[Friends for decades] Korea and Canada celebrate their 60th with a common vision

Tamara Mawhinney may be new to Korea, but she's into all things Korean. The chargée d'affaires of the Canada Embassy wears a modern version of hanbok, Korean traditional dress, to events she attends in Seoul to promote Canada’s interests...

Tamara Mawhinney, chargée d'affaires of Canada to Korea, speaks with the Korea JoongAng Daily and the JoongAng Ilbo at the Canadian Embassy in Seoul on Jan. 10. [KANG JUNG-HYUN]

Tamara Mawhinney may be new to Korea, but she's into all things Korean.

The chargée d'affaires of the Canadian Embassy wears a modern version of hanbok, Korean traditional dress, to events she attends in Seoul to promote Canada’s interests. She likes to listen to “Dynamite” and “Butter” by BTS, and enjoys abalone, a go-to nutritional food source for Koreans for centuries.

Mawhinney was appointed last August to serve as the head of the mission until the next ambassador is appointed. The former ambassador concluded his tenure in Seoul in May.

Her job has focused on the celebration of the 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

As the first woman to head the Canadian diplomatic mission in Seoul since the two countries officially established ties in January 1963, Mawhinney was recently joined by two more women to celebrate the the diamond jubilee.

Tamara Mawhinney, chargee d'affaires of Canada to Korea, left, celebrates the 60th annivesary of Canada-Korea relations with Foreign Minister Park Jin at the Canadian Embassy in Seoul on Jan. 12. [PARK SANG-MOON]

Korea’s champion figure skater Kim Yuna and “Kim’s Convenience” actor Jean Yoon were asked by the foreign ministries of Canada and Korea to be honorary ambassadors to mark the anniversary.

They will be reminding the world of values shared by Canadians and Koreans and the intersection points of the two countries, such as when missionaries from Canada came to live among the locals in the 19th century, or when nearly 26,800 Canadians came to fight for Korea 1950-53, or even today, as tens of of thousands of Korean students in Canada make up one of the largest international student bodies in the country.

Those values are anchored in the Indo-Pacific strategies of Canada and Korea, said Mawhinney. The nations' strategies were announced a month apart at the end of last year.

“Both strategies are clearly anchored on an emphasis on environment, climate change, freedom, prosperity, support for democracy, and, of course, security,” she told the Korea JoongAng Daily and JoongAng Ilbo on Jan. 10. “They are long standing elements in our relationship with Korea, and that's not going to change.”

To hear more about Canada-Korea relations, such as their cooperation on critical minerals and supply chains or working out China’s intentions in the Indo-Pacific region, the Korea JoongAng Daily and the JoongAng Ilbo sat down with Mawhinney at the Canadian Embassy.

The following are edited excerpts of the interview.

Tamara Mawhinney, chargee d'affaires of Canada to Korea, left, with champion figure skater Kim Yuna at a special ceremony to appoint Kim as the honorary ambassador of Canada to Korea on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the two countries' relations on Dec. 12, 2022. [YONHAP]

Q : Canada announced its Indo-Pacific strategy in November, a month before Korea did. Would you say the Canadian strategy indicates a shift away from the Atlantic region?

A : I would like to emphasize that it’s not a zero-sum game. We’re not shifting our attention from one area to another, but trying to make sure that our diplomacy in Europe reflects our Indo-Pacific posture as well. The strategy is about trying to anchor the Indo-Pacific posture sustainably to ensure Canada is a long-time loyal partner for the Indo-Pacific.

Q : One of the key differences between the strategies of Canada and Korea seems to be their approach to China.

A : We were perhaps a bit more forthright in describing our relationship with China. I don't think we ever expected Korea to set out their relationships in the same way, you're in a different neighborhood, you face a different context. So you're naturally going to approach the strategy in a different way.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ahead of their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China on Aug. 31, 2016. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Q : Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy highlights its cooperation with Korea on critical minerals. Any updates on this front?

