"After spending several years examining how Canadian provincial engagement with Asia from multiple angles and leading various policy-focused projects on the topic, we teamed up to tell a new narrative of the critical role Canadian provinces play in international relations and foreign policy."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
"After spending several years examining how Canadian provincial engagement with Asia from multiple angles and leading various policy-focused projects on the topic, we teamed up to tell a new narrative of the critical role Canadian provinces play in international relations and foreign policy."
Dr. Scott Harrison
Connecting Histories, Shaping Futures
Canadian provinces are increasingly active in international affairs, particularly in the Asia Pacific. While Canada’s foreign policy has traditionally been viewed as the domain of the federal government, provinces are engaging directly with Asian markets through trade offices, diplomatic missions, and regional partnerships. This study by Charles Labrecque and Scott Harrison explores how economic imperatives, dissatisfaction with federal policies, and the shifting global landscape have driven provinces to develop independent international strategies. As Asia’s economic influence grows, understanding the role of Canada’s provinces in shaping foreign relations is essential to grasping the country’s evolving global engagement.
Canadian provinces are increasingly active in international affairs, particularly in the Asia Pacific. While Canada’s foreign policy has traditionally been viewed as the domain of the federal government, provinces are engaging directly with Asian markets through trade offices, diplomatic missions, and regional partnerships. This study by Charles Labrecque and Scott Harrison explores how economic imperatives, dissatisfaction with federal policies, and the shifting global landscape have driven provinces to develop independent international strategies. As Asia’s economic influence grows, understanding the role of Canada’s provinces in shaping foreign relations is essential to grasping the country’s evolving global engagement.
Key Insights
Canadian provinces are no longer passive actors in foreign policy; they are actively engaging with the Asia Pacific (and globally) through trade missions, independent diplomatic efforts, and regional partnerships. Economic imperatives drive their involvement as they seek to attract investment, expand market access, and foster direct relationships with Asian counterparts. Provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec (and Saskatchewan since writing this piece) have opened trade offices in major Asian cities, while others have developed Asia-specific strategies to enhance economic ties.
Traditionally, Canada’s international relations were led by the federal government, but dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s approach—particularly during periods of disengagement—has pushed provinces to take matters into their own hands. The rise of paradiplomacy, where subnational governments conduct international affairs, reflects a broader shift in global governance and diplomacy. This trend is likely to continue, suggesting that future Canada-Asia relations will be increasingly shaped not just by federal diplomacy but by the proactive engagement of provinces and other non-central government actors.
Key Insights
Canadian provinces are no longer passive actors in foreign policy; they are actively engaging with the Asia Pacific (and globally) through trade missions, independent diplomatic efforts, and regional partnerships. Economic imperatives drive their involvement as they seek to attract investment, expand market access, and foster direct relationships with Asian counterparts. Provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec (and Saskatchewan since writing this piece) have opened trade offices in major Asian cities, while others have developed Asia-specific strategies to enhance economic ties.
Traditionally, Canada’s international relations were led by the federal government, but dissatisfaction with Ottawa’s approach—particularly during periods of disengagement—has pushed provinces to take matters into their own hands. The rise of paradiplomacy, where subnational governments conduct international affairs, reflects a broader shift in global governance and diplomacy. This trend is likely to continue, suggesting that future Canada-Asia relations will be increasingly shaped not just by federal diplomacy but by the proactive engagement of provinces and other non-central government actors.
View Article
Despite the significant role non-central government actors in Canada play in international affairs, particularly with relations within Asia, relatively few serious studies have been written on the topic. Labrecque and Harrison teamed up to take their data and historical, policy, and theoretical research on Canadian provincial engagement with Asia to produce this unique article.
Charles-Louis Labrecque and Scott Harrison. “Canadian Provinces and Foreign Policy in Asia.” International Journal Vol. 73, no. 3 (September 2018): 429-448.
View Article
Despite the significant role non-central government actors in Canada play in international affairs, particularly with relations within Asia, relatively few serious studies have been written on the topic. Labrecque and Harrison teamed up to take their data and historical, policy, and theoretical research on Canadian provincial engagement with Asia to produce this unique article.
Charles-Louis Labrecque and Scott Harrison. “Canadian Provinces and Foreign Policy in Asia.” International Journal Vol. 73, no. 3 (September 2018): 429-448.
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Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
Latest projects
Asia/Indo-Pacific
Japan-Canada Research and Policy Network
Exploring new horizons in trade, diplomacy, media and innovation
Indigenous Internationalism
Indigenous Reconciliation in Canada, Taiwan, and Japan
Cross-Pacific Indigenous connections, cultural revitalization, policy reform, and pathways to justice
