President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney
	(L-r): Kevin Lamoureux

Free trade and defence co-operation between Canada and the Philippines

by Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North

The relationship between Canada and the Philippines has never been stronger as Canada’s prime minister is pushing to expand Canada’s trading opportunities outside of the USA while at the same enhancing Canada’s military alliances.

Last month while in Malaysia, Prime Minister Carney met with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., I was happy to read the print out of the meeting, that followed the discussion and I quote, “ The leaders also announced their intention to imminently launch negotiations on a bilateral Canada-Philippines free trade agreement, with the goal of conclusion in 2026.” It also stated, “Prime Minister Carney and President Marcos Jr. welcomed the opportunity for a bilateral visit at the earliest opportunity and agreed to remain in close contact.”

A week later another important meeting took place where David McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence and Gilberto Teodoro the Philippine Secretary of National Defense signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement between Canada and the Philippines. That agreement allows for the Canadian Armed Forces and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to work more closely together by participating in joint and multinational operations and exercises. That agreement will enable both nations to complement their respective sovereignty in different ways.

Both forces can learn from each other and as Minister McGuinty stated, “Finalizing the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines’ Department of National Defence marks a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between our two nations, built on more than 75 years of diplomatic ties. Canada values the Philippines’ vital role in Southeast Asia and remains committed to deepening our defence and security cooperation for regional stability and shared prosperity.”

I have been raising the issue of enhancing the social and economic relationship between Canada and the Philippines since 2011. In the past two years alone, I have been a part of three trade missions to Manila, and it pleases me greatly to see for the first time, a tangible commitment. Canada’s prime minister has set a goal to achieve a trade agreement with the Philippines in 2026. With over one million people of Filipino heritage calling Canada home the social impact is great. As for the economic benefits, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu stated the following on November 3 inside Parliament, “The numbers typically show that within six years of signing an FTA, trade doubles.” Trade means good jobs and more.