Trudeau Completes Successful G20 Summit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has concluded a successful G20 Leaders’ Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

During the Summit, Trudeau promoted open, progressive trade that benefits the middle class and those working hard to join it. He also emphasized the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment, and the need to take action now to address climate change and build clean growth economies that work for everyone.

G20 leaders discussed countering terrorism and issued a joint statement focused on enhancing cooperation, cutting off funding that supports terrorism and preventing the use of the internet for terrorist purposes. Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to work with partners at home and abroad to develop a coordinated global response to counter radicalization that strengthens security and safeguards human rights. “People have asked us to work together to make our societies fairer and more secure.  We have renewed our commitment to do so during this G20 Summit.”

Leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the sustainable development goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In support of these goals, Prime Minister Trudeau highlighted Canada’s recently launched Feminist International Assistance Policy, which focuses assistance on the poorest and most vulnerable. This policy recognizes that gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls are the best ways to build a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous world.

Trudeau comments on Khadr Settlement

At a closing news conference Trudeau offered a comment on Omar Khadr’s settlement with his government tying it to the Charter of Rights.  “The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects all Canadians, every one of us, even when it is uncomfortable,” he said according to the CBC.

Khadr was 15 years old when he was involved in a firefight on a battlefield in Afghanistan in 2002.  It’s alleged he threw a grenade that killed U.S. Sgt Christopher Speer.  He was imprisoned in Guantanamo Bay for 10 years, and then returned to Canada in 2010 after pleading guilty to murder charges.

He was released in May 2015 pending appeal of the guilty plea.  Khadr alleges the plea was made under duress.  Earlier this week word leaked out of an official apology, and a settlement suspected to be $10.5 million.  Khadr is now 30 years old, and is said to be studying nursing in Alberta.