Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada

by Joseph Robinette Biden

President Biden spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding preparations for the April 22-23 Leaders Summit on Climate, efforts to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, and the two Canadians – Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor – unjustly detained by the government of China. The President applauded Canada’s vital contributions to addressing climate change and both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to demonstrate global leadership on the climate crisis through the U.S.-Canada High-Level Dialogue on Climate Ambition launched on February 23. They agreed to continue efforts to control the pandemic, collaborate on public health responses and global health security, as well as to support global affordable access and delivery of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, including through the COVAX facility. The President also condemned the arbitrary detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor and reiterated the commitment of the United States to stand strong with Canada to secure their release.