Canada and Asia: An Ambassador's Perspective

The Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies at SFU’s Beedie School of Business is pleased to host an armchair conversation featuring Joseph Caron, former Canadian Ambassador to China and Japan, and High Commissioner to India. His recently published account of serving as Ambassador to China offers a rare inside look into one of Canada’s most consequential diplomatic postings. He will be in conversation with Stewart Beck, Executive Lead of the LINC Asia Micro-Credential Program.

In this moderated discussion, Caron will reflect on his distinguished diplomatic career across Asia’s three major powers - China, Japan, and India. The conversation will explore what the role of an Ambassador truly demands, the complex geopolitical and bilateral issues he navigated, and both the differences and similarities in representing Canada across these countries.

As Canada continues to deepen its engagement with Asia amid shifting global trade dynamics, conversations like these offer candid insights into diplomacy at the highest level. They also provide valuable perspectives on what Canadian businesses and policymakers can learn from decades of direct experience on the ground.

• Life as Ambassador to China: What does the role entail, and what were the most complex issues Canada faced during his tenure from 2001 to 2005?
• Navigating China, Japan, and India: What are the key differences and similarities in representing Canada across Asia's biggest players?
• Geopolitical Realities on the Ground: How did bilateral relationships with these nations evolve, and what lessons remain relevant today?
• Canada's Asia Engagement: What should Canadian leaders understand about these countries that they often get wrong?
• A Career Shaped by Asia: From a farm in Southern Ontario to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo - what does a life in Asian diplomacy look like?

• Business leaders and practitioners exploring opportunities in Asia
• Policymakers, analysts, and advisors focused on Canada’s global strategy
• Students and professionals interested in Asia-Pacific business and policy
• Anyone considering enrollment in the LINC Asia Micro-credential Program

Former Canadian Ambassador to China, former Ambassador to Japan, and former High Commissioner to India

Joseph Caron brings nearly four decades of Canadian Foreign Service experience, with a career defined by deep engagement across Asia. He served as Canada's Ambassador to the People's Republic of China (2001–2005), with concurrent non-resident roles as Ambassador to Mongolia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Ambassador to Japan (2005–2008); and High Commissioner to India (2008–2010), with accreditation to Bhutan and Nepal.

In recognition of his contributions to the Canada-Japan relationship, the Government of Japan awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun in 2017. Following retirement from the Foreign Service, he contributed his expertise to Canadian businesses and boards, including Manulife Financial Corporation and Vancouver International Airport. Profile

Executive Lead, LINC Asia Micro-credential Program

Stewart Beck is one of Canada’s leading experts on Asia, with over four decades of experience as a diplomat, trade commissioner, and policy leader. As Executive Lead of the LINC Asia Micro-credential Program at the Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies, Beedie School of Business, SFU, he plays an active role in supporting education and outreach initiatives focused on Canada–Asia relations.

Previously, as President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, he championed Canada’s engagement with the region by convening thought leaders and fostering partnerships across sectors. His distinguished diplomatic career includes serving as Canada’s High Commissioner to India and Consul General in Shanghai and San Francisco. Mr. Beck has devoted much of his career to advancing Canada’s strategic interests and economic ties in the Indo-Pacific region. Profile

• 📅 Registration: Closes on June 02, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PDT
• 📍 Location: 4800, Segal Building, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C1W6
• 🎟️ Admission: Free | Light Lunch will be provided

The Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies at SFU’s Beedie School of Business is dedicated to fostering greater understanding between Canada and the Asia-Pacific region through education, research, and dialogue.

Led by Dr. Jing Li, Professor of International Business and Director of the Centre, the Jack Austin Centre serves as a hub for collaboration among academia, government, and industry. It leads initiatives such as the LINC Asia Micro-credential Program, which helps prepare the next generation of Canadian leaders to engage effectively with Asia’s dynamic markets and policy environments.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher SFU Beedie Jack Austin Centre