Prime Minister Mark Carney has created a new diplomatic role to the EU, aimed at strengthening trade, economic security, and climate change cooperation.
John Hannaford, a former clerk of the Privy Council, will take over as the Prime Minister's new Personal Representative to the EU.
Former Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion is Canada's ambassador to the European Union and to France. She is also currently Canada's ambassador to Monaco.
The title of Dion's envoy position to the EU and Europe is being modified to reflect Hannaford's new job and mission as the prime minister's personal representative to the EU, a PMO spokesperson informed CBC News.
The spokeswoman stated that the modification "reflects the very high priority we put on Canada's bilateral relationship with the EU and our desire to significantly expand and deepen that relationship."
"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,"
Carney said in a statement.
Hannaford joins the role after working in the Departments of Natural Resources and International Trade at the deputy minister level. In addition, he advised the prime minister on defense policy and was ambassador to Norway from 2009 to 2012.
Dion would be "completing his diplomatic responsibilities" in France, Monaco, and Brussels in January, the PMO said in a statement, after contributing to the development of Canada-EU relations "at a critical moment for Canada's leadership with new reliable global partners."
How will this new role differ from the special envoy position?
A Special Envoy usually has a specific, high-priority mission, or is negotiating around a particular conflict or issue occurring overseas. Special Envoys generally work independently from the primary diplomatic bureaucracy with authority that focuses on a specific question and set of activities.
A Personal Representative typically has a broader policy mandate, running and managing ongoing diplomatic and policy work with foreign countries both inside the capital and abroad. The work is frequently managing long-term bilateral or multilateral relationships, rather than a temporary mission.
Special Envoys may operate somewhat outside or in parallel with the primary diplomatic bureaucracy in order to allow more flexibility and independence.