Canada has nearly 180 diplomatic missions in more than 110 countries. However, did you know that Canada’s largest network is right here in the United States?! In addition to the Embassy of Canada in Washington, DC, Canada has 12 Consulates General across the United States, and each office is responsible for a different region in the country. Consuls General are the chief representative for these offices, and we’re pleased to welcome five Consuls General to the network: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas and Minneapolis. From culture and food to exploring the territory and strengthening the bilateral relationship, they have each shared their unique perspective. Read more below as we welcome them to the network and get to know them a little better!
Rosaline Kwan: Consul General in Atlanta, Georgia
Rosaline Kwan is Consul General of Canada to the Southeast United States, overseeing Canada’s relationship with the region of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. She arrived and began her posting in October 2023, having previously been the Director of Operations at the Privy Council Office of Canada, supporting the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and advancing Canada’s foreign policy and trade interests across the Americas and the Indo-Pacific region.
1. What are your top priorities for strengthening the Canada-U.S. relationship in your territory?
Canada and the U.S. Southeast have many common interests; many of Canada’s strengths are complementary to the economies here. My priorities include promoting the transition to clean energy, building reliable and sustainable critical mineral supply chains, and advancing equality by ensuring everyone lives free or violence. Our trading relationship is strong and vibrant. Canada is the top export market in 2023 for five out of the six states. Growing Canada’s economic partnerships in Southeast U.S. is a priority and will further our mutual prosperity and success. It will be important to continue to expand and deepen the relationships that Canada has across the region by working together with our partners in key areas, such as security and defence, technology and innovation, and people-to-people ties.
2. What are you most looking forward to exploring in your territory?
I’m keen to learn more about the diversity of the U.S. Southeast, whether it’s the people, cultures, or natural beauty. I am interested in the history of the six states in our territory, including the important Civil Rights movement. I’m also interested in discovering the territory’s many beautiful parks, vast hiking trails, and distinctive cultural scenes. I recently visited Nashville and experienced the lively Broadway entertainment district, seeing firsthand how music is part of the fabric of the city and how it promotes broader business objectives and the city’s economic growth. Conversely, I look forward to exploring Tennessee’s equally famous Blue Ridge Mountain region.
3. If you could introduce Americans to one Canadian tradition or food, what would it be and why?
Everybody loves maple syrup, but I would also love to introduce people to Canadian seafood. We have Prince Edward Island mussels served in the fine restaurants in Atlanta, and we have so many more products to offer. Atlantic Canadian seafood harvesters, farmers, and processors work tirelessly to provide high quality, sustainable seafood from the cold North Atlantic Ocean. They produce an impressive bounty of world-famous Canadian products, including lobster, crab, cold-water shrimp, salmon, scallops, oysters, and halibut. Did you know that Canada is the world’s largest exporter of lobster in the world, topping $3.2B last year, and that more than 60% of Atlantic Canadian fish and seafood exports were destined to the United States?
4. If you could bring one Canadian to be keynote speaker an event in your territory, who would it be?
Dr. Roberta Bondar, who in 1992 became the first Canadian woman and the world’s first neurologist in space, has a deep appreciation of the natural world and uses her platform to champion environmental awareness. I think her emphasis on the importance of diversity bring curiosity, innovation, and creativity to the world of STEM is a message that would resonate in the Southeast which is becoming a hub of innovation. She’s an inspiring storyteller with fascinating experiences as a physician, scientist, educator, astronaut, author, and professional photographer.
5. Winter in Atlanta: Fact or fiction?
Fact! I don’t expect it to get as cold as Ottawa, but I brought my winter gear. I’ve heard Atlanta occasionally gets some light dustings of snow – I’ll be prepared!
Bernadette Jordan: Consul General in Boston, Massachusetts
Bernadette Jordan has been Consul General of Canada in Boston, Massachusetts since January 2024. Her office is responsible for Canada’s engagement with the states of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Bernadette previously served as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard from 2019 to 2021. She represented the riding of South Shore—St. Margarets in the House of Commons from 2015 to 2021.
1. What are your top priorities for strengthening the Canada-US relationship in your territory?
Canada and the New England territory share so many commonalities, so to me it’s important to work together to strengthen our mutual interests. Whether it’s the Blue Economy and Ocean Protection, advancing our shared values on equality, or tackling climate change, we have many of the same concerns and priorities. We are stronger when we work together to grow networks, share policy ideas and advance our economic growth plans. Canada is the number one exporter for New England, so it’s in both of our interests to continue to grow our supply chains and make sure we are working together. As we celebrate 75 years of the Canadian Consulate in Boston, I know we can continue to define the future together.
