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Presented by SFU David Lam Centre

Japan-Canada research and policy speaker and network series

Join us as Trevor Kennedy, Business Council of Canada’s Vice President Indo-Pacific, discusses his personal and professional journey with Japan, their current work with the BCC and the Indo-Pacific, and the broader opportunities for strengthening Canada-Japan economic ties. The discussion will highlight how experiences in Japan can shape careers in policy and international affairs. The talk will also examine Canada’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific, including areas where collaboration with Japan can enhance regional partnerships. 

This talk is part of a new pilot project initiated by Dr. Scott Harrison, a research fellow at SFU's David Lam Centre for Asian Research, designed to create informal spaces for Japan-Canada dialogue and networking. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage in a grassroots initiative focused on enhancing Japan-Canada relations through diverse perspectives and informal exchanges. Supported by The Japan Foundation, this series will run from late March to May 2025. 

Speaker Bio

Trevor Kennedy, Vice President, Indo-Pacific – Business Council of Canada 

Based in Tokyo, Trevor leads the Council’s work on Canadian business trade and investment ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific. He advises and executes on trade policy initiatives and liaises with Canadian policymakers, foreign officials and international business networks representing key partners. 

Prior to joining the Council in 2016, Trevor was a Trade Policy Officer at Global Affairs Canada. He also worked with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada as a Junior Research Fellow focused on trade policy.  He has lived and worked in Japan with the Japan Exchange (JET) Programme and speaks Japanese.    

Trevor is a fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and is a member of the Canada-Korea Forum Steering Committee. He holds a Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Policy Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Thomas University, New Brunswick.