2025 JET Programme Welcome-Back Reception
2025/12/3
On December 3, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted a Welcome-Back Reception for participants of the JET Programme who completed their assignments in Japan this year and returned to Canada. The event was attended by seven returning JET participants, members of the JET Alumni Association (JETAA) Ottawa Chapter, as well as distinguished guests including the Hon. Stan Kutcher, Co-Chair of the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group, Members of Parliament MP. Mona Fortier and MP. Ahmed Hussen, Canadian government officials, former JETs working in the private sector, and former JET in Japanese Canadian communities.
At the beginning, Ambassador Yamanouchi expressed his sincere hope for the continued success of returning JET participants who serve as vital bridges between Japan and Canada and shared his expectation that the connections within the JET community will be further strengthened.
The Hon. Kutcher, MP Fortier, and MP Hussen each delivered congratulatory remarks, followed by a speech of appreciation from Ms. Gabrielle Monette on behalf of the returning JETs. A video message was also screened from Ms. Patricia Bader-Johnston, a first cohort of JET participants who is now an entrepreneur based in Japan and an Honorary Director of the Japan–Canada Chamber of Commerce, offering warm encouragement to the returning JETs. The opening of the reception concluded with a toast by Ms. Laurie Peters — Commissioner General of the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and a member of the very first cohort of JET participants in Canada.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine and sake, while returning JET participants actively engaged in networking with members of the JETAA Ottawa Chapter and former JETs. The event proved to be a highly meaningful and productive occasion for all attendees.
At the beginning, Ambassador Yamanouchi expressed his sincere hope for the continued success of returning JET participants who serve as vital bridges between Japan and Canada and shared his expectation that the connections within the JET community will be further strengthened.
The Hon. Kutcher, MP Fortier, and MP Hussen each delivered congratulatory remarks, followed by a speech of appreciation from Ms. Gabrielle Monette on behalf of the returning JETs. A video message was also screened from Ms. Patricia Bader-Johnston, a first cohort of JET participants who is now an entrepreneur based in Japan and an Honorary Director of the Japan–Canada Chamber of Commerce, offering warm encouragement to the returning JETs. The opening of the reception concluded with a toast by Ms. Laurie Peters — Commissioner General of the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and a member of the very first cohort of JET participants in Canada.
At the reception, guests enjoyed Japanese cuisine and sake, while returning JET participants actively engaged in networking with members of the JETAA Ottawa Chapter and former JETs. The event proved to be a highly meaningful and productive occasion for all attendees.
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| Remarks by Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi |
Remarks by the Hon. Stan Kutcher |
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| Remarks by MP. Mona Fortier |
Remarks by MP Ahmed Hussen |
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| Remarks by MS. Gabrielle Monette (JET returnee) |
Toast by Ms. Laurie Peters, Commissioner General of the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka |
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| Video message from Ms. Patricia Bader-Johnston | Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi with JET returnees |