Trudeau will attend Peres funeral Friday

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who plans to attend the service in Israel, said, “Mr. Peres was an internationally respected statesman and a great friend to Canada. He visited our country often, and helped build relations that remain strong to this day.

“Shimon Peres was, above all, a man of peace and a man dedicated to the well-being of the Jewish people,” Trudeau said.

“Mr. Peres made an enormous contribution to the founding and building of the State of Israel. He devoted his life to promoting understanding between his country and its neighbours.”

Trudeau recalled visiting Peres when the latter was president.

“He regaled me with stories of his friendship for my father and his deep affection for Canadians,” Trudeau said.