Canada opens first Pacific Mission in Suva

Canada has opened its first High Commission in the Pacific Islands region, choosing Fiji as its base for deeper engagement.

The historic opening yesterday at the co-located British High Commission in Suva marks a significant upgrade in Canada-Fiji relations and positions Fiji as Canada’s gateway to the Pacific.

“This High Commission represents more than a physical presence, it’s a commitment to deeper engagement, closer cooperation, and long-term partnership, building on five decades of friendship and cooperation between our two countries,” said Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai.

The mission, is headed by High Commissioner Jennifer Lalonde, who arrived in October 2025, will coordinate Canada’s expanded engagement across the Pacific Islands region.

Canada has provided over $500 million in development assistance to Pacific Island countries since 2000, with recent commitments including $40 million over five years for regional development priorities.

Trade between the two nations reached $53m in 2024, nearly double the previous year. 

Mr Sarai said Canada aims to increase trade by 50 per cent within five years and 100 per cent within a decade.

The opening comes as tourism grows, with visitors from Fiji to Canada doubling from 10,000 to over 20,000 since Fiji Airways launched direct flights to Vancouver two years ago.

New Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka welcomed the development. He said it made dialogue on shared priorities like climate change much easier.

“Very glad that Canada has decided to come and establish its office here in Suva and it’s going to be certainly a mark for the region as well,” Mr Ditoka said.

More than 125,000 Canadians claim Fijian ancestry, creating strong people-to-people ties between the nations.