At Canada Day celebration: High Commissioner lauds strong bilateral ties, shared values with Cameroon.

She was speaking in Yaounde during the annual ceremony organised every July 1 to celebrate Canada Day. The event, celebrated on the theme: “We are Canada in Cameroon”, brought together government ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, and members of the Canadian and Cameroonian communities among other personalities. 

In her address, the High Commissioner stressed that the celebration marked not only Canada’s national day but also another year of robust bilateral relations between Canada and Cameroon. 

She noted that the cooperation between the two nations began in the 19th century, well before the establishment of official diplomatic presences over 60 years ago.

“Since then, we have grown together, and it is easy to see the strong collaboration between our countries,” Anderson stated.

Shared values, cooperation

While acknowledging the current global challenges, Anderson also pointed to the considerable energy and promising opportunities that exist.

 “As old friends often do, Cameroon and Canada know how to find common ground in the face of their differences, focusing on shared interests and working together in a spirit of understanding and mutual respect,” the High Commissioner said.

She added that: “As leaders, we are here to serve, let us use our power, our voice and our influence to make bold and innovative choices… to meet the unforeseen and complex needs of those we serve, especially young people, women and children. It is always about them. It is never about us".

Reflecting on growing economic ties, the High Commissioner revealed that in 2024, Canadian direct investment in Cameroon reached $77 million, about FCFA 42.9 billion, up from $38 million, about FCFA 21.1 billion, the previous year, and the possibility to expand business-to-business ties.

She further elaborated that the strong ties between the people of both nations are evident through shared values and linguistic connections, with over 25,000 Cameroon-Canadians residing in Canada, and a community of three thousand that exists in Cameroon. 

Canada's development, humanitarian aid

Detailing Canada's development efforts in the country, Anderson explained that Canada's programs in Cameroon aim to reduce poverty by strengthening the health system, supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights, improving girls' education, and promoting women's and youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship.

"Canada is proud to be Cameroon's sixth development partner, having provided more than $30 million, about FCFA 16.7 billion in development and humanitarian assistance over the past year," she said while beaming with pride. 

High Commissioner H.E. Anderson bids farewell

In a personal note, Lorraine Anderson announced the end of her three-year tenure in the country.

"My spouse Jehu and I are bidding farewell to this remarkable country, Cameroon, and the wonderful people with whom we have had the privilege to get to know and to work," she stated.

She thanked the government and people of Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, and Gabon for their warm welcome and collaboration. She expressed pride in the progress achieved together and confidence in the continued flourishing of the friendship between the nations.

“Until our next reunion, I wish the people of these four extraordinary countries to continue to live in peace, prosperity, and success. I will be watching from afar. And as they say so well in Cameroon, We are together,” she concluded.

The celebration ended with a collective toast, as High Commissioner Anderson proposed, “Let us raise a glass together to toast to Canada and our bright future together.”

Diplomats, friends celebrate Canada

Various diplomats and friends of Canada joined in the Canada Day celebrations. The United States Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher Lamora, remarked that: “The United States and Canada have been extraordinarily good friends for more than a century. We share the world's longest unfortified border. Thousands of Americans and Canadians go back and forth all the time”.

While mentioning that three of his four grandparents are of Canadian descent, Lamora stated that: “We're here to celebrate Canada…And I'm so pleased that my friend, High Commissioner Lorraine Anderson, invited so many of our colleagues from the U.S. Embassy to celebrate with them”.

On his part, the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Thierry Marchand, revealed the special relationship between France and Canada as cousins, sharing history and language. 

“I'm very happy to be here with my friends from Canada," Marchand happily said.

The Head of the Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross for Central Africa, Stephane Bonamy, lauded Canada's belief in the rule of law and its strong support for the ICRC's humanitarian work, particularly in conflict zones.

Representatives from Cameroonian civil society also expressed their appreciation for Canada's support. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3493 of Friday July 04, 2025