A : Canada has many of the critical minerals that are now used to make batteries for EVs, and the government is in the process of seeking to help producers and processors scale up production. During President Yoon [Suk Yeol]’s visit to Canada last September, the leaders agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals used in electric vehicle batteries as both countries seek to cut emissions to fight climate change. Earlier last year, LG Energy Solution and Stellantis agreed to build Canada’s first large-scale battery manufacturing facility in Windsor, Ontario, a $5 billion joint venture. Posco is also engaged with GM on a $500 million partnership to produce cathode active materials in Bécancour, Quebec. We look forward to more of the absolutely natural partnerships between Korea and Canada on this front.

Q : Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas) is participating in a major liquified natural gas (LNG) project in Canada. Can you tell us more?

A : The government of Canada is working to deliver a clean and affordable energy future. LNG has a role in the global energy transition, where it can be used to displace higher emitting energy sources while ensuring energy security. The $40 billion LNG Canada project is the largest infrastructure project of its kind in Canada. Phase 1 is expected to come into service in 2025, while Phase 2, which is in the planning phase, would aim to double production to 28 million tons of LNG per year. Kogas is a partner in the LNG Canada project and will receive a share of its production to support South Korea’s energy security. We are certain that the coal displacement potential of Canadian LNG would result in significant net reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions.

The marine offloading facility at the LNG Canada site is pictured, in Kitimat, Canada, September 2022. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Q : Canada was one of the top destinations for Koreans not only for studying but also for short-term working experiences before the pandemic. What is Canada’s immigration policy for the next few years?

A : The pandemic has given us an opportunity to take stock and reflect on our policies. Immigration is one of the main drivers of diversity in Canada, and as of last year almost a quarter of Canada’s people are immigrants or permanent residents, the largest share in our history. In 2021, we welcomed the most newcomers, 405,000, in a single year. Our target for 2025 is to have 500,000 new permanent residents in the country.

Q : Honorary ambassador and actor Jean Yoon is best known for her role as Umma in the Canadian TV series “Kim’s Convenience.” Do you think the series has been an accurate depiction of the lives of many Koreans, and Asians, in Canada?

A : I wouldn't want to speak on behalf of Asian-Canadians. But it was novel to put Asian-Canadians right at the center of the story, which was originally a play before it became a TV show. There has been some talk about the accents used in the show, but to some extent, everyone in Canada has an accent. In the embassy here, we have people who were born outside of Canada, like one person who was born in Romania and lived in Milan before coming to Canada, and another who was born in the Soviet Union and emigrated to Montreal and grew up attending a French-speaking school.

A scene from "Kim's Convenience." [YONHAP]

Q : How is the country dealing with recent cases of Asian hate crimes?

A : In Canada, we believe that the diversity of our population is a great source of strength, and that diverse communities experience better social cohesion, greater respect for human rights, and notable economic, civic and cultural benefits. Multiculturalism is enshrined in law and given explicit recognition in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

But we are by no means a perfect society, and combating anti-Asian discrimination and racism is a national priority.

Q : Canada has taken pride in the diversity of its peoples. Can you tell us more about what's being done on the state and community levels to try to ensure this identity is sustainable?

A : In the Global Affairs Department, we have a new anti-racism secretariat set up and there's been a real commitment to try and match our words with deeds. Our diplomatic service is still not a perfect reflection of Canadian demographics and we have a long way to go.

And I think another element that really spurred greater reflection were the renewed revelations on the residential schools and finding the unmarked graves. [Graves were discovered in 2021, bringing to light the harsh realities indigenous children faced when they were forced into boarding schools far from home to assimilate them into Western culture between the 1830s and 1990s.] Those discoveries, for the Westerners, have been discoveries, but the indigenous populations would say, 'We've been telling you this all this time.'

