Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Visit Canada as Trade and Security Ties Grow
Vancouver visit will focus on free trade, defence cooperation and strengthening Canada-Philippines relations
OTTAWA — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit Vancouver, British Columbia, from July 1 to 4, marking the first visit by a Philippine head of state to Canada in more than a decade.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the upcoming visit on June 26, describing it as an opportunity to deepen economic, security and cultural ties between the two countries at a time of growing cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.
The visit comes as Canada and the Philippines continue to expand their partnership through new defence agreements, growing trade and increased investment.
Growing Canada-Philippines Partnership
Canada and the Philippines have strengthened relations significantly over the past year, with cooperation extending across commerce, defence, energy and cultural exchanges.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Canadian direct investment in the Philippines has increased by more than 40 per cent over the past year.
In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached approximately $3.4 billion, making the Philippines Canada’s sixth-largest export market within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The relationship is further strengthened by Canada’s large Filipino Canadian community, which now approaches one million people nationwide.
Focus on Trade Agreements
A major focus of the visit will be ongoing negotiations toward a Canada-Philippines Free Trade Agreement.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss progress on a broader Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, with both negotiations targeted for completion during the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
Federal officials say expanded trade agreements could strengthen market access for Canadian businesses while creating new opportunities for investment and economic growth throughout Southeast Asia.
Expanding Defence and Security Cooperation
Canada and the Philippines have also deepened defence ties in recent months.
Earlier this month, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro visited Ottawa, becoming the first Philippine defence minister to visit Canada.
During that visit, the two countries signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation, laying the groundwork for closer military collaboration.
Prime Minister Carney and President Marcos are expected to discuss additional cooperation in maritime security, defence training and regional stability during the Vancouver meetings.
Cooperation Across Strategic Sectors
Beyond trade and defence, discussions will focus on strengthening partnerships in energy, critical minerals, tourism, food security and cultural exchanges.
Canada has recently expanded its presence in the Philippines through the establishment of an Export Development Canada office and an Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food office, reflecting Ottawa’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
The two leaders first met in person at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2025.
Strengthening Indo-Pacific Engagement
The upcoming visit underscores Canada’s efforts to diversify trade relationships and strengthen ties with partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Carney said the relationship between Canada and the Philippines is built on strong people-to-people connections and shared values.
“With the Filipino Canadian diaspora nearly one million strong, Canada and the Philippines are building up our partnership so it’s stronger and more expansive, and so it reflects the depth of our values,” Carney said.
The visit is expected to produce further discussions on economic cooperation, regional security and opportunities to expand collaboration between the two countries in the years ahead.
Source: Prime Minister’s Office, June 26, 2026.
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