President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Sunday that the Philippines and Canada have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, marking a new phase in cooperation between the two countries and generating US$2.5 billion in investment commitments from Canadian companies.
In his post-visit statement, Marcos said his official visit to Vancouver, British Columbia, produced stronger cooperation in security, trade, energy, technology, and investment following meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, government officials, and business leaders.
“Tunay na naging matagumpay ang ating biyahe kung saan napag-sang-ayunan natin ang ilang mga inisiyatibo sa hanay ng gobyerno at ng pribadong sektor,” the President noted. “Hard work, though, does not end here. Patuloy tayong magsisikap upang ang ating nakamit at nasimulan sa Canada ay yayabong at madarama ng mas nakakaraming Pilipino.”
“I am pleased to report on the productive meetings that we have had with Canada’s top government officials and key economic players during our stay here in Vancouver, British Columbia,” the President said in his post-visit statement.
Marcos said he and Carney agreed to raise Philippine-Canada relations to a strategic partnership, describing the move as both a recognition of long-standing ties and a platform for deeper cooperation.
“Ushering in a new chapter in our ties with Canada, Prime Minister Carney and I announced the elevation of Philippine-Canada relations to a strategic partnership,” President Marcos said.
“This move, while reflective of the deep and strong bilateral relations that we have developed with Canada, also catalyzes our next steps towards the new phase of our relations in ensuring the sustained and dynamic growth of our bilateral ties,” the President added.
The President noted that nearly one million Filipinos now live in Canada, saying the visit aimed to expand cooperation in security, commerce, and other priority areas.
“I have tasked the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Teresa Lazaro, to work together with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand to create a plan of action focusing on joint initiatives that will help both our countries adapt to shifting global realities, address shared challenges, and build capacities for future-ready partnerships,” the President said.
Marcos said the Philippines and Canada also reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region and agreed to work together on shared regional priorities.
He thanked Canada for its continued support for the rules-based international order in the South China Sea, particularly under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“I also thank Prime Minister Carney for Canada’s vocal and consistent support in upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea, particularly on the basis of UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award,” President Marcos said.
“I convey the hope that as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Arbitral Award, Canada will continue to be one of the leading voices in upholding the award as an unassailable part of the corpus of international law,” the President added.
On the economic side, Marcos said his discussions with Canadian firms centered on mining, critical minerals, energy, information technology and business process management, and the digital economy.
He said talks with IT-BPM companies also covered possible artificial intelligence hubs and learning centers to help build AI skills for the global workforce.
Among the companies Marcos met were B2Gold Corporation, OceanaGold Corporation, TELUS Corporation, and NQX to discuss their investment plans in the Philippines.
“All these business engagements in the sectors of mining, critical minerals, energy, services, and IT-BPM resulted in a combined US$2.5 billion in investment from Canadian partners,” President Marcos announced.
The President said the investment pledges highlight the importance of concluding a free trade agreement between the Philippines and Canada.
“Thus, it is already timely that we presently are negotiating a free trade agreement with Canada, which we hope will further strengthen our economic cooperation once it enters into force,” President Marcos said.
Marcos also welcomed Canada’s participation in the Luzon Economic Corridor, saying Ottawa pledged an initial two million Canadian dollars to support infrastructure, supply chain, and clean energy projects.
He said he and Carney also witnessed the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on Energy and Natural Resources Cooperation, which aims to strengthen collaboration on energy security, sustainable economic growth, and resilient supply chains.
Marcos added that the Philippines and Canada agreed to deepen defense and security cooperation through existing agreements, including the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement.