REGINA — In cities across Canada, several members of the public represent foreign countries as honorary consuls.
In Regina, André Boutin-Maloney serves as Japan’s honorary consul, helping to foster connections and strengthen working relationships.
“I help build educational connections like school, university or student exchange programs, and then also to work on economic and community relationships between Saskatchewan and Japan to encourage trade and investment.”
In his role, Boutin-Maloney said he’s part of any trade discussion between the province and Japan.
Boutin-Maloney said Japan sees Saskatchewan's natural resources as an asset.
“Agricultural products like canola, wheat, pulses, potash and fertilizer, other natural resources, like fuel, are coming up as a major investment piece.”
Boutin-Maloney added that lumber is another key resource for Japan.
Aiding local Japanese
The Japanese population in Saskatchewan stands at nearly 1,300 people, according to Statistics Canada's 2021 stats.
Boutin-Maloney said his duty is to ensure a good experience for all local Japanese and foreign nationals.
However, there are instances where foreigners may fall victim to scams.
“Before this role, I received a call from four Japanese students studying at the U of R, and they were attempting to take a flight somewhere. And they just searched online for a travel agent and found someone who was less than trustworthy, and they were scammed.”
The students managed to be reimbursed, but Boutin-Maloney said this shows how foreigners can be vulnerable.
“It can be hard when English is not their first language, and they're in a new area.”
To ensure these incidents don’t occur, Boutin-Maloney serves as a support system for foreigners.
“I can help answer their questions or guide them to the right people.”
He added, “If someone wants to open a business. The consulate can help navigate all the rules around it.”
New role and goals
Boutin-Maloney became Japan’s honorary consul in Regina effective April 1.
Obtaining the role requires various approvals, he said.
“There's a Japanese consulate in Calgary, and they cover 50 per cent of Canada: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and so I had to be recommended by them, approved by Tokyo and then the Canadian government has to approve this application as well.”
One of Boutin-Maloney's goals in his role is to see increased development in the future by increasing relationships.
“I want to plant those seeds right now, and then hopefully those blossom into something down the road.”
Boutin-Maloney is also hopeful to increase the visibility of Japanese people in the province.
