PAR - Michelle Manook and Hugh Mark Addresses to the National Press Club of Australia Kelly - Dj Rea Reaburn

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The world is changing rapidly. The United States, the world’s largest economy, is fundamentally reshaping all its trade relationships, causing major disruption and upheaval for Canadians. It is time to transform our economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger, more independent, and resilient to global shocks. To these ends, Canada and Alberta share the same ambitions: diversify our export markets, make Canada an energy superpower, and build a stronger, more sustainable, more competitive economy.  Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to drive their shared missions. This framework for an agreement will strengthen federal-provincial collaboration in the energy sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, unlock the full potential of Alberta’s energy resources, and create hundreds of thousands of new high-paying careers for Canadians. The MOU is built on practical solutions: stronger, more effective industrial carbon pricing, major private sector investments in clean technologies, and expanded, responsible energy development for the workers and communities who rely on it.  Under this partnership, Canada and Alberta will collaborate on multiple projects to build Canada’s economy and meet growing consumer and industrial energy demands. It will advance the construction of Pathways Plus – the world’s largest carbon capture, utilisation, and storage project. The project will strengthen Canada’s energy sector, reduce emissions, and deliver substantial economic benefits, including more than $16 billion in GDP and more than 40,000 jobs annually.  Upon receipt of a proposal from the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada will provide a clear and efficient approval process under the Building Canada Act for the construction of a new pipeline – to be financed and constructed by the private sector, with Indigenous Peoples’ ownership and benefits. It would transport at least one million low-emissions barrels per day to Asian markets as a priority. As a prerequisite to this project, Pathways Plus means Alberta would export some of the lowest carbon-intensity oil produced in the world. The MOU also advances multiple ambitious clean energy projects and measures that will improve affordability, attract foreign and private investment, and build a more sustainable economy. This includes a strong industrial carbon pricing agreement for the province and an agreement to lower methane emissions by 75% over the next decade. It will also drive initiatives that will enable Alberta to build and operate competitive nuclear power generation, reinforce Alberta’s electricity grid to power sovereign AI data centres, and build large transmission interties with British Columbia and Saskatchewan to better supply low-carbon, low-cost power across the three provinces. This MOU outlines what Canada and Alberta can build – and how they can build. These projects will only be built in consultation and partnership with Indigenous rights-holders and British Columbia. They will create unprecedented opportunities for Indigenous co-ownership, partnership, and economic benefits.  Facing profound global uncertainty, Canada and Alberta are focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more sustainable, more competitive economy together. Through this MOU, the partners will work within their respective jurisdictions to reach carbon neutrality, unlock the full potential of Western Canada’s resources, and position Canada as a superpower in both clean and conventional energy.  Quotes “In the face of global trade shifts and profound uncertainty, Canada and Alberta are striking a new partnership to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more independent Albertan and Canadian economy. We will make Canada an energy superpower, drive down our emissions and diversify our export markets. We want to build big things, and we’re building bigger and faster together.” The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada “Canada is acting decisively to establish ourselves as a global energy superpower in the face of a changing world. Together, Canada and Alberta will not only export critical energy to our customers, we will also support our allies, create hundreds of thousands of jobs here at home, and show that our energy sector can lead on a global stage.”  The Hon. Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

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Canada's prosperity depends on infrastructure that moves people and goods efficiently, reliably and securely. That's why the Government of Canada is investing in trade and transportation that unlock new export opportunities and build a more resilient, diversified economy for all Canadians. Today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, on behalf of Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced the $1 billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund to support dual-use—civilian/community and defence—transportation projects that reinforce Canada's sovereignty, enable regional economic development, and connect Northern and Indigenous communities. This fund is part of $6 billion being invested over seven years through Budget 2025 to build the dual-use infrastructure Canada needs to unlock access to new global markets and double non-U.S. exports over a decade, generating $300 billion more in trade. These funds will be delivered by Transport Canada in partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and National Defence.  Investments made through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund will create skilled, well-paid jobs, grow regional economies, and help businesses reach new markets. By enhancing critical transportation hubs, such as airports and ports, these investments will help improve affordability for Northern and remote communities and increase access to healthcare and services in the south. These investments represent strategic commitments to Canada's long-term economic resilience and sovereignty, helping build prosperity, independence, and opportunity for Northerners.  Quotes "Canada is building the trade and transportation corridors of tomorrow. These infrastructure investments will create skilled, well-paid jobs, strengthen regional economies, and help Canadian businesses get their goods to new markets. They're smart, strategic commitments to Canada's long-term economic resilience and sovereignty." The Honourable Steven MacKinnon and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Minister of Transport "The new $1-billion Arctic Infrastructure Fund represents a generational investment in the North and will create real, lasting benefits. By supporting critical infrastructure in our communities, we are building prosperity, independence, and opportunity for Northerners." The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