2. What are you most looking forward to exploring in your territory?
As a rural coastal Canadian, I am excited to explore so many things New England has to offer. In an official capacity the work that is being done in ocean tech is of great interest as well as in ocean protection. Getting into all five states in the territory and learning about their connections to Canada is also something I am really looking forward to. On a personal level there are so many things I want to explore! New England is beautiful, and I hope to get out and hike, bike and kayak. I am interested in exploring the places “off the beaten path” and not just become a tourist in the area but a traveler, experiencing the area in a more in-depth way. Also, as a rural person I am excited to take advantage of all the things the cities have to offer, whether it’s concerts, theatre, sporting events or festivals, I hope to fit a lot into my weekend calendar over the next four years.
3. If you could introduce Americans to one Canadian tradition or food, what would it be and why?
I want to focus on the community where I live and share some of the great experiences we have to offer, whether it’s the annual Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, The Mahone Bay Scarecrow Festival, The Chester Race Week (sailing regatta) or The South Shore Lobster Crawl, there is always a lot to see and do (music and food are often predominantly featured at these events). The Lobster Crawl is one of my favourites! For the whole month of February, the South Shore of Nova Scotia is all things Lobster. We have everything from Lucy the Lobster (does she see her shadow and predict 6 more weeks of winter?) to the lobster roll challenge, to see which restaurant serves the best lobster roll. Sip and savour your way through the whole South Shore! You can also discover lobster lore and learn about the industry through art, music, and storytelling. Great way to shake off the winter blahs!
4. If you could bring one Canadian to be keynote speaker at an event in your territory, who would it be?
I find it hard to pick just one! I tend to lean more towards women in leadership or women who have overcome a lot to be in their chosen career. My top pics would be: Anna Maria Tremonti – a respected and loved Canadian journalist who for years hid her personal fight with gender-based violence for fear it would impact her career. Christine Sinclair – Canadian professional soccer player and Olympic multi-medalist (1 gold, 2- bronze), CONCACAF champion and a 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award. She is also officially the world’s all-time leader for international goals for men or women and she led the fight for pay equity for the Canadian Women’s team to equal the pay of the men’s team.
5. Winter in Boston: Fact or fiction?
Well, this is a funny question. I arrived in early January and brought things to wear for a Boston winter (shipping the rest of my clothing) and for the first week or so it was 12 degrees (56 to you Fahrenheit folks) and raining! I drove through Maine with no snow on the ground in January! So, I am glad that my skis didn’t come in my car.
Madeleine Féquière: Consul General in Chicago, Illinois
Madeleine Féquière is Consul General of Canada in Chicago; she is also responsible for Canada’s engagement with the states of Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin and northwest Indiana. Prior to her appointment, Madeleine was the corporate credit chief at Domtar Corporation, providing oversight and support for credit risk management on a global scale. She is a Member of the Order of Canada
1. What are your top priorities for strengthening the Canada-US relationship in your territory?
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of the relationship between the U.S. Midwest and Canada. There are powerful trade and agriculture relationships, decades of environmental collaboration on the Great Lakes and beyond, and millions of cross-border people-to-people ties. Looking to the future, we are embracing the challenges of climate change mitigation and energy transition and working to connect the innovation ecosystems on both sides of the border to find solutions and increase prosperity together. Midwesterners have a strong affection for Canada, but they don’t always have the full picture of all the exciting things happening north of the border. I want to give them that full picture.
2. What are you most looking forward to exploring in your territory?
In Chicago, we are responsible for relations in Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. I am looking forward to visiting more of the territory we cover outside of Chicago; to meet with the leaders, companies and communities, and share information on Canada’s innovative, future-focused strengths. Of course, the U.S. political party conventions are coming to Chicago and Milwaukee in 2024; this clearly shows how important this part of the United States is! We will be watching these very closely. Unofficially, I am a huge arts & culture fanatic and I want to experience all that the region has to offer.
3. If you could introduce Americans to one Canadian tradition or food, what would it be and why?
I am from Montréal and as a proud Québecer, I have to say maple syrup. Many Americans think that it is only for breakfast, but there are so many ways to use this natural sweetener. Did you know that it is also considered a superfood?
