The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced new sanctions against 17 individuals and 5 entities under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights occurring in Belarus. These measures are being taken in coordination with the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Effective immediately, Canada is imposing sanctions against Belarusian officials and entities in response to gross and systematic human rights violations that have been committed in Belarus.

We are united in our deep concern regarding the Lukashenko regime’s continuing attacks on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and international law.

Today, the Government of Canada is announcing the details of the first phase of its approach to easing border measures for travellers entering Canada. These cautious adjustments are now possible because of the successes of the vaccine roll out in Canada and Canadians following public health measures.

The first phase of Canada’s approach to easing border measures will begin on July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, for fully vaccinated travellers who are eligible to enter Canada under the current travel restrictions. This phase will continue to restrict entry to Canada of foreign nationals, unless they already meet an exemption set out in the border restrictions, maintains pre- and on arrival testing for all travellers, and monitors for variants of concern.

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced the launch of Shop Local, a Canada-wide investment of $33 million to encourage Canadians to shop locally. Making the announcement from Butter Baker, a bakery in Markham, Minister Ng also stated that nearly $9 million of that total will be invested in Ontario, through the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, to support businesses in reopening and staying open so they can thrive as the economy recovers.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for Northern and remote communities that depend on supply chains remaining intact for the delivery of essential goods and services, medical care and transportation needs in their communities.

Media are invited to attend an event with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Minister Champagne will announce a significant milestone in the construction of the new Biologics Manufacturing Centre at the National Research Council of Canada’s (NRC) Royalmount location in Montréal.

The manufacturing industry contributes to a strong Atlantic Canadian economy and is creating good jobs in local communities. That is why the Government of Canada is helping Bursey Manufacturing Inc. in Conception Bay South, NL improve productivity to meet growing demand for its industrial tanks.

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, and Muhammad Lutfi, Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, announced that Canada and Indonesia will begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Individuals approved for permanent residence may travel to Canada as of June 21

On June 21, 2021, the Government of Canada will announce updates to the border measures implemented to protect the health of Canadians due COVID-19 (June 21, 2021)

On June 20, 2021, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement on COVID-19.

The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, today issued the following statement: “It is tragic that the number of our fellow human beings forcibly displaced from their homes continues to rise year after year. By the end of 2019, over 26 million adults and children had been forced to flee persecution and violence and rely on the generosity of host countries and local communities."

The Honourable Marco E.L. Mendicino, M.P., P.C., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today issued the following statement.

Canada should do more to retain lower-skilled temporary residents in Canada, according to a Ryerson University policy brief. The brief was published by the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Migration and Integration. The CERC is a program that supports Canadian universities by awarding world-renowned researchers up to $10 million to establish research projects. The CERC in Migration […]

The post More low-skilled workers should become permanent residents, study says first appeared on CIC News.

On June 19, 2021, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, issued the following statement on COVID-19.

The Government of Prince Edward Island has released its June 17 PNP draw results. The province invited a total of 113 immigration candidates through its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Most of the invitations, 101, were issued to Express Entry and Labour Impact candidates. The remaining 12 invitations went to Business Impact candidates who had a minimum point […]

The post PEI PNP Draw: 113 immigration candidates invited first appeared on CIC News.

A total of 141 Manitoba immigration candidates were invited to apply for a provincial nomination on June 17. If they successfully receive the nomination from the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), it will support their final application for Canadian permanent residence. Skilled worker candidates needed to have profiles in Manitoba’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system in order […]

The post New Manitoba draw invites 141 PNP candidates first appeared on CIC News.

Treaty One Nation, Treaty Relations Commission, and Parks Canada begin virtual campaign leading up to August 3rd Commemoration.

Today, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Natural Resources, announced that the Government of Canada has approved the NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) Edson Mainline Expansion Project with 25 conditions. This decision was based on facts, science, Indigenous knowledge, the public interest and careful consideration of the concerns of potentially impacted Indigenous communities.

Remarks from the Chief Public Health Officer on COVID-19, June 18, 2021

On April 28, 2021, at about 1:00 p.m., as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband and unauthorized items was seized on institutional grounds at the medium-security unit of Dorchester Penitentiary.

Members of the media are invited to attend an important announcement regarding community, cultural and recreational infrastructure with Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings—Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, the Honourable Iain Rankin, Premier of Nova Scotia, and Jeff Kelly, Executive Director of The Flower Cart Group.

Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and the resulting humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen.