On October 1st, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered an impactful speech. He concurrently appointed John Hannaford as Canada’s new personal representative to the European Union. Stéphane Dion is getting ready to step down from his post as Canada’s ambassador to France. In addition to this position, he has taken on the role of special envoy to the EU and Europe. The announcement was made at 11:15 am and marks a significant shift in Canada’s diplomatic representation in Europe.
Canada’s new ambassador to the U.S. John Hannaford, an experienced former diplomat takes the reins. In a previous life, he was the top civil servant in the land. Based on his tenured successes, he was widely known for his diplomatic expertise and leadership artistry. His appointment represents a significant tactical shift for the Canadian government. It seeks to deepen relationships with the European Union, particularly as global relationships grow in importance.
Dion’s term in Paris ends in January 2026. Following his exit on January 15, he will therefore vacate his parallel position in France and the EU. Looking back on his tenure, Dion noted his strong focus on advancing democracy in places like Armenia and Serbia. His leadership in all of these fields has been key in promoting and protecting Canada’s foreign policy priorities and supporting democratic values overseas.
Though Hannaford’s appointment should help bolster Canada’s representation inside the EU, the appointment has been controversial. Others question whether this predilection to the EU is specifically intended to keep non-EU countries in Europe out. This would reduce Canada’s capacity to engage diplomatically across the continent. The appointment of Canada’s ambassador to the European Union has been empty for many months. This lack of representation has led to continuous debates about the dire necessity of thorough representation of each and every European country.
