Aspiring diplomats gathered at the U.S. Consul General to Toronto’s residence recently for a rare opportunity to hear two seasoned diplomats discuss the importance of the U.S.-Canada relationship. Speaking from the Canadian point of view was Michael Kergin. He was Canada’s ambassador to Washington from 2000-2005 and before that held senior positions in both the Canadian government and diplomatic service.
With the American point of view was host Jim Dickmeyer. U.S. Consul General to Toronto, he has three decades of experience in the diplomatic corps so the students of the University of Toronto’s International Relations Society were treated to some very well-informed reflections of one of the world’s best friendships.
The men started off by discussing what made the relationship between the countries so special especially when compared to other countries that share borders. They pointed out the co-operation that took place during the 9/11 attacks – notably with NORAD and a Canadian official commanding U.S. airspace for a short time after the event – is evidence of a great trust.
Students then had a chance to ask questions and after the discussion were able to talk one-on-one with the senior diplomats as well as other American officers at the event, peppering them with questions and getting great on-the-ground information from people who have taken the path that some of them hope to follow.
Learn more about the International Relations Society.
