Philippine Ambassador to Ottawa, Petronila P. Garcia has assumed the Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Ottawa (ACO) for July-December 2017. The Ambassador of Myanmar, H.E.Kyaw Myo Htut, turned over the Chair to the Philippines during the 252nd ACO Meeting on 22 June 2017 in Ottawa.

This year marks several milestones as ASEAN celebrates its 50th Anniversary since its establishment, and ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations marks its 40th year. The Philippines, which is the current Chair of ASEAN, is Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Canada Dialogue Relations.