Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy – Progress

On November 27, 2022, Canada unveiled its comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to guide Canada’s policies and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region over the next decades. Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy is structured around 5 interconnected objectives that provide a framework for our continued engagement in the world’s fastest-growing region.

Canada is committed to completing every objective it set out to accomplish in the region over the next few years and is making sustained progress on implementing initiatives under the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

The Strategy’s 5 main objectives

1. Promoting peace, resilience and security

Stability in the Indo-Pacific is essential to global stability. The region is home to numerous security hotspots with potential global repercussions, and Canada must engage as a regional security partner to protect our national interests and security. Canada’s actions are guided by an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Canadians.

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2. Expanding trade, investment and supply chain resilience

Canada is a trading nation. To grow the economy, create good jobs, and keep our competitive advantage, Canada must continue to expand into new export markets and create partnerships abroad. Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy will position Canada for long-term growth and prosperity that benefit all Canadians by enhancing and diversifying our economic relationships with key Indo-Pacific economies.

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3. Investing in and connecting people

Canada is deeply connected to the Indo-Pacific region through people. Almost 20% of new Canadians come from the region, close to 18% of Canadians have family ties to the region and 60% of the international students coming to Canada hail from the Indo-Pacific. Students come to study in Canada and often stay to work, to contribute and to join Canadian society. Those who return home forever carry with them the knowledge and experiences gained in Canada.

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4. Building a sustainable and green future

Climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions. As Canada takes historic climate action at home, it is clear that progress in tackling emissions also requires the full engagement of our Indo-Pacific partners. The Indo-Pacific produces more than half of global emissions and includes many rapidly industrializing economies that will have a significant impact on our shared environment. We need everyone to be part of the solution, and we need to make sure that the move toward a net-zero-emissions economy creates shared economic prosperity.

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5. Canada as an active and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific

Canada’s overarching priority is to be an active, engaged and reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific. Canada will build influence among our partners and allies in the region by increasing our diplomatic engagement, forging connections between like-minded countries and collaborating in common causes. Through sustained investment and engagement at the highest levels, Canada is increasing and deepening its political, economic and security partnerships, as well as its sustainable development assistance and cultural footprint throughout the Indo-Pacific.

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