24.57°C Vancouver

Feb 7, 2020 11:41 PM -

PM Trudeau some star power from the sports world to his game plan in Africa

Share On
pm-trudeau-some-star-power-from-the-sports-world-to-his-game-plan-in-africa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to reporters during a visit to a clothing factory in Montreal, Friday, January 31, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has brought some star power from the sports world to his game plan in Africa this week as he pursues support for a seat for Canada on the powerful United Nations Security Council.

Trudeau is in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa where he will attend a weekend session of the African Union.

It's a chance for Trudeau to meet directly with several of the 54 African leaders, whose votes at a June meeting at the UN will be critical to Canada's success.

Along with three of his cabinet ministers, Trudeau is travelling with Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.

While Trudeau invited Ujiri to join the delegation, the former European professional basketball player and NBA executive says he would have come to the continent anyway to promote his work.

Ujiri's foundation, Giants of Africa, uses basketball as a means to educate and enrich the lives of African youth.

He says he can also use his work as an ambassador for sport to help Canada in its quest for the UN seat.


Latest news

carney-urges-premiers-to-lift-ban-on-u-s-alcohol
CanadaAug 20, 2026

Carney Urges Premiers to Lift Ban on U.S. Alcohol

Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Canada’s provincial premiers to remove restrictions on U.S. alcohol as Ottawa works to finalize an interim trade agreement with the United States. Trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S. are continuing after President Donald Trump delayed the implementation of a proposed 50 per cent tariff until Friday. Washington has repeatedly raised concerns over Canada’s restrictions on American alcohol products. Because provincial governments control the sale and distribution of alcohol in Canada, Carney held a virtual meeting with the premiers on Wednesday
canada-could-get-tariff-relief-on-steel-aluminum-and-automobiles
CanadaAug 19, 2026

Canada Could Get Tariff Relief on Steel, Aluminum and Automobiles

Canada could receive some tariff relief on steel, aluminum and automobiles under a new trade deal with the United States that is reportedly nearing completion. According to reports, Washington could reduce the current 50% tariff on some Canadian steel and aluminum exports to 25% as part of the agreement. However, the details have not yet been finalized, and the new rates are not expected to apply equally to all products. Different tariffs could be imposed on certain steel- and aluminum-derived products. Meanwhile, the top-line tariff on automobiles could reportedly be reduced from 25% to 15%.
AlbertaAug 19, 2026

Calgary Police Officer to Stand Trial for Murder After Two Die in Slow-Speed Chase

A Calgary police officer charged with two counts of second-degree murder will stand trial in connection with the deaths of two men during a slow-speed police pursuit in 2023. A judge ordered a trial for 52-year-old Const. Craig Stothard on Tuesday, following the conclusion of a preliminary inquiry. The inquiry was held to determine whether there was enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Stothard was charged after Wesley Davidson and Levon Boyce Fox were shot and killed on May 29, 2023, following a police pursuit involving a stolen cube van. Police had responded to a report of suspi
CanadaAug 19, 2026

Canada Confirms Trade Deal With U.S.; Details Expected Friday

Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that Canada is moving toward a trade agreement with the United States, saying it will deliver the best possible deal across the country’s most important sectors. U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra welcomed the progress and credited President Donald Trump for the development. Details of the interim agreement could be released by Friday, with Canada reportedly making progress on reducing sector-specific tariffs. The deal could help bring an end to the trade war that has continued between the two countries for the past year and a half.
IndiaAug 19, 2026

Various Sikh Organisations Support ‘Punjab Bandh’ Call

Various Sikh organisations have extended their support to the ‘Punjab Bandh’ call given by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha for August 21. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has also backed the bandh and decided to keep its offices and all affiliated institutions closed on August 21. Apart from the SGPC, the Shiromani Akali Dal Reunited, Akali Dal ‘Waris Punjab De’, Dal Khalsa, Hawara Committee, Mann Dal and several other Sikh organisations have announced their support for the bandh. Sikh leaders have appealed to the public to completely shut their businesses until 2 p.m. on Aug

Related News