Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP)

On 10 December 2020, the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CAJP) and the Japan-Canada Diet Friendship League held a virtual meeting. The meeting was led by the CAJP’s Co-Chairs, Senator Jim Munson and Mr. Terry Sheehan, M.P., who – respectively – delivered opening and closing statements. Senator Victor Oh, Senator Yuen Pau Woo, Ms. Monique Pauzé, M.P., Ms. Yasmin Ratansi, M.P. and Mr. Ramesh Sangha, M.P. made introductory remarks on specific topics or exchanged views with their Japanese counterparts. Participants discussed a range of topics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges posed by relations with China, expected relations with the United States under the incoming Biden administration, and parliamentarians’ role in their country’s domestic and foreign policy priorities. In particular, they highlighted that Canada and Japan are like-minded countries that can collaborate on several issues, including through such multilateral institutions as the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization, the G7 and the G20. As well, they noted the pandemic’s impacts on mental health, including on suicide rates, and identified some of the challenges associated with holding the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo during a global pandemic. Concerning trade in the Asia-Pacific region, they spoke about the potential for extending the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to additional members. Finally, their discussions also focused on the importance of encouraging global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement’s targets.

On 8 September 2020, Mr. Han Dong, M.P., Co-Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association, participated in the 41st General Assembly of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) on behalf of both the Canada–China Legislative Association and the Canada–Japan Interparliamentary Group. This virtual meeting was hosted by Viet Nam, the Chair of both ASEAN and AIPA for 2020. Canada has participated in this assembly as an observer delegation several times, most recently in Thailand in August 2019. This year, the theme of the assembly was “Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN.” The discussions also focused on the regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Dong delivered an address to the delegates, which included representatives of the 10 ASEAN countries and other observer and guest delegations from various parliaments around the world. In these remarks, Mr. Dong recognized the importance that Canadian parliamentarians place on strengthening relationships with Southeast Asia. He further shared Canada’s contribution to international efforts to fight the pandemic, and he discussed the progress made in recent years towards a possible free trade agreement between Canada and ASEAN. He concluded by saying that he looked forward to continuing the meaningful discussion at next year’s AIPA General Assembly.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group (CAJP) participated in the 28th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) to discuss regional, political, economic and environmental issues as well as the situation of women in Asia. It was an opportunity for parliamentarians to dialogue with their counterparts from both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group (CAJP) have participated in the 40th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in Bangkok, Thailand from August 25 to 30. As observers, the delegates engaged with Southeast Asian Nations on issues of economic, cultural, political and social nature. This was also an opportunity to network with representatives from other Asia-Pacific countries.

Room 425, Wellington Building

12:30 p.m.

To be eligible to vote at the AGM the deadline for membership for this association is 7 days before the meeting.

The Canada-China Legislative Association (CACN) and the Canada-Japan Interparliamentary Group (CAJP) have participated in the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) to discuss regional, political, economic and environmental issues as well as the situation of women in Asia. It was an opportunity for parliamentarians to dialogue with their counterparts from both sides of the Pacific Ocean.