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“Ukrainian civilians have continued to bear the brunt of the Russian Federation’s escalating aerial campaign,” said Kayoto Gotoh, Europe Director with the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). She briefed the Council against the backdrop of sustained missile and drone strikes, including a barrage on Wednesday night that killed at least 25 people. Despite the intensifying violence, Ms. Gotoh noted that the UN has supported more than six million people with electricity, heating, water and sanitation services. She also highlighted last month’s breakthrough by the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which secured agreement from both sides to reconnect the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to the grid.

• On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, Russian forces struck Kharkiv's main hospital with glide bombs and drones, wounding seven and forcing evacuation of 50 patients as rescue workers fought a fire.
• Since February 2022, Russia's long-range strike campaign has targeted Ukraine's energy facilities to disable power supply and deprive civilians of heat and water, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
• Facing persistent strikes, Volodymyr Zelenskyy appealed to the U.S., Europe and the G7 for air defence systems, noting Ukraine’s size complicates full air protection.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President, is due to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to seek more military aid, with talks expected on sophisticated long-range weapons and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
• Long-Range missiles and drones have strategic effects that may influence negotiations and bilateral tensions, as Zelenskyy said they cause gas shortages in Russia and could deepen U.S.-Russia diplomatic tensions.

• Yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the G20 summit overshadowed by a U.S. boycott; this is his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa.
• Canada's Africa strategy, released under the Trudeau government, aims to shift from aid to trade, but Ottawa allocated no new funds while earmarking $2.3 billion for the Indo-Pacific strategy, and analysts say the plan lacks clear implementation and budget.
• G20 leaders will meet Saturday and Sunday and Carney will hold one-on-one talks with counterparts between sessions, pressing Canada's five summit priorities and joining economic talks on EU engagement with the CPTPP.
• Carney arrived in Johannesburg just after Ottawa cut back support for the Global Fund amid the largest G20 no-shows, including Russia, China, Mexico and Argentina, and a U.S. boycott.
• Observers warn Canada risks falling behind peers like China in advancing interests in Africa, while Global Affairs Canada faces a significant knowledge gap across the continent's 54 countries; Ramaphosa, South African President and G20 chair, aligns summit priorities with Ottawa's themes this year.

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• On Nov 19, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops in the buffer zone in southern Syria, accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz and senior military chiefs, the prime minister's office said.
• After the December 8, 2024 advance, the IDF seized buffer-zone positions, expanding the security zone, and U.S.-brokered security talks have stalled as Israel refuses to withdraw from posts seized after December 2024.
• Video from the Prime Minister's Office showed Benjamin Netanyahu stepping from a helicopter wearing a flak jacket, visiting an IDF observation post where he observed the sector, held a security discussion and met regular and reserve soldiers on Wednesday.
• Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the visit as a sovereignty violation and a new attempt to `impose a fait accompli`, while Stephane Dujarric and Russia's ambassador also condemned the trip.
• With Syria demanding a return to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, stalled security pact talks between Israel and Syria heighten risks as Najat Rochdi warned Israeli actions endanger civilians and inflame tensions.
• On Thursday, President Donald J. Trump backed a draft peace plan obtained by The Associated Press that was shared in full with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv as U.S. envoys pushed for a quick signature.
• After about a month of talks, the 28-point proposal was drafted by Steve Witkoff, Trump negotiator, and Kirill Dmitriev, Kremlin adviser, without meaningful European or Ukrainian involvement.
• The draft's 28 points call for recognizing Crimea and parts of Donbas as Russian-held, capping Ukrainian Armed Forces at 600,000 personnel, barring NATO expansion, and creating a US‑Russian investment vehicle with $100 billion in frozen Russian assets.
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, has ruled out ceding territory while Ukrainian officials push back and European diplomats insist on their consent as U.S. officials pressed Kyiv for signature before Thanksgiving.
• The draft could reshape European security without clear U.S. or European enforcement, as analysts say the Peace Council headed by President Donald J. Trump mirrors Kremlin demands and raises enforcement questions.

