Report

The Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (CJIG or “the association”) sent a delegation to Japan for the 20th Annual Bilateral Meeting with its counterpart from the Japanese legislature, the Japan-Canada Diet Friendship League (DFL), and for other meetings with Japanese parliamentarians, public officials, subject matter experts and leaders in research and development. The program was from January 23 to 27, 2017 and was divided between Tokyo and Kyoto. The delegation consisted of the association’s Co-Chairs, the Honourable Paul J. Massicotte, Senator; and Mr. Terry Sheehan, M.P.; as well as the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator; the Honourable Tobias Enverga, Senator; Mr. Fin Donnelly, M.P.; and Mr. Sukh Dhaliwal, M.P. The delegation was accompanied by Mr. Julian Walker, Advisor of the association from the Library of Parliament.

The association’s primary purpose is to promote exchanges between Japanese and Canadian parliamentarians, propose initiatives likely to lead to a better mutual understanding of bilateral and multilateral problems and work to develop co-operation between the two countries in all the fields of human activity.

The 19th Bilateral Meeting took place in 2015 in Ottawa and Toronto, when the Diet Friendship League came to Canada. Prior to that, a Canadian delegation traveled to Tokyo and the Tohoku region for the 18th Bilateral Meetings in 2012. The association friendship was formally established in 1981.

Official Bilateral Consultations

The centerpiece of the bilateral meetings is the day of formal consultations, when the delegations meet to discuss selected themes. The three topics discussed on 24 January 2017 were: trade, energy, and peace and security.

For the first panel on energy, Mr. Sheehan presented on behalf of Canada and Katsumasa Suzuki presented on behalf of Japan. Mr. Sheehan provided an overview of the mutually beneficial trade relationship between Canada and Japan as well as current foreign direct investment data. He explained why increased trade between Canada and Japan can bring further benefit to both countries, as had been set out in the 2012 joint study of the Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The EPA had undergone several rounds of negotiations before being set aside due to the progress that was being made in establishing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement. President Trump’s announcement that he would pull out the United States of America out of the TPP was a key issue in these discussions, as this would have an impact on how Canada and Japan pursue further trade liberalization. Mr. Sheehan underscored Canada’s desire to conclude negotiations for the EPA, given the likely demise of the TPP. Mr. Suzuki discussed recent events in the United States, and expressed his view on the importance of promoting free trade instead of economic protectionism, particularly given the economic growth expected in the Asia-Pacific. He noted how Japanese automotive companies had benefitted from NAFTA and emphasized the need for Canada and Japan to continue economic cooperation. While the Japanese delegation noted that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s official position was to continue to promote the TPP, there was positive discussion about considering the EPA as an alternate plan.

For the second panel on energy, Senator Massicotte and Asahiko Mihara were the presenters for Canada and Japan, respectively. Mr. Mihara gave an overview of Japan’s energy plans and discussed efforts to bring some nuclear power back online after the 2011 Fukishima nuclear power plant incident, to increase renewable energy, and to build infrastructure to increase its use of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Senator Massicotte reviewed Canada’s energy industry, particularly with regard to the export of oil and natural gas as well as clean and renewable energy sources. He discussed Japan’s energy needs and Canada’s abundant supply of LNG, oil and clean energy technologies that can help meet them. He also presented on Canada’s framework for climate change action and recent carbon pricing plans, noting that Canada recognizes that a clean environment and a strong economy go hand in hand. Both delegations discussed Japan’s efforts to diversify its energy sources to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement, and the various ways Canada can contribute to reaching these goals.

For the panel on regional peace and security, Masaharu Nakagawa and Mr. Dhaliwal presented on behalf of Japan and Canada. Both discussed how Canada and Japan have enjoyed decades of strong bilateral relations and collaborate on peacekeeping, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, in particular through the Joint Declaration on Political, Peace and Security Cooperation, signed in 2010. Mr. Dhaliwal reviewed areas in which this cooperation is expanding, and noted that Canada is hoping to approve the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement soon, as this will facilitate cooperation between Canadian and Japanese forces and enable them to exchange basic goods and services wherever both forces are operating (whether during joint training exercises or United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions). The delegations discussed key issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region, such as China’s increased military presence and territorial claims in the East and South China Seas, North Korea’s missile development and nuclear programs, and President Trump’s comments about reviewing the Japan-US military alliance. The delegations concurred that as peaceful democracies, Canada and Japan should continue to work together as an example of friendship to the rest of the world.

The delegations also participated in a working lunch and formal dinner with the DFL, where there were many opportunities for further discussion of Canadian-Japanese relations and ways to enhance cooperation. The Canadian delegation was taken on a tour of the National Diet Building and was formally introduced to the House of Representatives during its plenary session.

Members of the Japanese Diet who attended at least one of the formal panels, the dinner reception and the working lunch included: Akihiro Ohata, Asahiko Mihara, Masaharu Nakagawa, Taimei Yamaguchi, Hiromi Mitsubayashi, Kastumasa Suzuki, Shingo Miyake, Kenzo Fujisue, Yukihisa Fujita, Yuichi Goto, Iwao Horii, Takako Suzuki, Masami Kawano, Takahiro Yokomichi, Takeo Kawamura, Naokazue Takemoto, Kanji Kato, Shingo Miyake, among others.

