Canada’s new High Commissioner to Samoa, Keith Smith, has formally presented his Letters of Credence to Samoa’s Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II.
The ceremony was held at the Official Residence of the Head of State in Vailele on Tuesday morning.
The presentation formally accredits Mr Smith as Canada’s High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Samoa. He will be based in Wellington, New Zealand.
Samoa and Canada established formal diplomatic relations in 1971 and have continued to work together in areas including climate resilience, community development and regional cooperation.
During the ceremony, Mr Smith reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting Pacific-led priorities and strengthening cooperation with Samoa.
He also recognised Samoa’s regional leadership, including its hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024.
The Head of State welcomed the new High Commissioner and acknowledged Canada’s continued development assistance to Samoa and the wider Pacific.
He expressed confidence that Mr Smith’s appointment would help strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
Mr Smith has extensive experience in Canadian public service and international affairs. His previous roles include senior positions with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Canada’s Department of Justice.
He has also worked on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Mr Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in French Studies from the University of Ottawa. He is a member of Thessalon First Nation and a signatory to the Robinson Huron Treaty.
Based on a press release issued by Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1 September 2026.