4. If you could bring one Canadian to be keynote speaker at an event in your territory, who would it be?
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, bien sûr.
5. Biggest surprise about living in Chicago?
Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States but the people here are so open and welcoming. Midwest hospitality is not a myth.
Susan Harper: Consul General in Dallas, Texas
Susan Harper is Consul General of Canada in Dallas. Under Sue’s leadership, her team covers economic, political, and public affairs, and provides consular and commercial services in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Previously, Susan was, posted to Miami, Washington, DC, Montevideo, Yaoundé, Paris and Buenos Aires. She was also Canada’s Senior Arctic Official from 2013 to 2016 and Director General in the trade policy area, covering policy, negotiations and regulatory issues from 2009 to 2013.
1. What are your top priorities for strengthening the Canada-US relationship in your territory?
Basically, our priorities throughout the U.S. are those which were agreed to by the Prime Minister and the President in the US-Canada Roadmap, and those agreed to by the “three amigos” – Prime Minister Trudeau, President Biden, and President Lopez Obrador. Specifically, for me, with my commercial – economic background, I see great mutual interest in growing the Canadian commercial economic relationship – in trade, and investment – with our local partners. Clearly, others do too – which is why we have four provinces with offices – and lots of activity – here in Texas, to cover the region. Obviously, energy and the environment are key economic issues – but there continues to be great potential for partnership in technology, including semi-conductors, as well as aerospace, agriculture, critical minerals – so much potential for partnership. And because of my commercial-economic background, I see the importance of growing our security and defence relationships. I learned when I was working in the Embassy a few years ago, that when supply chains cross any border, but especially any US border, we must think of the security dimension. Specifically, we were just down at the Texas-Mexico border for a learning exercise with colleagues from CBSA, RCMP and IRCC. That border has a fundamental importance for the North American trade corridor, and it is a priority for me to support our Canadian network in learning about it and working with our North American partners to make it as strong and efficient as possible. We recognize the US-Mexico border has an impact on our Canadian interests, both because of the supply chain issues, and because it is such a “hot spot” in the global migration phenomenon; there are ripple effects for us in Canada.
2. What are you most looking forward to exploring in your territory?
In effect, my job is about promoting partnerships between Canada and those in our region. Obviously, from what I have already said, I am interested in exploring the potential for commercial-economic partnerships. Fundamentally, this is a very diverse region, and it is building partnerships in the context of that diversity which really is interesting to me. Economically, we have the energy people, the cattle ranchers, the tech people – that kind of diversity. With the dynamism of the region, that in turn attracts quite an international community, especially to the big centres, like Dallas and Houston. As well, three of our states have active Indigenous communities, some of whom are interested in partnering with Indigenous communities in Canada, on commercial interests as well as in other areas. The Santa Fe Indian Market was wonderful to explore – and there were several Canadian kiosks there. Locally, there are various communities: Jewish, Ismaili, Muslim, Black, Latino, Asian. Many are interested in working with Canada generally, as well as with their counterparts in Canada – some in economic areas, but in a wider range than that. We often say that “we make things together”, and that is not limited to commercial partnerships.
3. If you could introduce Americans to one Canadian tradition, what would it be and why?
I would love to introduce the concept of two-week, or even three-week vacations to Americans! I really believe that getting away from work is not only good for you personally, but it helps you step back professionally, which can help give you a valuable perspective. Long weekends are not enough! Anyway, that way, more people could come visit Canada – lots to see, if you can take the time to come visit us.
4. Tell us about a special local delicacy that you have enjoyed or look forward to enjoying in your territory.
I will admit that they have many excellent restaurants in our region, but one “local” specialty is tacos – every kind of taco! They are delicious, and I have never seen such a range!
5. What’s something on your bucket list in your territory?
I have already seen New Orleans, and the Santa Fe Indian Market, and the Oklahoma First Americans Museum, and the various Presidential libraries and centers (Clinton, Bush 41, Bush 43, LBJ), and I have done a road trip from Miami to Dallas (twice!) but I have a few more still: to see the Crystal Bridges Museum of Modern Art in NW Arkansas; and to do a road trip through west Texas to New Mexico. And the more I see of the region, the more things I add to my bucket list!
Beth Richardson: Consul General in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Beth Richardson was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada’s Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Beth works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties; reinforce our security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Her previous assignments abroad include postings to Seoul, London, Moscow, Miami and Vilnius, Lithuania.
