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PM announces Canada's new Ambassador to France
“The global economic recovery remains fragile and it is critical that Canada strengthen its trade linkages with nations around the world, including with France.” said Prime Minister Harper. “Lawrence Cannon’s appointment as Ambassador speaks to the importance of Canada’s relationship with France with whom we have important cultural, linguistic and historical ties. His experience in the private and public sectors, as well as his significant diplomatic skill, will help ensure that Canada-EU trade negotiations are brought to a successful conclusion.”
Mr. Cannon will assume the position of Ambassador following the presentation of his credentials to President-elect François Hollande. Mr. Hollande will be inaugurated as President on May 15th.
Lawrence Cannon was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006 and re-elected in 2008. He was sworn in to the federal Cabinet in 2006 and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 until 2011.
Between 2001 and 2005, Mr. Cannon served as a city councillor in Gatineau, Quebec. He was appointed President of the Société de transport de l’Outaouais in 2002 and President of the Association du transport urbain du Québec in 2004. He was a member of Quebec’s National Assembly from 1985 to 1994 where he held the posts of Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Minister of Communications. Before entering municipal politics, Mr. Cannon was a consultant in the private sector.
A graduate of the University of Montreal, Lawrence Cannon holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Laval University.
Mr. Cannon will succeed Marc Lortie, who has served as Canadian Ambassador to France since 2007.
“Ambassador Lortie has been a valued advisor during my many visits to France as Prime Minister and I thank him for his outstanding service to Canada.”
