2.Canada

(1) Situations of Canada

In October, the 42^nd Canadian Federal General Election was held and the Liberal Party won a single majority government, resulting in a change of government for the first time in nearly 10 years. Prime Minister Stephen Harper resigned on November 4, and a new administration headed by Justin Trudeau started.

With traditionally close relations with the United States, Canada pursues its diplomacy in multinational venues, including the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, G7, G20, and the Organization of American States (OAS), etc. In the mid-90’s, Canada announced a peacebuilding policy (conflict prevention, support for reconstruction), while actively engaging in U.N. peacekeeping operations, the antipersonnel mine issue, and promoting human security. The new administration headed by Justin Trudeau made it clear that it bases its policy on multilateralism, returning to the traditional multinational diplomacy approach. Canada indicated financial support worth 2,650 million Canadian dollars in total over five years to emerging economies in the area of climate change which is its diplomatic priority. It is also expected to be more engaged in the UN Peacekeeping operations.

On the economic front, the FTA negotiations with the ROK came into force in January, and FTAs with Ukraine were concluded in July. Also Canada is a participating country in the TPP Agreement, signed in February 2016, whilst continuing to work for building economic ties with Asia-Pacific countries and the expansion of intra-regional trade.

(2) Japan – Canada Relations

Foreign Minister Kishida had a talk with Foreign Minister Dion on the occasion of the APEC Ministerial Meeting in the Philippines in November. The two Ministers agreed to cooperate with each other for nuclear disarmament, peace and security and prosperity of the region and the world. Furthermore, during an exchange of views on the situations in the Asia-Pacific region, they also acknowledged that any attempt to change the status quo is a common concern for the international community, confirming the importance of peaceful solutions and the rule of law. On the economic front, the two foreign ministers recognized the benefits the TPP Agreement will bring to the region, agreeing to further advance bilateral trade and investment.

In November, Prime Minister Abe met Prime Minister Trudeau on the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of security, while reconfirming their views on the situations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Abe at the Japan-Canada Summit meeting (November 18, Manila, Philippines; Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

On the economic front, the two leaders agreed that the TPP Agreement will promote regional trade, investment and economic growth. Prime Minister Abe asked Canada to cooperate on the early realization of exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and the improvement of business environment for Japanese businesses. Furthermore, the Japanese and Canadian leaders agreed to continue bilateral cooperation in broader areas, including science and technology and climate change.

With both governments participating in November, the 13^th Japan-Canada Security Symposium was held in Ottawa, where key figures vigorously exchanged views. In February, 2016, Foreign Minister Kishida visited Canada to have a talk with Foreign Minister Dion. The two leaders acknowledged that both countries will cooperate with each other regarding the G7, and that Japan and Canada, important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, will take the lead in the international community and tackle such issues as North Korea, terrorism, and cyber.