On 19 January 2005, the governments of Canada and Japan launched discussions for the development of an Economic Framework. On 19 November 2005, the Canada-Japan Economic Framework was signed. In the bilateral meetings of prime ministers and ministers at the November 2010 APEC Summit, Canada and Japan agreed to consider deepening economic ties. On 14 March 2011, the two governments held the first Canada-Japan Joint Study toward an Economic Partnership Agreement.  At the meeting, trade and investment relationships between the two nations were discussed.  Following the discussion, the second Canada-Japan Joint Study was held on 14 -15 April 2011.

On 25 March 2012, Canada and Japan launched negotiations towards a free trade agreement. The first round of negotiations for the Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) took place from 26 to 30 November 2012 in Tokyo, Japan. The second round of negotiations took place from 22 to 26 April 2013 in Ottawa, Canada.

Documents relating to the negotiations
22-26 April 2013	Second round of negotiations for the Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
10 April 2013	Canadian government announces second round of negotiations for the Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
26-30 November 2012	Tokyo, Japan. First round of negotiations for the Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
29 October 2012	Canada and Japan will meet on 26 November 2012 in Tokyo for the first full round of trade negotiations
25 March 2012	Canada and Japan announce launch of free trade negotiations
23 February 2011	Canada and Japan launch joint study on the possibility of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
19 November 2005	Canada-Japan Joint Economic Famework
19 November 2005	Canada and Japan unveil new strategy to enhance commerce
19 January 2005	Joint Statement
Source: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

• Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada