CCCJ at the Team Canada Trade Mission 2026

Building on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in March 2026, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan (CCCJ) was proud to participate in the Team Canada Trade Mission on June 24, bringing together leaders from Canada and Japan to explore trade, partnership, and strengthening economic resilience across the Indo-Pacific.

One message continued to resonate throughout the discussions: while trade figures, investment numbers, and economic indicators matter, lasting partnerships are ultimately built on trusted relationships. As Canada’s Minister for International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, noted: “Numbers are only a small part of the story – it’s the people.”

The day opened with remarks from Erin Davidge, Counsellor (Commercial) & Senior Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada in Japan; Ambassador Ian McKay, Ambassador of Canada to Japan and Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific; Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu; and State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshiro Ino. 

Their remarks highlighted how this trade mission, the second in three years, demonstrates Canada’s ongoing commitment to strengthening trade relationships with trusted partners like Japan, building on nearly a decade of free trade under the CPTPP.

This theme carried through to the armchair conversation between Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade and Chief Trade Commissioner, and Yasuji Komiyama, Director General for Trade Policy and Economic Cooperation at METI, which highlighted the importance of turning dialogue into tangible outcomes.

CCCJ was especially proud to have our Chair, Marc Bolduc, moderate the corporate panel discussion featuring Mio Kawada (JETRO), Kaori (Mick) Namiki (Mitsubishi Corporation), Denise Miura (OpenText), and Shawn Lawlor (Canada Wood Japan), who shared perspectives on building partnerships and identifying opportunities across both markets.

Thank you to everyone involved in creating meaningful discussions and continuing to strengthen Canada–Japan ties.