Canada’s new strategy for the Indo-Pacific region is in the works and it will have a big impact on the country’s foreign affairs policy. This was made clear by its mention in the agenda before the new parliament.

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Canada’s governor general Mary Simon highlighted the policies prioritised by  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the House of Commons which met for the first time since elections took place in September. “Making deliberate efforts to deepen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific” was declared as one of the priorities.

The intentions of the Canadian foreign ministry, Global Affairs Canada, of formulating a new policy focusing on the Indo-Pacific region were reported by Globe and Mail earlier this month. Melanie Joly, a spokesperson for Canada’s new foreign minister, told the news organisation that the policy will consist of “a new integrated approach to the Indo-Pacific region with a view to diversifying Canada’s engagement and deepening its diplomatic, economic, security and sustainable development partnerships”.

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Veteran diplomat Jonathan Fried is heading the special secretariat that has been formed to develop the much-awaited policy. Fried met India’s high commissioner Ajay Bisaria in Ottawa to discuss the Indo-Pacific region.

Anita Anand has been appointed as the new defence minister of Canada. She spoke at the Halifax International Security Forum last week and said, “In the Indo-Pacific, Canadian military ships, aircraft, and sailors maintain a solid presence.”

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“Through Operation Projection, Canadian warships work in lockstep with our partners to maintain a meaningful, and interoperable, allied presence in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world,” she added.

The Canadian government has been under immense pressure to formulate a new assertive policy for the region as the threat from China grows with each passing day. This matter was a point of discussion in the meeting between Justin Trudeau and US President Joe Biden in Washington.

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In her speech on Tuesday, Mary Simon pointed towards the changing situation in a subtle manner as she said, “In the face of rising authoritarianism and great power competition, Canada must reinforce international peace and security, the rule of law, democracy, and respect for human rights.”