Thank you. Hello, everyone. Thank you, Nikol, for your warm, friendly words. Thank you for
being here today. To begin, I would like to… first of all, thank the Armenian people and
Prime Minister Pashinyan for the extraordinary welcome here in Armenia. It was wonderful
to see you at the NATO summit in July, and at the United Nations General Assembly in
September, where we sat near each other, and … had a chance to really grow our friendship.
This week was a great honour for me. It’s something that I greatly appreciate, Nikol.
Perhaps you know that since… in the 1980s, I visited Armenia with my father and brothers.
It was incredible now to see how these ties between our two countries have continued to
grow over the last 30 years. This week, I participated in the Francophonie Summit here
in Yerevan, and I congratulate the Prime Minister and his entire team for such a successful event.
Earlier this year, Canada hosted the G7 Summit, so I understand all the work that
goes into it. Forums like La Francophonie are an opportunity
for us to discuss common challenges and to work together to reach mutual goals. During
the meeting, I was pleased to announce two new Canadian initiatives on the African continent.
We committed to investing $6.5 million to support the empowerment of Senegalese women,
and $18 million to fight gender based violence in the Congo. I am certain that, together,
the countries of La Francophonie can create a more prosperous future for everyone, and
this week we took a big step in the right direction.
Here in Yerevan, I also had an opportunity to visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial. It’s
a moving reminder of the tragedy that struck that community. The world has a duty to remember.
We said never again, and it’s now time for us to keep that promise. Today, the Prime
Minister and I continued the discussion that we began earlier this week. That meeting was
a chance for us to discuss our shared values, such as democracy, and strengthen the already
strong ties between Canadians and Armenians with respect and friendship. At home, people
in Montréal have often talked to me about Armenia. So I am aware of the importance of
today’s meeting for the Armenian community in Canada.
Indeed, people are at the heart of the special relationship between our two countries. In Canada,
our 60,000 Armenian-Canadian community adds richness to our national tapestry in
cities and neighbourhoods right across our country. As Sarkis Assadourian, the first
Armenian-Canadian Member of Parliament, said, Canadians of Armenian descent continue to
use their talents to build a better Canada. Almost 20 years later, that’s as true as
it ever was. This community is a testament to the fact that diversity truly is one of
Canada’s great strengths. Just like Armenians here in Yerevan welcomed
Syrian refugees, Armenian Canadians opened their arms and hearts to Syrian families who
came to Canada fleeing conflict. When we support newcomers, they build success and then give
back to their community in turn, helping other new families thrive.
While the ties between the citizens of our two countries are rooted in our shared history,
they also represent the foundation of our relationship for years to come. During our
meeting, Nikol and I talked about our common future. A future where Armenia and Canada
continue to strengthen our relationship. For example, we agreed on the need to make it
easier for people to travel between our two countries. Today, the trip between Ottawa
and Yerevan takes at least 21 hours and involves at least two layovers and two different airlines.
Today, Prime Minister Pashinyan and I considered the possibility of starting discussions on
a bilateral air transport agreement. I look forward to working with the Prime Minister
to facilitate travel – whether for those visiting their family, for tourists or for
businesspeople. Just as our two countries are tied together
by people, we are also united by shared values like democracy. In our meetings, Nikol and
I talked about what we can do to support our common commitment to strengthening democratic
institutions, the institutions that build a bright future for all our citizens.
That’s why Canada is launching the Arnold Chan Initiative for Democracy. With targeted
investments, together we can create a better future where everyone can succeed. This initiative
will help Armenian organizations promote the political participation of women and young
people and create sustainable communities by educating citizens about environmental
challenges. My friend and colleague, the late Arnold Chan
was an outstanding parliamentarian, and it was because he fundamentally believed in people
and in serving his community and people. So I can’t think of a better way to honour
his memory than within an initiative that embodies his lifelong commitment to ensuring
that everyone has a chance to be heard and to succeed. As the chair of the Canada-Armenia
Parliamentary Friendship Group, his work helped lay the foundation for this new investment,
so I want to take a moment to recognize Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Agincourt,
and his wife, for our late friend. (Applause)
Thank you, Jean, for being with us today and making the trip here.
It was so important to Arnold to engage with people from the Armenian-Canadian community,
whether it was at local events or at the Armenian Community Centre of Toronto, I know that’s
something you are continuing for him. Our announcement today carries Arnold’s
legacy forward, strengthening the flourishing relationship between Canada and Armenia.
This meeting is just the beginning of our cooperation. Canada recently created an independent
Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, the first of its kind in the world, and we
would like to work together on this issue with Armenia. Together, we can strengthen
the ties between our countries and promote our shared values and priorities. Once again,
I have to thank Nikol for welcoming me here in Armenia.
The friendship of which he speaks is one that is shared. The two of us have shared many
great conversations on our hopes and dreams, not just for the people we serve but for the
world that we are part of, the values upon which we connect, the visions for stronger,
deeper democracies anchored on the empowerment of all citizens, and the ability to move forward
in creating truly fair, just societies with opportunities for all is something that binds
us very closely, and that I know we will continue to have many great conversations on
in the months and years to come. Thank you for being here.
Thank you very much my friend. (Applause)