John Hannaford, then-clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet, attends a Canada-U.S. relations meeting at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre in Toronto on Jan. 31.Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney has named former Privy Council Office clerk John Hannaford to be his personal representative to the European Union.
The new position follows Mr. Carney’s decision to strengthen Canada’s ties with Europe amid threats from the United States. He recently returned from his fifth trip to the continent since being sworn in as Prime Minister in March.
“With his extensive experience in developing and strengthening many of Canada’s most impactful relationships throughout the world, John Hannaford will help elevate our partnerships, bolster our shared security, and create major new economic opportunities to empower Canadian workers and grow our businesses,” Mr. Carney said in a statement Wednesday announcing the appointment.
Mr. Hannaford brings three decades of experience in international affairs, law and public administration to the role, according to the statement.
He was the clerk of the Privy Council and secretary to the cabinet from June, 2023, until July, when he was replaced by Michael Sabia. It is the top role in the public service.
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Mr. Hannaford also served as the deputy minister of the international trade and natural resources portfolios and as a foreign and defence policy adviser to former prime minister Justin Trudeau. He has also been Canada’s ambassador to Norway.
Former Privy Council clerk Mel Cappe said Mr. Hannaford is a “decent man” who cares about public service.
“I think he’s got excellent values,” he said in an interview. “He is a strong leader and can serve the government well.”
Mr. Cappe said that, as clerk, Mr. Hannaford would have been exposed to the political leaders of other countries. He also led the public service’s transition from Mr. Trudeau to Mr. Carney, so he will know Mr. Carney’s agenda and what he wants to accomplish, Mr. Cappe added.
In June, Canada and the EU announced a new partnership, known as the New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future. Wednesday’s statement said it is expected to create more opportunities in trade and economic security, the digital transition and climate competitiveness.
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At the same time, leaders signed the Security and Defence Partnership. It is the first intentional step toward Canada participating in the Security Action for Europe, according to the statement, which is expected to give the Canadian defence industry more access to the European market. The second phase of negotiations for Canada’s participation is under way, the statement added.
Independent Senator Peter Boehm, a career diplomat who previously served as the G7 sherpa to several prime ministers, applauded Mr. Hannaford’s appointment. Mr. Boehm now chairs the Senate’s foreign affairs and international trade committee.
“For what the government is hoping to achieve with Europe, especially on the energy side, I can’t think of anyone better suited,” he said, adding that Mr. Hannaford also worked at the Canadian embassy in Washington.
He said he expects part of Mr. Hannaford’s role will be co-ordinating the file with Canada’s ambassadors in Europe.
Former Liberal leader Stéphane Dion is currently Canada’s Special Envoy to the European Union and Europe, as well as serving as ambassador to France and Monaco.
Wednesday’s statement said Mr. Dion recently told Mr. Carney he would be “completing his diplomatic responsibilities in these roles by January 2026.”
The PMO confirmed that a new special envoy to the EU and Europe will be appointed after Mr. Dion leaves, as well as a new ambassador to France and Monaco.
There will also be a new ambassador to the EU, it said, a role that became vacant last month.