Prime Minister
Mother's Day

May 12, 2013  -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of Mother’s Day:

“On this special day, let us recognize the enormous impact that mothers have had on our lives, and also on their respective communities, workplaces and families.

“Their support and guidance helped shape us, and will continue to shape our youth for generations to come. Without their sound advice, kindness and direction, many of us would struggle to find our way.

“Canada is committed to supporting and helping mothers within our country, and internationally. Last October, we announced support for six initiatives in Tanzania, two of which focus on improving the health of mothers, newborns and children. We have also committed funding to help reduce preventable maternal and early childhood deaths in developing countries.

“Domestically, our Government is helping to lighten the burden on Canadian families through various tax-saving initiatives such as the Universal Child Care Benefit, the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and the new Family Caregiver Tax Credit, all of which help Canadian parents with the costs of raising children.

“Laureen and I would like to wish all mothers, grandmothers and families across the nation a most wonderful Mother’s Day, while remembering those mothers who are no longer with us but remain in our hearts.”

 
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week

April 21, 2013  -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement marking National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, taking place from April 21 to 27, 2013:

“Our Government fully recognizes the devastating impact that violent crime has on victims and their families, both in the immediate and long term: the physical and psychological damage, the economic challenges posed by not being able to go to work, as well as the health costs.

“I hope that this week, Canadians are reminded of the multiple hardships that victims face and I encourage them to learn more about what they can do to support victims of crime and their families. This year’s theme – We All Have a Role – shines a light on the tremendous work being done by a wide range of dedicated professionals and volunteers to help alleviate the suffering of victims of crime.

“Victims and their families have repeatedly told us that they need stronger and more coordinated support from the justice, corrections, labour and health systems to facilitate their recovery. In response, we have taken important steps to help them get back on their feet and give them a more significant role in the justice and correctional systems, giving their voice the respect it deserves.

“Government of Canada initiatives have helped fund projects and services across the country that benefit victims of crime, minimize the economic burdens of parents of murdered or missing children, increase the efficiency of the justice system, strengthen laws against perpetrators, and, ensure child and youth victims and non-offending family members have access to child advocacy centers that they can turn to for help.

“In the years to come, we will continue to fight for victims’ rights by  working to create a Victims Bill of Rights and make meaningful changes so that every victim knows that their concerns are felt, heard and acted upon.”

For more information about the government’s accomplishments in fighting crime and supporting victims, please visit: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=5279 

 
National Volunteer Week

April 21, 2013  -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark National Volunteer Week, taking place from April 21 to 27, 2013.

“Each year, over 13 million Canadians volunteer their time to better our communities, our country and our world.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the devotion, kindness and commitment of these great individuals and their hard work in various areas of endeavour, including caring for the elderly, shaping our youth and risking their lives to help others. Volunteers are the life blood of many organizations in communities across the country, which could not function without them.

“Our Government recently created the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards to celebrate outstanding Canadians who make a difference in their communities. These individuals greatly strengthen our country by improving the quality of life of countless citizens, and I look forward to recognizing this year’s recipients at the awards ceremony later this year.

“Once again, I extend my appreciation to our volunteers for their tremendous contributions, and I encourage all Canadians to do the same.”

 
Boston Marathon

April 15, 2013  -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the explosions at the Boston Marathon:

“I was shocked to learn of the explosions that occurred today during the running of the Boston Marathon. It is truly a sad day when an event as inspiring as the Boston Marathon is clouded by such senseless violence.   

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured or affected by this horrible incident.  We stand with our American neighbours in this difficult time.”

Canadians in Boston requiring emergency assistance should contact the Consulate General at (617) 247-5100. Friends and relatives seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the area should contact 1-800-387-3124 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .”

 
Israel's Independence

April 15, 2013  -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day:

“I would like to extend my warmest greetings to everyone celebrating the 65th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel.

“Israel, like Canada, is a great nation, and like Canada, Israel serves as a beacon of hope in an uncertain world. That is because it has as its foundation the universal values that our two countries share; freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

“However, unlike Canada, Israel remains threatened by groups and regimes that deny its very right to exist. And yet, through centuries of struggle, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have endured. And endure they must, for the consequences of failure are great and far reaching. If one free and democratic society is threatened, all are at risk.

“As you celebrate the first 65 years of the State of Israel, know this: Canada is your partner, Canada is your friend, and Canada stands with you.

“Happy 65th anniversary!

“Shalom!”

 
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