Canada's ambassador to Japan declares formal membership of GCAP and also announces that the Japan-Canada Economic Security Dialogue will be held within the year

Canadian Ambassador to Japan Ian MacKay gave an interview to Jiji Press in Tokyo on the 10th. Regarding the joint development of the next fighter jet between Japan, the UK, and Italy, of which Canada participated as an observer in July, he stated that Canada's ultimate goal is to become an official member, saying, ``Canada can contribute with its outstanding technological advancements in aircraft, as well as its radar and satellite operation systems.''

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The ``Global Combat Aviation Program (GCAP)'', a joint development project for the next generation of fighter jets being promoted by Japan, the UK, and Italy, is expected to develop into strengthening and expanding the security networks of democratic countries. McKay stressed that as many countries increase their defense spending, "it's important that we better understand what our allies are doing and how we can work together to build the best technology."

Mr. McKay also announced that he plans to hold vice-ministerial-level talks with Japan in the capital, Ottawa, by the end of the year to address economic security in light of China's hegemonic moves. This will be the first meeting of the Economic Security Dialogue, which the Japanese and Canadian leaders agreed to establish at their March meeting.

"Canada has energy resources such as oil and natural gas, as well as important mineral resources. Japan brings capital, technology and supply chain expertise," he said. "We are working closely at research, business and intergovernmental levels to strengthen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity," he said.

Mr. McKay also serves as special envoy for the Indo-Pacific region. "One of the important pillars of the Indo-Pacific strategy is the strengthening and sustained development of regional defense and security cooperation. We started with Japan as our base and have been very successful," he asserted. The two countries are increasing their involvement in maintaining maritime order in the Arctic region through the development of icebreakers and new technology, and he said, ``We sincerely hope that Japan will participate'' in Canada's annual military exercises in the region.

◇Mr. Ian McKay

Mr. Ian McKay Born in Canada in 1963. He began working in the financial industry in 1987, and has held positions including senior policy advisor to the Canadian federal government and CEO of the Vancouver Economic Council. Ambassador of Canada to Japan from 2021. Since 2023, he has also served as special envoy for the Indo-Pacific region. He first came to Japan in 1980 while still in high school, and has spent a total of 16 years in Japan, including a stay in Ikeda, Hokkaido, a sister city to his hometown of Penticton, British Columbia.