention du peuple canadien :

« J’ai parlé au Président Bush tôt ce matin. Je lui ai réitéré de vive voix les condoléances du peuple canadien à la suite des attentats horribles commis hier à l’endroit d’innocents Américains. Je l’ai aussi assuré que le Canada était prêt à fournir toute l’assistance dont les États-Unis pourraient avoir besoin sur les plans des secours ou de la sécurité. J’ai ajouté que son pays étant notre plus proche ami et allié, il pouvait compter sur tout notre appui et notre entière solidarité dans les jours à venir.

Il m’a demandé de transmettre au peuple canadien toute sa gratitude, et celle du peuple américain, pour l’aide que le Canada a fournie durant ces terribles événements, et particulièrement pour le havre et la chaleureuse hospitalité que nous avons offerts aux voyageurs américains dont l’avion a été dérouté. Il m’a affirmé avoir été informé des efforts extraordinaires des Canadiens et des Canadiennes à plusieurs reprises durant la journée très éprouvante d’hier.

J’ai dit au Président que le gouvernement du Canada continuerait, au nom du peuple canadien, à coordonner ses activités de manière à offrir le plus rapidement et efficacement possible toute l’aide que nous puissions leur apporter. »

September 11, 2001

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed his horror at the news that the United States has been the victim of multiple terrorist attacks :

"I was stricken by news and television pictures coming from the United States this morning. It is impossible to fully comprehend the evil that would have conjured up such a cowardly and depraved assault upon thousands of innocent people. There can be no cause or grievance that could ever justify such unspeakable violence. Indeed, such an attack is an assault not only on the targets but an offense against the freedom and rights of all civilized nations.

All Canadians are praying that the brave firefighters and rescue crews who currently on the scene will be successful in limiting the casualties. We stand ready to provide any assistance that our American friends may need at this very, very difficult hour and in the subsequent investigation.

Aline joins me in offering, on behalf of all Canadians, our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and to the American people.

De la Oficina del Primer Ministro

The 2000 United Nations Human Development Index (UNHDI)

The 2000 United Nations Human Development Index (UNHDI )

June 29, 2000

For the seventh year in a row, Canada has been ranked by the United Nations as the country with the best quality of life in the world- news to savour as we prepare to celebrate the first Canada Day of the 21st century.

This news tells us what we Canadians all know in our hearts - that we live in the best country in the world.

Canada has ranked number one on the Human Development Index eight times since it was first released in 1990 (1992 and 1994 through 2000) -- a record that is unsurpassed.

It is especially good news that this year’s UNHDI shows that our ranking in terms of life expectancy at birth and school enrolment have gone up in the last year, while the long-term unemployment rate and percentage of Canadians living below the poverty line have gone down.

While the UNHDI did show that Canada dropped from 4th to 8th place on the Gender Empowerment Index - which measures opportunities for women.

But its also showed that, for the fourth year in a row, Canada ranked first on the Gender Development Index - which measures women's progress in achieving the same levels of literacy, education, life expectancy at birth and income as men.

The percentage of Canadian women who are professional and technical workers increased from 51.1% to 52.2%.

The UNHDI also showed that Canada’s ranking on the Human Poverty Index dropped from 9th to 11th place out of 17 industrial countries - a fact which only reaffirms our own belief that we must we must do more as a nation to address poverty.

And our government has no higher priority than taking the action necessary - in partnership with all levels of government, communities and the voluntary sector – to ensure that every Canadian has a fair shot at being part of our great national success story.

Taking Action to Reduce Poverty

Our government has taken concrete action to reduce poverty - with a special focus on combatting child poverty.

Our Jobs and Growth strategy has revitalized the Canadian economy: Over 2 million new jobs have been created since we first took off in 1993; The unemployment rate has fallen to 6.6% - its lowest level in almost 25 years; and, The economy has grown for the last 18 straight quarters - the longest streak ever recorded.

