And so it begins: my first day as Canada’s
Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the UN Mission in New York City. Many challenges lie ahead, for Canada and the international order, and especially the UN itself. I thank Prime Minister Carney for his trust and confidence in my ability to meet these challenges.
I have very large shoes to fill: Bob Rae was an extraordinary PR and Ambassador. He not only represented us well, and helped shape our international agenda, but he also inspired Canadians and non-Canadians alike. I thank Bob for all his contributions on behalf of Canada, and for all the support he has given me. He is a mensch.
On a personal note, I have long admired the sculpture by Barbara Hepworth in front of the UN building in NYC. I visited Hepworth’s workshop in Cornwall a while back, and I got a greater appreciation for her art and her milieu. She was a pioneer. It will be an honour to serve in this place, and in this role, on behalf of the country I love.
