PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL G-7 SUMMIT IN ELMAU

June 8, 2015                   Elmau, Germany        Prime Minister’s Office

Introduction 

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today concluded a two day trip to Elmau, Germany, where he participated in the 2015 G-7 Summit. During the Summit, G-7 leaders discussed key foreign policy and security challenges, including Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine, as well as the threat posed by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Leaders also emphasized that global economic growth remains persistently weak and increasingly uneven. They explored ways in which the G-7 could play a leadership role in efforts to strengthen the recovery, particularly in boosting near-term demand and implementing structural reforms.

Development issues, including food security, health, and women’s economic empowerment were also discussed. Prime Minister Harper urged his G-7 partners to continue global momentum on maternal, newborn and child health. Leaders also examined how best to respond to future global public health crises, particularly in light of lessons learned from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

In keeping with Canada’s commitment to address transnational organized crime, Prime Minister Harper announced further support to combat the criminal networks seeking to launch marine migrant smuggling ventures that target Canada.

Quick Facts 

• The G-7 is a forum for the leaders of the world’s most industrialized nations to find common ground in addressing some of the most challenging global issues. While the leaders of these countries are in regular contact, they meet in summit format once a year.
• The G-7 Summit brings together the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. 

Quotes 

“I am pleased with the results coming out of this year’s G-7 Summit. Members were united in demonstrating solidarity on continuing to apply pressure on Russia until it withdraws from Ukrainian territory and in their commitment to defeat terrorist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Leaders also made solid progress on ways to further stimulate the global economy and on pressing social issues, including the empowerment of women, health crisis preparation and the environment. I would like to thank Chancellor Angela Merkel for hosting this year’s successful Summit and for Germany’s leadership during its presidency of the G-7.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

“Our Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of Canadians. That is why I was pleased to announce further support to fight human smuggling networks, which seek to undermine our territorial integrity, put lives at risk, and pose a direct threat to Canada’s security.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Related Product 

• Continuing the Fight against Human Smuggling

Backgrounder

CONTINUING THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN SMUGGLING

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the safety and security of Canadians and their interests abroad. One of the ways that Canada is meeting these objectives is by helping international partners address transnational organized crime engaged in human smuggling and illegal migration.

Human smuggling is a profit-driven organized crime that exploits vulnerable people, funds terrorist activities, undermines the integrity of Canada’s borders and immigration system, and threatens the national security of Canada and its partners.

On June 8, 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Canada’s continuing commitment to fight the criminal networks seeking to organize human smuggling ventures. Canadian efforts in this regard were initiated in 2010 with the appointment of the Special Advisor on Human Smuggling and Illegal Migration.

Canada will invest $45.5M over three years (2015-18) to continue its coordinated effort involving law enforcement, intelligence, border protection, and diplomatic activities. This initiative is focused on detecting and preventing threats associated with migrant smuggling from reaching Canada, with a particular focus on human smuggling operations that occur by sea.

The Special Advisor will continue his role in guiding and coordinating this whole-of-government strategy, working with key international partners to promote cooperation on this serious issue, and engaging with governments in source and transit countries.

Canada will continue law enforcement and border security capacity building overseas.  We will provide technical and legal assistance, training, and equipment to enhance the capacity of countries to prevent and respond to threats posed by transnational criminal activity. These activities will be undertaken with a view to addressing threats before they reach Canada’s borders.