Just over seven months since Canada’s ambassador to China John McCallum was fired from his duties, the federal government has appointed a new ambassador.
“I am pleased to announce Dominic Barton as Canada’s Ambassador to China,” says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “His years of experience in Asia, and the significant global economics expertise he has acquired over an impressive career, will make him a great choice to represent Canada – and Canadian interests – in China.”
Farmers and agriculture groups across Canada, from canola producers, to cattle ranchers, and hog producers, have been suffering major trade disruptions with China since at least January, following Canada’s detainment of Huawei executive Meng Whanzhou in 2018.
According to a news release, Barton most recently was a global managing partner at McKinsey & Company where he gained experience in international business and trade – including as head of their office in Korea and as chairman in Asia, based at Shanghai. Barton has chaired Canada’s Advisory Council on Economic Growth, directly advised Canada’s Cabinet, and served as a member of the Advisory Committee on the Public Service, which was established by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
‘It’s our livelihood at stake‘: farmers react to China’s decision to stop buying Canadian canola
China halts pork and beef imports from Canada
“It is an honour to be appointed as Canada’s Ambassador to China,” Barton says. “The relationship between Canada and China is an important one, and I will work hard to represent our great country and to resolve the challenges that currently exist.”
Barton is a graduate from the University of British Columbia, with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He studied as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he obtained his Master of Philosophy in Economics. He also holds eight honourary doctorates from academic institutions around the world.
Please register to read and comment.