Meetings in Tokyo

On 23 January 2017, the Committee first met with Ambassador Ian Burney and members of the Embassy of Canada staff in order to review the current political landscape in Japan and the key issues, challenges and messages relevant to the delegation’s trip. The delegation subsequently met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tadamori Oshima, at his official residence. They discussed the activities of the CJIP and the DFL since the Co-Chairs’ visit to Tokyo in September 2016. A conversation followed that touched on several topics, including: the importance of promoting free trade for Canada and Japan, the inauguration of President Trump and his recent announcements, Canada’s position and expectations with regard to a potential NAFTA renegotiation, the recent G7 Speakers’ Summit in Tokyo, and the pledge for closer ties made between Prime Ministers Abe and Trudeau. Senator Massicotte and Mr. Sheehan discussed Canada’s interests in further cooperation with Japan in numerous areas, including free trade, regional peace and security, and in the promotion of democratic values.

The delegation then made a visit to the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. After describing the graduate studies programs, Dr. Narushige Michishita engaged in an informative discussion about regional peace and security and some of the issues that came up frequently over the course of the trip: namely, Japan’s relations with North Korea, China and the US. The delegation learned about Japan’s defence strategy, its plans to strengthen its military capacity and the legal reforms required for this, its intentions to able to come to the aid of its allies when necessary, and its attempts to bolster its partnerships with not only the US, but also such countries as Australia and India.

The delegation met with the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan, Hiroshi Nakaso, who provided an update on progress in the implementation of Japan’s fiscal and monetary policies. He noted Japan had been successful in reducing the unemployment rate, but not in maintaining healthy inflation rates. He noted, however, that the economy was improving and predicted further growth on the basis of stability in oil prices. The discussion then moved to the impact on the economy that the demise of the TPP may cause and the various ways in which Japan is attempting to increase productivity and deal with an ageing society, such as by making reforms to encourage more women to stay active in the workforce.

On 25 January 2017, the delegation met with members of the Lower House Economy, Trade and Industry Committee. The meeting was hosted by Chairperson Tomoko Ukishima and other committee members in attendance included: Yukari Sato, Michiyo Tagaki, Kenichiro Tagaki and Takaki Shirasuka. Delegation and committee members discussed the close economic ties between Canada and Japan and the potential measures that could be taken to enhance trade with the TPP in doubt, such as a bilateral trade agreement or an alternative multilateral regional agreement, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (a proposed free trade agreement between member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand). Committee members asked about the possible renegotiation of NAFTA. Delegation members explained how important Canada-US trade is to both countries and that there were no indications yet that any renegotiations would affect Canada significantly. The meeting concluded with an agreement about the value of promoting further economic cooperation between Canada and Japan, in particular with regards to meeting Japan’s energy needs with Canada’s natural resources.

Another formal meeting took place between with the Lower House Security Committee. This was hosted by Dr. Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi and other committee members included: Itsunori Onodera, Yuichi Goto and Masakazu Hamachi. Committee and delegation members discussed how Japan’s national security policies were being affected by the possible demise of the TPP, comments made by President Trump about the Japan-US alliance, and the influence of Russia and China in the region. Committee members spoke about Japan having deep concerns about China’s increased military presence in the East and South China Seas and North Korea’s long range missile and nuclear capabilities. The delegation and committee members discussed various ways in which Canada can enhance its collaboration with Japan and promote respect for international law in territorial disputes.

Meetings in Kyoto

The Committee held meetings with local politicians in Kyoto between 25 and 27 January, 2017, including with Daisaku Kadokawa, the Mayor of Kyoto; Keiji Yamada, the Governor of Kyoto Prefecture; and Hideyuki Tanaka, a member of the House of Representatives whose riding is in Kyoto. During all three meetings, the delegation learned about the city’s importance as both a cultural and heritage city and also as a centre of research, education and traditional industries. During the discussions, the many academic links between Kyoto and Canadian universities were explored, as were ways to expand these. Kyoto’s role in the promotion of sustainable development was raised frequently, and it was explained that “Do you Kyoto?” is being used as a promotional message by the city for encouraging environmentally friendly choices. Accordingly, much discussion was had concerning the importance of the preservation of the natural environment, and how Canada and Japan can cooperate to promote sustainable development.

The Committee also visited Kyoto Research Park (KRP) and met with its president, Kazuyo Matsuo. Opened in 1989, the KRP is a private research facility that receives support form Kyoto Prefecture, the City of Kyoto and local industry. It hosts over 400 tenants drawn from companies and institutions operating in the fields of information and communications technologies, biotechnology, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, among others. Its goal is to foster business creation and collaboration between local industry, academia and government. It serves as an innovation hub for the region by gathering and networking local experts and allowing them the use of facilities and equipment. Mr. Matsuo described the diversity of institutions and companies working at the park, both public and private. He explained how services at the park can provide support for small and medium sized enterprises, start-up companies and entrepreneurs. Facilities include office space, labs for research and development activities, and conference and meeting spaces.

The Committee was taken on a tour of the KRP, and shown some of the lab equipment that is available at low cost and per-per-use for tenants. Mr. Matsuo explained that the success of the Park can be seen in the economic performance of its tenants and the active engagement of its 400 tenants. The daytime population of the park is 4,400 people. 95% of the funds for operating the KRP come from tenancy fees; the rest comes from government grants.

During their visit to Japan, the delegation was able to promote Canada’s interests and explore with Japanese counterparts the opportunities for further collaboration in many different areas, whether trade, security, the environment, research, or people-to-people relations. Delegates returned with a better understanding of ways that Canadian-Japanese collaboration can be promoted and of how to deal with the key issues affecting peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region. On behalf of the delegation, the Co-Chairs extended their gratitude to their Japanese hosts for a welcoming and successful bilateral meeting. The Co-Chairs also extended an invitation to the Japanese delegation in the hope that they will send a delegation to Canada in 2018 for the 21st Bilateral Meeting.

Respectfully submitted,