The top diplomats of Jamaica and Canada convened for productive bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Women Foreign Ministers Meeting hosted by Global Affairs Canada. The discussions involved Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The ministers emphasized the significance of Jamaica-Canada relations, exploring avenues to enhance collaboration in trade, investment, security, immigration, international student concerns, travel ease, and labor mobility. They also addressed pressing developments in Haiti.

In an effort to engage the Jamaican Diaspora, the bilateral talks included a ‘meet and greet’ roundtable with representatives from academia, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and philanthropic groups in Toronto. This interaction aimed to deepen connections and share insights on issues affecting the community.

Minister Johnson Smith also held discussions with Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Cooperation. They focused on Canada’s support for Jamaica and the Caribbean in post-Beryl recovery, as well as initiatives related to climate resilience and funding. Potential collaborations in capacity building and training were also explored.

Expressing optimism after the meetings, Minister Johnson Smith highlighted the mutual interests of both nations. “Our focus is on creating tangible opportunities, particularly by boosting trade and investment and facilitating mobility for Jamaicans and Canadians,” she stated. “The government is committed to building on successful trade missions that have fostered key sector agreements, such as in film.”

Additionally, Minister Johnson Smith engaged with the broader Jamaican Diaspora community and members of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council during a town hall meeting hosted by Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Canada, Marsha Coore Lobban, and Consul-General Kurt Davis. She provided updates on the 10th Jamaica Biennial Diaspora Conference and acknowledged the significant contributions of the Diaspora to nation-building in both countries.

Invited to Canada as a co-chair of the two-day Women Foreign Ministers Meeting, Johnson Smith focused on enhancing women’s roles in political leadership and governance and addressing the impacts of disinformation. After her engagements in Toronto, she departed for New York to join Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.