1. What are your top priorities for strengthening the Canada-U.S. relationship in your territory?
I certainly wasn’t aware of the profound and singular nature of the Canada-U.S. relationship growing up, and I’ll bet many Canadians and Americans are in the same boat. Our partnership is so broad, from Alaska to Newfoundland to San Diego and Florida, and everywhere in between. It encompasses a uniquely integrated economic space, unparalleled globally, where we make things together, whether that’s cars, or breakfast cereal, or medical devices, solar panels or the fuels we need to keep our economy running. The region covered by the Consulate General – Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska – plays a critical role in this space. Our job here at the Consulate General is to share with a broader audience the integrated nature of our economies and the depth of ties between people in our two countries, and to do whatever we can to nurture this partnership that has served us so well. That means meeting people where they are! By getting out into the field (literally, in some cases) and better understanding people’s lived experiences, I can focus on communicating how a strong, secure, and integrated North America is beneficial to all Canadians and Americans. Here in Minneapolis, we are seeking opportunities to strengthen truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples in these lands long pre-date the creation of our countries and borders, and we want to celebrate Indigenous culture, connect Indigenous leaders, organizations and businesses, and openly discuss Canada’s troubled history. We are fortunate to work with vibrant, committed and engaged Indigenous partners.
2. What are you most looking forward to exploring in your territory?
Well, my goal is to visit every State Fair in my territory. So far, I have managed only one in five (Minnesota, where I saw the Butter Queen and spectacular crop art), but I think I’m on the list to be a “celebrity grillmaster” next summer at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines! Each State Fair gives such insight into the uniqueness of every place. I’m also a quirky roadside attraction afficionado, from the world’s largest prairie chicken statue (conveniently located on Prairie Chicken Rd, in Rothsay, MN), to the largest free-standing gnome in the world in Ames, IA. Next up, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. Send recommendations! On a more serious note, I see how land and landscape influences people, society, and public life here, from farming to recreation to imagination. And as I get out and about across the region, I am struck by the vibrance of small towns and Main Streets, by the deep connections people have to their communities and to their neighbours – including neighbours across the northern border. As I continue in the role, I look forward to exploring all the way to the edges of this region to see how forest gives way to plains and mountains, and to meeting all the people in between. Professionally, I have already witnessed a bit of what I hope to explore going forward – Americans of all stripes from the Upper Midwest who want to work together to make this part of the world a little brighter. I have seen that on the agriculture side through the work of the binational Protein Highway and in attending the World Food Prize in Iowa. And I have seen Americans working in partnership with Canadians on security, at the Space Force Station in Cavalier, ND and in Grand Forks.
3. If you could introduce Americans to one Canadian tradition or food, what would it be and why?
There are so many, but only if we match snack to scenery: looking out at the fjords of Saguenay eating poutine with cheese so squeaky your picnic table neighbours can hear it; sitting at the marina in Nanaimo, BC in mid-July, eating a nanaimo bar frozen just right so the chocolate and the middle layer don’t become a gooey mess; pierogies with sour cream cozy inside looking out at a frosty January winter night on the Prairies. One of the great things about Canada is you don’t need to choose – Bannock, kimchi, tourtière, pizza, curry, injera, you can sample everything here. As for traditions, a friend recommended I suggest screeching-in, something that might be familiar to any Newfies out there. (That might be a tough one here in Minnesota though). And then there’s hockey, Canada’s official winter sport. We can’t get enough of it. And so too with Minnesotans. The schedule’s not out yet, but I can’t wait to attend the first game of the new Professional Women’s Hockey League, which launches in January 2024, with teams in Minnesota, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and two other American cities. You know who I’ll be rooting for.
4. If you could bring one Canadian to be keynote speaker at an event in your territory, who would it be, and why?
I’ve love to see Alex Janvier come to town. He is an amazing Indigenous artist from Treaty 6 land, Cold Lake, Alberta, whose work speaks to harmony, movement, light, nature, and wonder. His work adorns many public spaces in Edmonton, where I am from, across Alberta and in the National Gallery of Canada. As an elder, he must have many stories to share and teachings to offer about how we can work together to retore connection and interdependence with the land and with each other. You can see a screenprint of one of Janvier’s works right here in the Native art galleries at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, as part of an installation curated by Anishinaabe curator Josie Hoffman.
5. Winter in Minneapolis: Fact or fiction?
I never joke about the weather!