Canadian delegation gains firsthand insight into the CAF’s Indo-Pacific engagement
Press Release
From April 16 to 20, a delegation of Canadian defence stakeholders visited Manila with a clear objective: to observe, engage, and understand.
Led by the Stakeholder Engagement Team (SET) from the Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) (ADM(PA)), in collaboration with the Canadian Defence Attaché team at the Canadian Embassy in Manila, the engagement was attended by Ms. Geneviève Binet, the Department of National Defence’s Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs), along with other stakeholders. The session was part of the Defence Team’s broader efforts to foster a better understanding of Canada’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific region among academia and domestic think tanks.
Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) Geneviève Binet and delegation members meet with the Philippine Coast Guard during an engagement in Manila.
Over five days, participants engaged with key Philippine partners, highlighting the strength of Canada–Philippines defence relations. Discussions addressed regional security dynamics in the South China Sea, referred to in the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea. During these visits connections were made with the National Security Council, the Presidential Office on Maritime Concerns, the Presidential Advisor on Maritime Concerns, the Secretary of National Defence, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the AFP Chief for Gender and Development, and the Philippine Coast Guard.
The group also visited the Canadian Embassy in Manila, engaged with members of the Canadian Forces College National Security Programme, and met with Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members participating in Exercise BALIKATAN as members of the targeting cell, where they contribute to operational planning alongside regional partners. They also had opportunity to visit His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown, which was deployed in the region supporting Operation HORIZON and participating in Exercise BALIKATAN, where the group gained further insight into Canada’s role in multinational operations and its maritime capabilities.
Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) Geneviève Binet and delegation members visit HMCS Charlottetown during Exercise BALIKATAN.
“As the Assistant Deputy Minister for Public Affairs, one of my key responsibilities is to help tell the CAF’s story to the Canadian public,” said Ms. Binet.
That story highlights Canada’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, guided by cooperation, stability, and respect for international law, in partnership with countries such as the Philippines.
“We need to explain to Canadians the importance of this region, and the important work the CAF is doing here to help ensure security and stability, working with key partners like the Philippines,” she said.
“There is no substitute for being present on the ground and seeing with one’s own eyes the work of the CAF and hearing directly from our international partners their perspectives on defence collaboration,” Ms. Binet added.
Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Affairs) Geneviève Binet meets with the Head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Gender and Development Office during an engagement in Manila.
The visit also underscored the importance of informed public discussion in Canada. Direct exposure to operations and international partnerships supports more accurate research, teaching, and public dialogue on Canada’s role abroad.
This marked the first Indo-Pacific visit under the renewed Stakeholder Familiarization Visits Program, a key initiative within ADM(PA)’s SET mandate. Its timing coincided with Canada’s participation in Exercise BALIKATAN and recent defence developments between Canada and the Philippines.
For Ms. Binet, the objective is clear: help Canadians better understand where and how their armed forces are engaged abroad.