Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to advise them he will be unable to attend this week’s Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community as he will remain in Canada to continue to work with his ministers to address current infrastructure disruptions occurring across the country, and work towards a resolution to restore rail service.

The Prime Minister held calls with Prime Minister of Barbados and current Chair of CARICOM Mia Mottley, Secretary General of CARICOM Irwin LaRocque, and Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness. Prime Minister Trudeau expressed his regret that he will not personally attend this week’s gathering of CARICOM leaders. Prime Minister Mottley, as conference host, welcomed the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne on behalf of Prime Minister Trudeau.

With over two million Canadians travelling to CARICOM countries annually, Canada has strong ties with the 15 Member States and five Associate Members on a wide range of issues, including trade, security and defence, and governance. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of Canada’s relations with CARICOM countries, rooted in longstanding partnerships, shared values, and deep people to people ties. They looked forward to finding an opportunity to meet again.