Prime Minister Receives Courtesy Call from the New High Commissioner of Canada to Fiji

Prime Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, received a courtesy call from the new non-resident High Commissioner of Canada to Fiji, Her Excellency Joanne Lemay, at the Office of the Prime Minister this morning (12/04/22).

Prime Minister Bainimarama congratulated High Commissioner Lemay on her new diplomatic role and relayed the assurance of the Fijian Government of its interest in enhancing Canada and Fiji’s partnership in our mutual priorities.

The Prime Minister acknowledged Fiji and Canada’s ongoing cooperation in areas of Climate Change and Oceans, which are issues of utmost importance for Fiji and the region’s development.

Canada’s support to Fiji in times of great need was recognised, notably through humanitarian assistance and the COVAX facility.

The Prime Minister said Fiji is grateful to its development partners like Canada for their support that complements Fiji’s commitment to economic recovery and national prosperity.

He reaffirmed Fiji’s solidarity with Canada on the advancement of shared aspirations for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery, and collectively addressing common challenges imposed by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting highlighted Canada’s intent to establish a diplomatic mission in Fiji and the importance of this venture in realising the maximum potential of Fiji-Canada relations, which have continued to strengthen over the years.

The Prime Minister conveyed the Fijian Government’s best wishes to High Commissioner Lemay as she assumes her new role and expressed confidence that during her tenure, cooperation between Fiji and Canada would elevate to new levels.

In response, High Commissioner Lemay thanked Prime Minister Bainimarama for the opportunity to meet in person and expressed her appreciation to the Fijian Government for the warm welcome and assistance in facilitating her official visit to Fiji.

She said, “Even when the global pandemic hindered the ability for Canada and Fiji to undertake in-person engagements such as this, Fiji and Canada have continued to work together to address shared global challenges including climate change, oceans, sustainable development, as well as supporting the rules-based international order.”

“Canada wishes to be an engaged and constructive partner for Fiji and the Pacific Island countries, and is committed to play a meaningful role in global action on the issues mentioned above. The colleagues in my team and I look forward to visiting regularly and learning more about Fiji’s perspectives and to contribute to these efforts.”

High Commissioner Lemay mentioned that through the High Commission of Canada in Wellington, Canada has continued to support small-scale community development projects in Fiji through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI or locally known as the “Canada Fund”). Canada has supported the Ministry of Agriculture’s project “Enhancing food security through a stable and accessible supply chain for seeds and planting material in Fiji”.

High Commissioner Lemay looks forward to attending the inauguration of the Smart Greenhouse this week with Prime Minister Bainimarama.

Canada recognises that climate change is an existential threat and therefore, it has joined partners such as Australia, France, the European Union, and New Zealand in the Pacific regional initiative, known as the Kiwa initiative.

“This climate finance contribution from Canada to the initiative assists the Pacific region in adapting to the effects of climate change, protect biodiversity, and increase resilience through the financing of projects in areas such as climate change adaptation and mitigation, ocean governance, and the environment.”

“Guided by Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada has continued to cooperate with international partners on impactful projects, such as the Pacific Island Markets for Change Project delivered by UN Women, which supports female merchants in rural and urban markets by ensuring that markets provide safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment,” High Commissioner Lemay said.