In 2000-01 the total value of the Canadian Health and Social Transfer (CHST) - cash and tax points - will reach an all-time high of $31 billion. The CHST assists the provinces and territories to fund health care, post-secondary education and social assistance.

In 2000-01 the Equalization program will provide the less prosperous provinces with $ 9.5 billion to help them fund essential public services.

We announced a federal investment of $753 million over the next three years in a national strategy to help alleviate and prevent homelessness in Canada.

In 1997 - working with our provincial and territorial partners - we created the most innovative new social program in a generation - the National Child Benefit (NCB). Through the NCB, an additional $1.7 billion annually is going specifically to low-income families with children.

We have announced that by 2004, the Canada Child Tax Benefit will be enriched by $2.5 billion - to more than $9 billion annually.

Under the Five-Year Tax Reduction Plan laid out in Budget 2000 families with children will enjoy an average reduction in their net personal income tax of at least 21% annually by 2004.

And we are also doubling EI maternity and parental leave to allow a parent to have 12 months of leave to be at home with their new child.

It is also clear that income support alone will not reduce child poverty. Families - particularly single-parent families - need high quality, community services and supports to ensure that their children get the good start they need in life.

That is why, in the 1999 Throne Speech, we called on our provincial and territorial partners to work with us - in the context of the National Children’s Agenda - toward an agreement on ways to further support parents and families.

Statement by the Prime Minister

May 27, 2000

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today expressed his deep sadness at the news that Maurice "The Rocket" Richard had died:

"Maurice Richard both defined and transcended the game of hockey. He set standards for scoring which, to this day, are the benchmarks for excellence and stardom in the NHL. But what truly set him apart - what made him a special hero to the fans - was his extraordinary intensity. He played with great emotion and flair and possessed an unmatched will to win. His dazzling combination of skill and drive not only made him one of the greatest hockey players ever, it also made him a symbol to all of what it takes to be a true champion.

‘The Rocket’ enriched the lives of everyone who had the privilege and pleasure of watching him in action and who, today, are flooded with memories of his incredible exploits.

Aline joins me in wishing a heartfelt farewell to Maurice Richard. And we offer our sincerest condolences to his family and many, many friends."

01.01.00

Mensaje de Año Nuevo del Honorable Jean Chrétien, Primer Ministro de Canadá, a la Nación

New Year's Address to the Nation

Ottawa, Ontario

Fellow Canadians.

The clock has just struck midnight in historic St. John's. The Year 2000 has begun for Canada.

The people of Newfoundland and Labrador made our Canadian family complete in the 20th century. And tonight they are showing us the way into the 21st century.

And Canada is very well prepared for success in this new century.

Canada is a great success story. Our writers. Our poets. Our artists. Our athletes. Our scientists. Our teachers. Our peacekeepers. The talents of Canadians and the values of Canadians are renowned the world over.

Canada is a prosperous, modern country. A nation of freedom and social justice. A country of two official languages. Of immigrants from around the globe. Of First Nations. Of strong provinces. But, above all, of proud Canadians. A country whose spirit of solidarity has its roots in the shared hardships of its early years.

We are a Northern country. Where winter and cold have helped shape the sense of community that defines us as a people. A diverse people, made up of almost every culture on earth. A great democracy that places respect for differences and the search for compromise at the very heart of its national life.

But we must never forget that we owe our nation to the determination and patience of everyone who has built it. One day at a time. One year at a time. It is thanks to each past generation of Canadians that we can look to our future with such optimism and enthusiasm.

They have handed down to us an inspiring dream and an awesome responsibility. That of living up to their tireless effort, and being worthy, in our time, of this extraordinarily successful nation. A nation that millions of people from around the world would give up everything they have to come and share with us.

We Canadians are one of the most privileged people in the world. And we start off the year 2000 with the means at our disposal to build an even brighter future. There is boundless opportunity in Canada. For ourselves and for generations to come.

So, let's welcome the year 2000 and a future where anything is possible. On behalf of my wife, Aline, and my whole family, I wish everyone a happy year 2000.

Merci beaucoup. Vive le Canada!!

Cybernautas residentes en Canadá o Estados Unidos. Si desean hacer donativos para los damnificados de las inundaciones en Venezuela, les proporcionamos las siguientes direcciones:

Unicef Canada Emergency Appeal al teléfono 1-877-268-1650 o por correo a Unicef, 443 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, Ont., M4S 2L8, o en oficinas locales de Unicef
World Vision. 6630 Turner Valley Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 2S4 www.worldvision.ca 1-800-268-1650
Canadian Jewish Congress - Donativos a Venezuelan Relief Fund. Cheques a "CJC Charitees Committee," 1590 Docteur Penfield Ave., Montreal, Que. H3G 1C5
Consulado de Venezuela al teléfono (514) 842-3417
La Iglesia Anglicana de Canadá - Donativos pueden ser enviados con cheques a nombre de "Venezuela Floods," 600 Jarvis St., Toronto, Ont., M4Y 2J6. Con tarjeta de crédito, por teléfono al (416) 924-9199 ext. 320

22 de diciembre de 1999 - Mensaje a Venezuela

De la Oficina del Primer Ministro de Canadá, el Honorable Jean Chrétien

Statement by the Prime Minister

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued this statement in light of the mounting death toll following devastating floods in Venezuela:

"I have written to President Chavez to express the deepest sympathy of Canadians as they continue to learn of the increasing devastation and loss of life caused by massive flooding and mudslides in Venezuela in recent days. It is especially saddening that such a calamity should occur at a time of year normally associated with celebration.

I know all Canadians join with Aline and me in offering our sincere condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela in these difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with the many citizens who have lost their loved ones, homes and businesses in this terrible tragedy."

1 de octubre de 1999 - de la Oficina del Primer Ministro

Statement by the Prime Minister

Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today expressed his sadness on the news of the earthquake that struck Mexico:

"Few things on earth can compare with the anxiety and fear that accompany an earthquake. So the thoughts of all Canadians are with the people of Mexico as they attempt to assess the extent of the disaster and restore order to their lives.

Of course, no words can ever capture the grief of those who are dealing with the of death of family and loved ones, with the sudden shattering of their lives. But we hope that they can take some small comfort in the knowledge that we are saying special prayers of strength and peace for them."

1 de julio de 1999

"Today, we celebrate the last Canada Day of the 20th century -- and the millennium. As we gather with family and friends, we can reflect with justifiable pride on 100 incredible years.

We have built a nation that is among the most prosperous and diverse in the world. The founding partnership of the French and English cultures, along with our proud Aboriginal heritage, have been steadily enriched by the contributions of people who have come here from the world over.

As a people, we have come to understand that our country is made up of different communities. Each with a unique identity and unique values that enrich and strengthen us, and which we have fostered through our genius for accommodation and flexibility.

The vibrance of this conviction has been demonstrated by our selection of 1999 as the Year of La Francophonie in Canada, by the recent creation of our newest territory, Nunavut and our joyous celebration of 50 years of the membership of Newfoundland and Labrador in the Canadian family.

We have built a nation where creating opportunity and prosperity have never - in themselves - been enough. Where we have understood that they must be shared, that none of us can move ahead unless we all move ahead together.

On the world stage, Canada has been an abiding force for freedom, justice and peace; in two terrible World Wars, in Korea and in countless troubled spots around the world.

In recent months, Canadians have felt special pride at the bravery which the Canadian Forces have shown in the fight for a just peace settlement in Kosovo, and the generosity and openness we have shown to refugees from that terrible struggle.

Sir Wilfrid Laurier predicted that the 20th century would belong to Canada. His bold dream is the Canadian dream. It is our dream. And it has come true in ways that even he could never have imagined.

Our common obligation, as we look to the new century, is to keep faith with the Canadian dream. A dream this a guiding inspiration not only for us but for people around the world who look upon Canada's success as a beacon of hope.

Aline joins me in wishing all Canadians the best Canada Day ever!

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien