Diplomatic relations between Canada and the Philippines were established in 1949 when Canada established a trade mission in Manila. The Philippines first established its diplomatic presence in Canada when it opened a consulate in Vancouver in May 1956. The Philippine embassy in Ottawa was later opened on 1 March 1971. The Canadian trade mission was formally upgraded into an embassy in 1972. In November 1996, Canadian Prime Minister, Jean Chrétien, paid a visit to the Philippines to attend the 8th APEC Summit in Manila. In November 1997, Philippine President, Fidel V. Ramos, paid a visit to Canada to attend the 9th APEC Summit in Vancouver. President Ramos was also accorded a state visit after the APEC summit by Prime Minister Chrétien. In 2012, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper paid an official visit to the Philippines and met with President Benigno Aquino III. In May 2015, President Aquino paid a state visit to Canada. In November 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid a visit to the Philippines to attend the 27th APEC Summit. The national interests of both countries align on many issues, which have resulted in regular collaboration in the multilateral system, such as ASEAN, United Nations, APEC, and the World Trade Organization. Canada supports efforts by the Philippines to advance inclusive and accountable governance, diversity, human rights, and the rule of law. Both countries work closely to maintain international peace and security. Joint efforts include responding to threats posed by international terrorist groups; discouraging the use of child soldiers by armed groups; combatting human smuggling and instances of online sexual exploitation of children; and improving biosecurity. In 2019, both nations celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations.
As of 2018, there were more than 901,218 people of Filipino origin in Canada. This number comprises almost 2.6% of Canada’s national population. In 2017, remittances from Filipinos in Canada totaled US$644 million dollars, up 12.6% from 2016. Filipinos are the third largest minority in Canada, behind Indian and Chinese nationals.
Resident diplomatic missions
Canada has an embassy in Manila.
Philippines has an embassy in Ottawa and consulates-general in Calgary, Toronto and Vancouver.
