Prime Minister Carney Appoints John Hannaford as Personal Representative to the European Union

The former Clerk of the Privy Council will advance Canada’s new EU partnerships in trade, security, and defence.

Ottawa, Ontario — Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed the Honourable John Hannaford as his Personal Representative to the European Union (EU), a move aimed at strengthening Canada’s transatlantic partnerships amid a rapidly shifting global landscape.

Hannaford brings over 30 years of experience in international affairs, law, and public administration. His career includes roles as Deputy Minister of International Trade, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Foreign and Defence Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister, and most recently Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. From 2009 to 2012, he also served as Canada’s Ambassador to Norway.

Advancing a New Strategic Partnership

The appointment comes on the heels of the New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future and the Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), agreements signed earlier this year to deepen cooperation across trade, defence, and climate competitiveness.

As Personal Representative, Hannaford will play a key role in advancing negotiations, boosting trade and investment with EU partners, and expanding security arrangements. The government has highlighted that these efforts will provide Canadian businesses greater access to European markets while supporting high-paying jobs at home.

The SDP is also linked to Canada’s potential participation in Security Action for Europe (SAFE), a cornerstone of the EU’s Readiness 2030 plan. SAFE is designed to bolster European defence capabilities with over $240 billion in support for projects ranging from drones to advanced artillery systems.

Transition in Diplomatic Roles

Prime Minister Carney also thanked the Honourable Stéphane Dion, who will complete his diplomatic responsibilities as Special Envoy to the EU and Europe and as Ambassador to France and Monaco by January 2026. Dion, a longtime public servant and former federal cabinet minister, has played a pivotal role in strengthening Canada-EU relations.

In a statement, Carney praised Hannaford’s leadership and international expertise:

“Canada is deepening our relationship with the European Union across trade, defence, energy, and commerce. 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.”

Canada-EU Relations at a Glance

• The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the United States.

• The commercial relationship is supported by the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

• In June 2025, Canada and the EU launched the New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future to advance shared goals in trade, security, and climate action.

• Canada also signed a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU earlier this year, enabling collaboration across cyber, space, maritime, and economic security.

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