Justin Trudeau on meeting PNoy: ‘It was an honour and privilege’

The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, and Liberal MPs John MacKay and Kevin Lamoureux meet with the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III, in Toronto.

OTTAWA – The Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on his meeting with the President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino III:

“It was an honour and privilege to meet with President Aquino in Toronto late last week.

“Canada and the Philippines enjoy a successful bilateral relationship based on our shared democratic values and important trade ties. We must strive to do more to foster and strengthen this relationship, and encourage greater autonomy for the Philippines.

“With more than 700,000 Canadians tracing their heritage to the Philippines, our countries share strong and enduring cultural links. I have been fortunate to attend many events with Filipino-Canadians, and I always admire their warmth, their ingenuity, and their strong family bonds. We are extremely proud that Filipinos have chosen to come to Canada, share their culture and traditions, and embrace the uniquely Canadian view of liberty through inclusive diversity. Canada is stronger not in spite of its differences, but precisely because of them.

“I look forward to continued deepening ties with the Filipino-Canadian community, and between our two countries.”