Former Ambassador Joseph Caron Appointed Distinguished Fellow of Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Vancouver, BC – June 30, 2010 - The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada today announced the appointment of Joseph Caron as a Distinguished Fellow of the Foundation. Mr. Caron is the Former High Commissioner to India, Ambassador to China and Japan. 

“Joseph Caron has long been a close friend and supporter of the Foundation,” APF Canada President and CEO Yuen Pau Woo said.  “We are fortunate to be able to draw on Mr. Caron’s extensive experience as one of Canada’s most accomplished diplomats.”

As Distinguished Fellow, Mr. Caron will offer input and advice to assist the Foundation’s mission of building strong relations between Canada and Asia, drawing on his knowledge and experience as a leading public policy figure. He will be assisting the Foundation on the establishment of a Canadian Centre on Contemporary Asia.

Joseph Caron joined the Trade Commissioner Service in 1972, and served abroad in Saigon and Ankara.  In 1975, he began Japanese language studies, and subsequently served three times at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, including as Minister and Head of Chancery.  During the 1980s, he undertook private sector assignments involving China, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan.  In Ottawa, he has held several positions related to Asian and international economic affairs, including G8 summitry.  In 1998, he became Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia Pacific and Africa, and served as Canada’s Senior Official for Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation. Until 2005, Mr. Caron served as Canada’s Ambassador to China, with concurrent accreditation to North Korea and Mongolia. From 2005 to 2008, he was Canada’s Ambassador to Japan.  In 2008, Mr. Caron was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Meiji Gakuin University.

From August 2008 to June 2010, Mr. Caron was High Commissioner to the Republic of India, with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal and the Kingdom of Bhutan. Mr. Caron retired from government in June, 2010. He will pursue his interests in Canada-Asia relations through consulting, public speaking and teaching.

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About APF Canada
The Asia Pacific Foundation is an independent resource for Canadians on contemporary Asia and Canada-Asia relations. As a national not-for-profit organization established by an Act of the Federal Parliament in 1984, the Foundation brings together people and knowledge to provide the most current and comprehensive research, analysis and information on Asia and on Canada’s transpacific relations. It promotes dialogue on economic, security, political and social issues, helping to inform public policy, the Canadian public and Canada’s Asia practitioners. The Foundation is funded principally through an endowment from the Government of Canada and by corporate and individual donors.

For additional information, please contact:

Trang Nguyen
Communications Manager
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Tel: 604-630-1540
Email: trang.nguyen@asiapacific.ca