Annual Day for Diplomats

For 15 years, the Day for Diplomats has served as a respected welcome and orientation program for newly arrived diplomats in Canada. Hosted by the Parliamentary Centre in partnership with Carleton University, this annual event situates diplomats within the Canadian political and institutional context and prepares them for their work ahead.

The program brings together leading experts, parliamentarians, public servants, and practitioners to provide an overview of Canada’s parliamentary system, political institutions, public policy environment, and media landscape. Participants gain practical insights and build connections that support their diplomatic work.

The Day for Diplomats is delivered under the EngageParlDiplo initiative and builds on the success of the Carleton Initiative for Parliamentary and Diplomatic Engagement. Since 2011, this initiative has provided high-quality orientation sessions for hundreds of newly elected Members of Parliament and newly arrived diplomats.

Audience

Newly arrived diplomats in Canada

Format

Briefings, Presentations, Panels & Discussions

Host

Parliamentary Centre

Date

Annually held in Spring.

Resources for Diplomats

Canada as a Middle Power in a Changing Global Order

Introductory remarks delivered by The Hon. Stephane Dion during the panel entitled “Canada as a Middle Power in a Changing Global Order,” as part of the 15th Annual Orientation for Diplomats, organized by the Parliamentary Centre and Carleton University.

View the remarks here: Canada as a Middle Power in a Changing Global Order – The importance of Canada in the world
View the remarks in FR here: L’importance du Canada dans le monde

by The Honourable Stephane Dion, Diplomat in Residence, Université de Montréal; Former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Former Canadian Ambassador to France, Germany and Monaco, Former Canadian Special Envoy to the European Union

The Diplomats Guide to Canada 2026

The Diplomats Guide to Canada 2026 is a practical overview designed to help diplomats and international officials better understand Canada’s political system, institutions, and national context. Developed for diplomats posted to Ottawa, the guide provides background on Canada’s federal structure, regional diversity, foreign policy priorities, and key relationships such as the Canada–U.S. partnership. It offers insights into the country’s political culture, governance, and policy landscape to help diplomats engage effectively with Canadian institutions and society.

View the guide here: The Diplomats Guide to Canada 2026

by Colin Robertson and Maureen Boyd

Canada’s Levels of Government and the Diplomatic Community

Remarks delivered by The Hon. Stephane Dion, during the panel entitled “Canada’s Levels of Government and the Diplomatic Community,” organized by the Forum of Federations and the Parliamentary Centre.

View the remarks here: Canada’s Levels of Government and the Diplomatic Community
View the remarks in FR here: Le Canada fédération des fédérations