Chris Westdal

Chris Westdal (born September 13, 1947) is a former Canadian ambassador.

Chris Westdal
Chris Westdal in 2003
Canadian Ambassador to Ireland
In office
September 2006 (2006-09) – December 2006 (2006-12)
Canadian Ambassador to Russia
In office
2003 (2003)–2006 (2006)
Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine
In office
January 1996 (1996-01) – August 1998 (1998-08)
Canadian Ambassador to South Africa
In office
1991 (1991)–1993 (1993)
Canadian Ambassador to Bangladesh & Burma
In office
1982 (1982)–1985 (1985)
Personal details
Born (1947-09-13) September 13, 1947
Swan River Valley, Manitoba
NationalityCanadian
OccupationDiplomat

Early life and education

Born in Stan River Valley, Manitoba, he obtained a bachelor's degree in political science from St. John's College in Winnipeg.[1]

Career

He is a former Ambassador to Ireland having served from September 2006 to December 2006,[2] and Russia, between the years 2003–2006.;[3][4] Mr. Westdal served as Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva from 1999 to 2003; He was the ambassador to Ukraine from January 1996 to August 1998.;[5] South Africa from 1991 to 1993 and Bangladesh[6] & Burma from 1982 to 1985. Mr. Westdal's assignments abroad included India and Nepal from 1973 to 1975, responsible for Canadian International Development Agency ("CIDA") programming and Tanzania from 1970 to 1973.

Westdal is a member of the Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association (CERBA).[7] He was the board chair of Silver Bear, a Russian Mining company, until he resigned due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[8]

Controversy

He is noted for having defended the reputation of Vladimir Putin until this point - notably before the media[9] and several parliamentary committees.[10] He is quoted as having previously referred to Putin as one of the "finest leaders Russia’s had in centuries".[11]

References
  1. Canada names new ambassador to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Weekly No. 37 sunday, september 10, 1995
  2. List of ambassadors and high commissioners of Canada to Ireland
  3. "Arms Control Association". Archived from the original on 2008-10-12. Retrieved 2008-05-29.
  4. Thunder Bay Post Notice
  5. Canadian Government Site Ukraine
  6. "Foreign News Briefs". UPI. February 2, 1983. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  7. "Canada Eurasia Russia Business Association -> About CERBA". Archived from the original on 2014-02-10. Retrieved 2014-03-12.
  8. "Silver Bear Announces Resignation Of Director". Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  9. "THE COMMON WISDOM ABOUT RUSSIA IS NOT WISE: LOOKING BEYOND THE PROPAGANDA". Esprit de Corps. May 5, 2017. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  10. "Mr. Chris Westdal (Former Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine and Russia, As an Individual) at the National Defence Committee". openparliament.ca. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  11. "'I was wrong': Ex-Canadian ambassador who called Putin among 'finest' leaders cuts Russia ties". National Post. Retrieved 3 March 2022.


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