Skip to Main content

15.8°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Oct 10, 2024 6:26 PM - Connect Newsroom – Jasmine Singh, with files from The Canadian Press

Trudeau applauds Thailand for legalizing gay marriage during meeting at ASEAN summit

Share On

trudeau-applauds-thailand-for-legalizing-gay-marriage-during-meeting-at-asean-summit

Trudeau said that at a time when rights are backsliding around the world, Shinawatra's leadership on gay marriage is "exceptional. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Thailand’s new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, on her country’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage, calling it a remarkable step forward for human rights in Asia.

Trudeau made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Shinawatra while attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Vientiane, Laos. He said Thailand’s progress stands out “at a time when rights are backsliding around the world,” describing Shinawatra’s leadership on marriage equality as “exceptional.”

Thailand’s landmark marriage equality law, passed on September 24, officially allows same-sex couples to marry — making it the first Southeast Asian nation to grant full marriage rights to LGBTQ+ citizens.

The meeting was part of a busy day of diplomacy for Trudeau, who held back-to-back sessions with several Asian leaders as Canada seeks to strengthen ties across the Indo-Pacific region. His attendance marks the third consecutive year Canada has participated in the ASEAN summit.

Latest news

B.C. Wildfire Official Warns of Arson Risk as Major Fires Intensify

British Columbia Wildfire Service Director Cliff Chapman has raised concerns over the current wildfire situation in the province and warned about the risk of deliberately set fires. Speaking at a press conference alongside Forests Minister Ravi Parmar and Emergency Management Minister Kelly Greene, Chapman said the wildfire service is working closely with the RCMP to investigate any suspicious fires. The department has also partnered with Crime Stoppers to help identify those responsible for deliberately starting fires. Chapman said four major wildfires currently burning across B.C., including

CanadaAug 11, 2026

More Than 29,000 Canadians Sign Petition Calling for Removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra

More than 29,000 Canadians have signed an online petition calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra over allegations of political interference in Canada and controversial public statements. The petition is expected to be presented in the House of Commons this fall by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. It was launched by a Calgary woman, who alleges that Hoekstra’s statements have undermined Canada’s sovereignty. The petition calls on the Canadian government to declare Hoekstra persona non grata under the rules of the Vienna Convention and remove him from Canada. It

b-c-man-charged-after-police-find-more-than-14-000-child-exploitation-images-and-videos

B.C. Man Charged After Police Find More Than 14,000 Child Exploitation Images and Videos

A 37-year-old man has been charged following a police investigation in Surrey, B.C., that uncovered more than 14,000 images and videos related to child sexual exploitation. According to police, the investigation began in May 2025 after they received reports that a suspect was possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material online. A search warrant was executed at a Surrey residence in August 2025, where investigators discovered thousands of images and videos. Police say the evidence led to charges against Wade Bruce Craig for processing and accessing child sexual exploita

canada-u-s-trade-talks-enter-final-stage-as-possible-deal-takes-shape

CanadaAug 11, 2026

Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Enter Final Stage as Possible Deal Takes Shape

Canada-U.S. trade talks appear to be entering a critical final stage, with Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer potentially presenting the outline of a possible deal to President Donald Trump by Monday. The discussions are part of efforts to avoid new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports that are set to take effect on August 19. LeBlanc met with Greer in Washington on Tuesday, marking their third meeting in three weeks. According to reports, the two countries are discussing a potential agreement under which Canada could agree to some U.S. demands in ex

68-year-old-woman-dies-after-being-struck-by-vehicle-in-north-burnaby

68-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle in North Burnaby

A 68-year-old woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in North Burnaby. According to Burnaby RCMP, the incident happened at around 6:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Pender Street and McDonald Avenue. Police said the Burnaby woman suffered serious injuries in the collision. She received medical attention at the scene and was rushed to hospital, where she later died due to the severity of her injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Burnaby RCMP is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Investig

Related News

More Than 29,000 Canadians Sign Petition Calling for Removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra

More Than 29,000 Canadians Sign Petition Calling for Removal of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra

More than 29,000 Canadians have signed an online petition calling for the removal of U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra over allegations of political interference in Canada and controversial public statements. The petition is expected to be presented in the House of Commons this fall by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May. It was launched by a Calgary woman, who alleges that Hoekstra’s statements have undermined Canada’s sovereignty. The petition calls on the Canadian government to declare Hoekstra persona non grata under the rules of the Vienna Convention and remove him from Canada. It

Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Enter Final Stage as Possible Deal Takes Shape

Canada-U.S. Trade Talks Enter Final Stage as Possible Deal Takes Shape

Canada-U.S. trade talks appear to be entering a critical final stage, with Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer potentially presenting the outline of a possible deal to President Donald Trump by Monday. The discussions are part of efforts to avoid new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports that are set to take effect on August 19. LeBlanc met with Greer in Washington on Tuesday, marking their third meeting in three weeks. According to reports, the two countries are discussing a potential agreement under which Canada could agree to some U.S. demands in ex

More Than 41,000 Vehicles Cross Gordie Howe Bridge in First Five Days

More Than 41,000 Vehicles Cross Gordie Howe Bridge in First Five Days

More than 41,000 vehicles entered Canada from the United States through the new Gordie Howe International Bridge during its first five days of operation. The figure includes return trips by Canadian residents. According to preliminary Statistics Canada data, about 18,900 Canadian travellers crossed into Canada through the new bridge connecting Windsor and Detroit, while approximately 18,100 U.S. citizens entered Canada during the same period. In addition, nearly 4,100 commercial transport trucks travelled into Canada through the new route during the final five days of July. By comparison, the

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital