Canada's lack of Indo-Pacific strategy leaves business in the dark: book

OTTAWA -- Business leaders and former diplomats are pushing the Trudeau government to finally release its long-awaited strategy for the Indo-Pacific region.

A new book urges the Liberals to outline its friends, foes and priorities in the region spanning India to British Columbia.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said this spring that a strategy was imminent, but her office still has no timeline for when it will be released.

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Business Council of Canada head Goldy Hyder writes that industries are losing out because there is no national plan for which countries they should target or avoid.

Former diplomats argue Canada needs to explain its balance between human rights and trade in countries such as China.

They note Australia has set targets for corporate boards to have knowledge of Asian countries and languages.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2022.

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  Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada Melanie Joly addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, at the U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)