Japan-Canada Relations
Visit to Canada by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI
From September 25th to 27th (local time), Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs ERI Arfiya visited Canada (Vancouver and Steveston, British Columbia (BC)). The overview is as follows:
1 Exchange of views with Japanese corporate executives
On the 26th Sep., Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri exchanged views with executives of Japanese corporations operating in Canada. She was briefed on each company’s business activities and engaged in discussions on prospects for further advancement and expansion of their businesses as well as the challenges.
2 Meeting with the leadership of the University of British Columbia (UBC)
On the same day, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri met with the leadership of the UBC and received updates on the current state of exchanges between UBC and Japanese universities. They reaffirmed the importance of promoting exchanges of younger generations between the two countries, who will lead the future of Japan and Canada, as well as the significance of broader research and academic exchanges. Furthermore, they agreed to continue working together to advance multilayered exchanges between the university and Japan in the future.
3 Participation in a LNG Event
On the same day, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister attended an event highlighting Canada’s milestone project enabling LNG export to Asia, including Japan. On this occasion, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister had a meeting with Premier David Eby of British Columbia, and had a brief conversation with the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
(1) Meeting with British Columbia Premier David Eby
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri congratulated the first LNG shipment to Asia by LNG Canada and stated that the relationship between the two countries is becoming even more important, amid the significant changes in the international situation. They confirmed that they will work closely together to enhance cooperation on a range of issues between the Province and Japan including trade and investment as well as people-to-people exchange.
(2) A brief conversation with the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri stated that the importance of Japan-Canada relations is increasing amid significant changes in the international situation, and that there is great potential for cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector. In response, Minister Hodgson expressed Canada's desire to advance collaboration with Japan, noting Canada’s abundant resources including critical minerals and other natural resources.
4 Visit to Steveston and Meeting with Japanese-Canadians
On the 27th Sep., Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri visited Steveston, known as the village where the first immigrants from Japan landed in Canada in the late 19th century. After touring facilities preserving the era's history, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister met with representatives of the Japanese-Canadian community, and exchanged views on the community's history and its contributions to the Canadian society.