On March 12, President Noda Yoshihiko received a courtesy visit from Canadian Ambassador to Japan and Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Ian Gerard McKay. The meeting was also attended by International Department Director-General Kentaro Gemma and Deputy Director-General for Canada, International Department Director Yosuke Suzuki. 

Ambassador McKay explained that the ruling Liberal Party of Canada elected former Governor of the Bank of Canada Mark Carney as its leader on March 9, and that the new leader is expected to become Prime Minister in the near future. In response, President Noda mentioned that Carney has been highly regarded as Governor of the Bank of Canada, and expressed his expectations for Canadian politics.In addition, amid the growing trend toward protectionism, he emphasized the importance of Japan and Canada continuing to deepen their cooperative relationship from the standpoint of international cooperation. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views on the economy, energy, environmental policies, and other topics, including the G7 Summit to be held in Canada in June this year.