Ottawa/IBNS-CMEDIA: Prime Minister Mark Carney announced former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson as Canada’s next ambassador to the European Union, on Thursday.
Carney said the appointment is intended to advance Canada’s economic and security cooperation with the EU, following a series of initiatives aimed at expanding bilateral engagement.
“This decision is not easy.” “The world has changed in fundamental ways, and Canada now faces new economic, geopolitical and environmental tests,” Wilkinson said in a letter posted online.
Over the past year, Canada and the EU have launched new frameworks, including a strategic partnership focused on trade, technology, energy and security, the government said in a statement.
In February, Canada joined the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a programme designed to expand defence cooperation and industry access among participating countries.
Carney is also scheduled to attend the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia, marking Canada’s first participation in the forum and the first time a non-European leader has been invited.
Jonathan Wilkinson, a member of Parliament representing North Vancouver, Capilano, has held several senior cabinet positions, including minister of fisheries and oceans, environment and climate change, and energy and natural resources.
Before entering politics, he worked in the clean technology sector and held executive roles in multiple companies.
According to a statement, Wilkinson will work with John Hannaford, the prime minister’s personal representative to the EU, in advancing Canada’s priorities in the region.
Wilkinson is expected to assume the role in early summer.
The prime minister also acknowledged the service of Stéphane Dion, who served as Canada’s special envoy to the EU and Europe.
According to government data, Canada-EU trade in goods and services totalled $178.6 billion in 2025.
Canadian direct investment in the EU reached $297 billion in 2024, supporting an estimated 275,000 jobs across member states. Bilateral merchandise trade has increased by more than 77% since 2016.
(Reporting by Suman Das)