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NPCAU; Matt Tayler & Kate Fitz; James Elde

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NPCAU; Hon. Murray Watt; Judge Navi Pillay; Joe Longo

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“In this fragile environment, withdrawal of resources and capacity is imprudent at best, catastrophic at worst,” UN Women chief Sima Sami Bahous told the Security Council, stressing that South Sudan’s gender-based violence crisis - threatening 2.7 million people -makes continued peacekeeping support essential.

Bahous said UN Mission in South Sudan documented 260 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in 2024, including “rape, gang rape, sexual slavery, forced abortion and forced marriage, with the highest number recorded in Western Equatoria State.”

She described a recent incident in Warrap State in which armed youth surrounded a girls’ boarding school seeking revenge for a cattle raid. “100 schoolgirls were trapped inside. They feared abduction or worse,” she said. “Fortunately, UN peacekeepers intervened. They de-escalated the situation. They freed the girls.”

“For those 100 girls, those peacekeepers could not have been more essential, nor their courage and skill more life changing,” she added, cautioning that any reduction of mandates or resources would be “imprudent at best, catastrophic at worst.”




Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The world must not turn its back on Africa, home to nearly one-fifth of humanity. The stakes are too high. And the potential is too great.”
The Secretary-General and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the African Union Commission Chairperson, spoke to reporters following the annual African Union United Nations Conference.
Guterres reiterated that the cooperation between the two organizations has never been stronger — or more necessary.
The UN chief highlighted that Africa’s history is as old as humanity. Its resources are vast – and have driven the growth of many economies. However, its progress is held back by an outdated and unfair global financial system.
Guterres said, “The time has come to reform this financial architecture – so it reflects the world of today and better serves the needs of developing countries, particularly in Africa.”
The Secretary-General reiterated, “It must become more inclusive, representative, equitable and effective,” explaining that it means “giving developing countries more meaningful participation in global financial institutions. Tripling the lending capacity of multilateral development banks. And easing debt burdens with new instruments that reduce the cost of capital, lower borrowing costs, extend maturity, align debt service to the ability to pay, and speed up sovereign debt resolution for countries facing debt distress.”
The UN chief also reaffirmed his full support for the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative.
In Sudan, Guterres is “gravely” concern by recent reports of mass atrocities and gross human rights violations in El Fasher and worsening violence in the Kordofans.
He said, “The flow of weapons and fighters from external parties must be cut off. The flow of humanitarian aid must be able to quickly reach civilians in need. The hostilities must stop.”
The Secretary-General called on the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to engage with his Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, and “take swift, tangible steps toward a negotiated settlement.”
In the eastern reaches of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guterres noted that decades of conflict have created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions – with 5.7 million people displaced and 21 million in need of lifesaving aid. Services are collapsing. Cholera on the rise. Hope is on the run.
The UN chief said, “Donors must step up – with meaningful support for the vastly underfunded Humanitarian Response Plan. Combatants must stand down – so peace agreements can be implemented without delay. Parties must honour their commitments under the Washington Peace Agreement and Doha Declaration of Principles, and comply fully with Security Council resolution 2773.”
“The DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. And the root causes of the instability and violence in eastern DRC must be addressed,” Guterres added.
For his part, African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said that the AU is committed to work with all parties and stakeholders at the United Nations to “achieve a transparent, equitable, unjust reform of the UN Security Council.”
“These reforms are indeed of paramount importance and would ultimately consolidate the multilateral system,” Youssouf said.
He also highlighted that the two organizations are faced with financial strains.
“We need to adapt our actions and programs to the new realities,” the Chairperson said, adding that “it is critical to continue to support peace operations, the fight against terrorism, conflict prevention and resolution, and also focus most of our efforts on humanitarian affairs.”
Asked about the decision from the United States to not attend the upcoming G20 in South Africa, the AU chairperson said, “It is indeed unfortunate that the United States boycott this G20 summit.”
He continued, “let me reassure you. I think the African continent has decided to take its destiny on its hands. And we are definitely working to increase the self-reliance. We are working to mobilize domestic resources for our development programs and the whole rhetorics and narratives is changing.”

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Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand speaks with reporters at the conclusion of the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Ontario’s Niagara region. Minister Anand outlines discussions that were had between her G7 counterparts on issues such as Ukraine’s security and defence, plans to end the Gaza conflict, as well the humanitarian crises in Haiti and Sudan. Anand faces questions from reporters on her bilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and whether she brought up the possibility of a resumption of trade talks between their two countries.


