Canada–Jamaica relations

Canada and Jamaica established diplomatic relations in 1962. Both countries are full members of the Organization of American States^[1] and of the Commonwealth of Nations.^[2]

There are 231,000 people of Jamaican descent living in Canada. Jamaican-Canadians celebrate their island heritage through festivals held in major cities across Canada, the most recognized of which is Caribana. Caribana is held in Toronto, Ontario every year and attracts over one million visitors to the region, many of whom fly all the way from Jamaica.

Canada also has an agreement with the Jamaican government to allow the Canadian Forces a staging area to move troops and supplies for humanitarian assistance and possible anti-terrorism operations.^[3]

Resident diplomatic missions

Since March 4, 1963, Canada maintains a high commission in Kingston that gives accreditation to the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos. Jamaica maintains a high commission in Ottawa.

On April 20, 2009, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper became the first Canadian head of government to address the Jamaican parliament.^[4]