6.95°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

BCOct 30, 2026

Metro Vancouver Board Delays 2027 Budget Vote Until New Board Takes Office

The Metro Vancouver Board has postponed a vote on its 2027 budget and five-year financial plan during its final meeting on Friday. Newly elected Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum had recently called for the meeting to be cancelled, arguing that voters had replaced mayors in 13 of the region’s 21 municipalities. He said there was little point in the outgoing board making decisions about future budgets and plans. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West and Delta Coun. Dylan Kruger were among several leaders who supported the decision. They argued that the current board had lost its mandate and that the incomi
todd-matsumoto-appointed-surrey-police-chief
BCOct 30, 2026

Todd Matsumoto Appointed Surrey Police Chief

The Surrey Police Service (SPS) has appointed a new chief following the removal of former Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. The SPS Board announced Friday that Todd Matsumoto, who had been serving as interim chief, has officially been appointed as the city's Chief Constable. Surrey Police Board Chair Perm Jawanda expressed confidence in Matsumoto, describing him as the right leader to guide the SPS. Matsumoto brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in policing and public safety. He has been serving as interim chief since June 2026, replacing Lipinski. Following his appointment, Matsumo
david-eby-absent-as-b-c-ndp-selects-jennifer-whiteside-as-interim-leader
BCOct 30, 2026

David Eby Absent as B.C. NDP Selects Jennifer Whiteside as Interim Leader

Former B.C. NDP leader David Eby was absent from a key caucus meeting held Thursday, during which Jennifer Whiteside was unanimously elected as the party’s new interim leader. Whiteside confirmed that Eby did not attend the meeting in person or join virtually. According to reports, Eby apologized and took full responsibility for the party’s election defeat during a final online meeting with outgoing MLAs on Wednesday. However, he reportedly added that he would have made the same decision under the circumstances, prompting frustration among several MLAs. The following day, Eby was absent wh
modi-to-visit-canada-on-december-11-12-may-address-30-000-person-gathering
CanadaOct 30, 2026

Modi to Visit Canada on December 11–12, May Address 30,000-Person Gathering

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Canada for two days on December 11 and 12 at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. According to reports, Modi will address a gathering of the Indo-Canadian community in Toronto on December 11, with approximately 30,000 people expected to attend. However, his visit could extend beyond two days, although the final itinerary has yet to be confirmed. After completing his official bilateral engagements in Ottawa and Toronto, Modi will travel to the United States to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit. The visit is also expected to provide a
edmonton-police-investigate-suspicious-death-of-2-year-old-girl
AlbertaOct 30, 2026

Edmonton Police Investigate Suspicious Death of 2-Year-Old Girl

Edmonton police are investigating the suspicious death of a 2-year-old girl in the Castle Downs neighbourhood. Police received a report of a sudden child death at a home in the area at approximately 2 p.m. on October 10. Officers immediately responded to the scene. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Homicide Section has taken over the investigation. An autopsy has been completed, but the medical examiner is awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death. Police have not released any further details as the investigation continues.

Related News