Canada's Stance: Not a Single Soldier Dispatched to Iraq

Canada shares a land border with the United States, its neighbor. For ages, the two nations have fostered cooperation in all aspects—politics, economics, and culture—encompassing the movement of people, goods, and capital. Due to this geographical proximity, Canada's relationship with the U.S., particularly in trade, is marked by special agreements that deepen their close ties. It may come as a surprise, but Canada has not dispatched a single soldier to the U.S. war in Iraq, a conflict that has become a quagmire.
The Asia Society (Mainichi Shimbun), an organization with a long history, recently hosted a lecture at the Imperial Hotel in June, inviting Canadian Ambassador to Japan, Joseph Caron, to speak on the theme "The Future of Japan-Canada Relations." Naturally, questions regarding the Iraq War were raised.

Canada's Position Towards Its Neighbor, the United States

I, the author, who was in attendance, asked directly: "Canada has a very close relationship with the United States, yet it has not sent a single soldier to Iraq. Does this cause any friction with America?" Ambassador Caron responded firmly, stating, "Canada's relationship with the U.S. is indeed close, even more so than with Japan. Partly due to geography, we are integrated in a stronger economic sense." He continued, "While we have such a strong relationship, differences in perspective naturally arise. Both are democratic nations. National decisions are made reflecting the opinions of the people..."
Touching upon Japan-U.S. relations, he added, "Japan may make decisions considering its relationship with the U.S., but I believe the degree of influence differs between Japan and Canada. Ultimately, as democratic nations, it is necessary to fulfill our own obligations and reflect the will of our people." In reality, Japan often hesitates to state what is obvious to the United States. The Ambassador's words underscore the importance of recognizing the fundamental principles of a democracy.

Japan and Canada are Bound by a Strong Relationship

On this occasion, let me share some essential facts about Canada. Its land area, at approximately 10 million square kilometers, is larger than that of the United States (about 9.63 million sq km), which is about 26 times the size of Japan (a mere 378,000 sq km). While the U.S. population is 300 million, Canada's is only 32 million. According to specific figures provided by Canadian Ambassador to Japan, Joseph Caron, 6% of Japan's food imports come from Canada. Ten percent of the energy used in Japan is produced using uranium from Canada. Furthermore, 30% of new individual homes built in Japan use Canadian lumber. Interestingly, about 10% of Japanese students studying abroad choose Canada.
Looking at agricultural production worldwide, Canada ranks among the top nations, alongside the U.S. and China. Canada's relationship with Japan, encompassing food and energy, continues to strengthen. This is a crucial point that should not be overlooked. I hope you will take an interest in Canada.