In Calgary, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks about the federal budget and reiterates his party’s opposition to it. Poilievre faces questions from reporters on the state of his party and his leadership style following the departure of two Conservative MPs last week. He is also asked about whether Prime Minister Mark Carney will deliver on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's demand for the development of a new pipeline from her province to British Columbia. 

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MONCTON, November 8, 2025 In a rapidly changing and uncertain world, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control. We are protecting our communities and our country. We are building our economy with major projects and millions more homes. We are empowering Canadians with lower costs and new opportunities to help you get ahead. We cannot control what other countries do, but we can control what we choose to build, and we are building Canada Strong. Culture is a powerful driver of innovation and inclusion, strengthening both our economy and our identity. In the face of global challenges, culture brings Canadians together, nurturing national pride and preserving the vitality of our communities. Today, David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton–Oromocto), announced $277,200 in support for the Réseau atlantique de diffusion des arts de la scène (RADARTS) through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. This investment will allow the organization to fund the programming of FrancoFête en Acadie for the period from 2026 to 2029. FrancoFête en Acadie, currently underway until November 9, is the flagship event of RADARTS. This annual French-language event, which is holding its 29th edition in 2025, takes place over five days and brings together around 500 Francophone cultural stakeholder. To highlight the investments in culture in Budget 2025, Parliamentary Secretary Myles took part in activities at FrancoFête en Acadie and met with various members of the arts and culture sector in southeast New Brunswick. He visited the Pays de la Sagounine in Bouctouche, the new modern and accessible outdoor amphitheatre for the performing arts at Highland Park in Salisbury, and the Atlantic Ballet of Canada in Moncton. This week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced Budget 2025 investments in culture totalling $503 million over four years, starting in 2026-27, in sectors such as the arts, multimedia, journalism, and national celebrations. He made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue. Canada’s artists, creators and cultural entrepreneurs are at the heart of our creative economy. Budget 2025 proposes new investments to grow Canada’s creative industries and ensure our national cultural institutions remain strong, resilient and successful. This includes support for Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund, the National Film Board, and the Canada Council for the Arts. Budget 2025 also proposes funding to help Canadian talent succeed in an increasingly digital and global marketplace, including through the Canada Music Fund.  Culture is experienced locally, in our towns, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. Budget 2025 proposes targeted support to strengthen community identity and participation through experiences and celebrations in every region of Canada. This includes support for local festivals, community anniversaries and community-initiated capital projects through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program, and for professionally presented arts festivals or performing arts series through the Canada Arts Presentation Fund. Budget 2025 also proposes funding for communities to celebrate Canada Day and National Acadian Day. In addition, Budget 2025 proposes to provide $150 million in funding to support the modernization of CBC/Radio-Canada’s mandate and strengthen its mandate and better deliver for Canadians in both French and English. Additionally, Budget 2025 also proposes to provide $116.3 million to renew the Canada Strong Pass for the holiday season, from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and for summer 2026. This will provide families and young people free or discounted access to national parks, museums, galleries, and rail travel. Together, those investments are key to protecting Canada’s cultural sovereignty, strengthening our economy, and building Canada strong. Quotes When we invest in our culture, we invest in ourselves, and in our capacity to tell our own stories. Across the country, our artists, creators and creative industries fuel innovation, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. In a time of uncertainty, we must protect our cultural sovereignty and help Canadian talent thrive at home and around the world. Budget 2025 meets the moment, positioning Canada’s creative economy for growth, competitiveness and stability.” —The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages “At a time with a shifting global economy and rapid technological change, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting cultural workers and strengthening our arts and culture sectors. These measures reflect a clear vision of a strong, united and resilient Canada, where our way of life is protected, celebrated and passed on to future generations.” —The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue “Through the new Budget, our government continues to support initiatives that promote the Francophonie across the country and especially here in Atlantic Canada. The funding provided to RADARTS will allow an even greater number of artists and local presenters to work together and offer quality cultural experiences. This is how we’re helping build Canada Strong, where the arts play an essential role in the life of our communities.” —David Myles, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and to the Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament (Fredericton–Oromocto) “We welcome the renewal of additional funds for the Canada Arts Presentation Fund and the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program in the recent federal budget. This renewal for the next three years will allow presenters in Atlantic Canada to better plan their events and their upcoming artistic seasons. We are grateful for the Department’s commitment to providing support for the entire performing arts sector.” —Jacinthe Comeau, Executive Director, RADARTS

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