We made a national statement at the Human Rights Council dedicated to the issue of residential schools in June 2021, and it was a bit of a watershed moment. If there's one thing clear – there’s been a real commitment to reconciliation.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Assembly of First Nations national chief RoseAnne Archibald wipe tears as they take part in the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, honouring the lost children and survivors of Indigenous residential schools, during an event at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 30, 2022. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

━ Timeline of Canada-Korea relations

Late 19th century

Cover of "Pilgrim's Progress" published in 1895, translated by Canadian missionary Gale and his wife, with the help of Korean Lee Chang-jik. [NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREAN CONTEMPORARY HISTORY]

More than 180 Canadian missionaries were present in Joseon, the last dynastic kingdom of Korea. They included James Scarth Gale, the first Canadian to arrive in Korea, in 1888. Famous in Korea for his creation of the first Korean-English dictionary, he also prepared the first Korean translation of the Christian Bible, and wrote the first substantial English-language history of Korea.

There were also Oliver R. Avison, who led the establishment of a larger, more modern hospital and medical college, which eventually became the Severance Medical College and Hospital, and Francis William Schofield, a Canadian missionary, and the only Westerner buried in the patriots’ section of the Korean National Cemetery for his ardent support of the Samil Independence Movement in 1919.

1947-49 Commencement of official relations Canada participated in United Nations Temporary Commission on Korea (UNTCOK) to oversee the first free elections in Korea.

Voters cast their ballots in the general election held in Korea on May 10, 1948. [JOONGANG PHOTO]

1950-53 Canadians in the Korean War Canada answered the United Nations Security Council’s call to members of the UN to assist South Korea to repel North Korea's armed attack and restore peace and security in the area, sending 26,791 military men and women. The first to be committed on the ground was the Princess Patrician Light Infantry’s Second Battalion, which started arriving in December 1950. A total of 516 Canadian soldiers died during the war, and another 1,235 were injured or went missing.

Remains of John Robert Cormier, a Canadian veteran of the 1950-53 Korean War, laid to rest at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan on June 21, 2022. [SONG BONG-GEUN]

1963 Official ties established Canada and Korea established diplomatic ties on Jan. 14, 1963. The Korean Embassy in Canada opened in 1965 with Paek Son-yop as Korea’s first ambassador in residence. Korea opened a consulate general in Vancouver in 1970. Canada opened its embassy in Korea in October 1973. John Stiles was appointed Canada’s first ambassador in residence to Korea the next year.

1981 Exchange of visits Pierre Trudeau became the first Canadian prime minister to visit Korea from Sept. 27 to 29, 1981. A year later, Korean President Chun Doo Hwan visited Canada, the first Korean president to do so. By the time of his visit, Korea had opened consulates in Toronto and Montreal.

Prime Minister Nam Duck-woo, right, welcomes Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau to Korea on Sept. 27, 1981. [E-HISTORY KOREA]

2015 Canada-ROK Free Trade Agreement

President Park Geun-hye, right, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Joseph Harper speak to the press in Seoul after they sign the free trade agreement at the Blue House in Seoul on March 11, 2014. [EMBASSY OF CANADA IN KOREA]

A free trade agreement between Canada and Korea went into effect in January 2015. The trade agreement, negotiated over 10 years, was the first that Canada signed with an Asian country. Two years later, Canada and Korea signed a Science, Technology and Innovation Agreement.

2022 Bilateral relations upgraded During President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Ottawa in September 2022, Canada and Korea elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In November, Canada launched its Indo-Pacific Strategy, which was followed a month later by Korea. Yoon invited Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Korea the next year in time for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, left, shakes hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after their press conference in Ottawa on Sept. 23, 2022. [YONHAP]

2023 Anniversary of 60 years To celebrate the anniversary, the Canadian Embassy in Seoul plans to organize cultural events throughout the year including an exchange of Canadian and Korean artists through the Arts Council Korea and Canada Council, the presentation of a Canadian pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale, and the inclusion of Canadian works at the Seoul International Book Festival in June. Canada will be the host nation of an international pride film festival in Seoul in November.

BY ESTHER CHUNG [chung.juhee@joongang.co.kr]