14.15°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

Oct 8, 2024 6:48 PM - Connect Newsroom – Jasmine Singh, with files from The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau headed to Laos for ASEAN Summit

Share On
prime-minister-justin-trudeau-headed-to-laos-for-asean-summit
Canada and Indonesia are also working toward a trade deal that's set to be signed by the end of this year. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Laos this week to attend the ASEAN Summit, marking the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The gathering brings together leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations to discuss regional cooperation and global trade.

While Canada is not a member of ASEAN, the two sides have maintained a strategic partnership since 2022. Ottawa is working toward finalizing a free trade agreement with the bloc by the end of next year, as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy aimed at strengthening economic and diplomatic ties across the region.

Canada and Indonesia are also nearing completion of a separate bilateral trade deal expected to be signed before the end of this year. The ASEAN countries together represented Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner in 2023, underscoring their growing importance in Canada’s export and investment landscape.

Following the summit, Trudeau will travel to Germany on Saturday to join the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, which will be chaired by U.S. President Joe Biden. The discussions there are expected to focus on continued support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

Latest news

See All
AlbertaJul 16, 2026

Record rainfall drenches Edmonton as June sets all-time precipitation mark

Environment and Climate Change Canada says Edmonton has experienced an unusually wet start to the summer, with June setting a new monthly rainfall record and above-average precipitation continuing into July. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, 264 millimetres of rain fell in Edmonton during June, surpassing the previous record of 216 millimetres that was set in 1914. The agency says total rainfall for June and July has now reached approximately 360 millimetres. The wet weather marks a sharp contrast to Alberta's typical summer conditions, which are often dominated by wildfire s
police-renew-appeal-to-locate-missing-north-vancouver-woman-last-seen-july-7
BCJul 16, 2026

Police renew appeal to locate missing North Vancouver woman last seen July 7

North Vancouver RCMP are renewing their appeal for the public's help in locating 46-year-old Mihaela Ududec, who has been missing since July 7. According to a North Vancouver RCMP news release, investigators have confirmed through video evidence that Ududec was last seen at 3:03 p.m. on July 7 in the 100 block of West Keith Road. Police have released a CCTV image showing what she was wearing in the hope that someone may recognize her or provide information about her whereabouts. She was last seen wearing a purple T-shirt, blue jeans, black Nike shoes and a grey hat."Our Investigative Support S
federal-government-unveils-vancouver-port-strategy-focused-on-trade-growth-and-major-infrastructure
BCJul 16, 2026

Federal government unveils Vancouver port strategy focused on trade growth and major infrastructure

Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon on Friday announced the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy, a federal initiative aimed at expanding Canada's trade capacity through the Port of Vancouver and strengthening transportation infrastructure on the West Coast. According to the federal government, the strategy includes advancing the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 expansion project in Delta and referring Alberta's proposed West Coast oil pipeline project to the Major Projects Office for an expedited review under a single regulatory approval process. The government said the initiative is intended to
CanadaJul 16, 2026

Meta introduces new Instagram AI safety features for minors as Canada advances online safety legislation

Meta has announced new safety features for minors using its Instagram AI chatbot, introducing parental alerts for conversations involving self-harm or suicide. The update comes as the Canadian government moves forward with proposed online safety legislation aimed at strengthening protections for young users. According to Meta, the new features became available Thursday in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. If a minor discusses self-harm or suicide while interacting with Instagram AI, parents who have enabled the platform's Parental Supervision tools will receive an im
two-arrested-in-calgary-drug-trafficking-investigation-stolen-handgun-drugs-and-cash-seized
AlbertaJul 16, 2026

Two arrested in Calgary drug trafficking investigation; stolen handgun, drugs and cash seized

Calgary Police Service says two people have been arrested following a drug trafficking investigation that led to the seizure of a stolen handgun, ammunition, illegal drugs and cash. According to a Calgary Police Service news release, the investigation began in June after officers received information about an armed drug trafficking suspect. Investigators later executed a search warrant at a residence in the 500 block of McKinnon Drive N.E. in the Mayland Heights neighbourhood. Police say officers recovered a loaded 9 mm handgun that had been reported stolen from Strathmore, along with $7,819.6

Related News

Meta introduces new Instagram AI safety features for minors as Canada advances online safety legislation

Meta introduces new Instagram AI safety features for minors as Canada advances online safety legislation

Meta has announced new safety features for minors using its Instagram AI chatbot, introducing parental alerts for conversations involving self-harm or suicide. The update comes as the Canadian government moves forward with proposed online safety legislation aimed at strengthening protections for young users. According to Meta, the new features became available Thursday in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. If a minor discusses self-harm or suicide while interacting with Instagram AI, parents who have enabled the platform's Parental Supervision tools will receive an im
Federal government to acquire 190 armoured vehicles in $2B deal to strengthen Canadian Army

Federal government to acquire 190 armoured vehicles in $2B deal to strengthen Canadian Army

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a $2 billion investment to purchase 190 new armoured vehicles for the Canadian Army as part of a four-year procurement plan aimed at strengthening the military's operational capabilities and supporting Canada's domestic defence industry. Carney confirmed the agreement during a visit Thursday to the General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada facility in London, Ont. According to the federal government, the new vehicles will increase the Army's armoured fleet to 550. The Prime Minister said all 190 vehicles will be manufactured at the company's Ontario facili
Poilievre criticizes Liberals over Canada Post executive bonuses amid record losses

Poilievre criticizes Liberals over Canada Post executive bonuses amid record losses

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized the Liberal government after reports that Canada Post paid millions of dollars in bonuses to management despite recording significant financial losses. Poilievre alleged that the government is allowing well-connected officials to benefit from taxpayer money while many Canadians continue to face rising living costs. He said families are struggling to afford groceries because of inflation, while senior Canada Post executives received substantial bonus payments. According to publicly reported Canada Post financial information, the Crown corporat
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link