Former federal minister and ambassador Stéphane Dion becomes the first “diplomat in residence” in the history of the Université de Montréal.
In this role, Dion will be called upon to “share his experience” in various courses, at the invitation of the teaching staff, in addition to participating in panels and conferences.
He will also be invited to “help the student community with its research projects on which he will have informed perspectives.”
This marks a return for Dion to the Université de Montréal, where he taught from 1984 to 1996, before the start of his career in federal politics.
According to the Montreal institution, Dion will be able to use his “vast experience and reputation to advance academic research and public debate,” particularly with regard to climate change, democracy, and international security.
Dion has just completed his term as Canada’s ambassador to France. Previously, he had spent five years as Canada’s ambassador to Germany and to the European Union.
His career as a Liberal MP in the House of Commons spanned more than 20 years. During that time, he served as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister of the Environment, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, among other positions.
Dion also led the Liberal Party of Canada in 2007 and 2008.
He will take up his new position at the Université de Montréal on March 1st.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
