Canada’s decision to establish a High Commission in Fiji is being welcomed by members of the Fijian community in southeastern Manitoba, who say the move strengthens diplomatic ties while offering practical support for Canadians abroad and Fijians with connections to Canada.
The new High Commission was officially opened this month in Fiji’s capital, Suva, marking a significant step in Canada’s diplomatic presence in the Pacific region. For Fijians living in Canada, including those in Steinbach and surrounding communities, the announcement carries both symbolic and real-world importance.
Isi Masi, a Fijian originally from Fiji who now lives in Steinbach, says the presence of a Canadian High Commission in Fiji will make a meaningful difference for travellers, residents, and families who move between the two countries.
“Yes, it means a great deal, I think,” Masi said.
Support for Canadians abroad
One of the primary roles of a High Commission is to provide consular services to citizens living or travelling overseas. Masi says that support will be especially helpful for Canadians in Fiji.
“For Canadians, either vacationing in Fiji or also Canadians living in Fiji, if they ever needed some services that would be one of the biggest help,” he said.
Masi says having an official Canadian presence in Fiji offers peace of mind, particularly in unexpected situations.
He points to common issues travellers face, including lost passports, medical emergencies, or confusion navigating local processes.
“Somebody could be travelling, they lose their passport and they need to [quickly] do something to get the passport in order to travel out of Fiji and back into Canada that the High Commission would be able to do that,” Masi said. “If people get sick and then they’re needing extra assistance on figuring things out, it’s nice to have the Commission out there to be able to answer questions.”
Local Fijian community in the Southeast
While larger Fijian populations are found in parts of British Columbia and Alberta, Masi says the Southeast Manitoba community, though smaller, remains close-knit.
“I think in the southeast, we’re close to maybe 100. So not that big, but it’s pretty big for us,” he said.
He notes that many Fijians in Canada maintain strong ties to their home country, often travelling back for family visits, business interests, or potential investments.
Strengthening Canada-Fiji relations
Masi believes the establishment of a High Commission signals Canada’s long-term commitment to Fiji and the broader Pacific region, particularly as Fiji continues to develop economically.
“Hopefully it continues to grow with Fiji being a third world country,” he said.
He says many Fijians see Canada as a place of opportunity and stability, which has contributed to migration over the years.
“That’s one of our biggest motivations, to be able to come and get a good life,” Masi said.
Beyond immigration, tourism remains a major connection between the two countries. Fiji is a popular destination for Canadians seeking warm weather and cultural experiences, and Masi says the High Commission adds reassurance for those travelling far from home.
“I think it’s a comfort to know that there’s a High Commission right in Fiji,” he said.
“So that would make it easy for or just the peace of mind for a lot of people as they travel away from home wondering what kind of help is out there, that’s nice to know for Canadians,” he added.
Official opening
The High Commission was officially opened by Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai, alongside Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade designate, Sakiasi Ditoka.
For Masi, the announcement is a reminder that even smaller communities in Canada are closely connected to global events.
As Canada expands its diplomatic footprint in the Pacific, members of the Fijian community in southeastern Manitoba say the move reinforces their connection to both countries and strengthens the bridge between home and abroad.
Photo Credit: facebook.com/FijiGovernment