Being a US ambassador: More than just diplomacy
Guest: David Cohen (US ambassador to Canada)
How does one become an ambassador? For US ambassador to Canada David Cohen, it depends on what kind of ambassador you are – and yes, there are different types. And there is more to being an ambassador than simply diplomacy; it is also about maintaining a high-morale team that is proud to represent the United States and facilitate trade between American and Canadian companies.
Thomas Codrington represents the United Kingdom in British Columbia – and that is no small job. He helps create economic growth between the province and the UK, trying to make business easier for both sides. And this is just the start, as he also connects with universities and the provincial government, while running the mission in Vancouver.
Nicolas Baudouin’s job takes a ton of energy but he loves it. As a diplomat and consul general of France in Vancouver. In addition to running the consulate, he helps to form business and cultural relations between Canada and France, whether it be working at trade events, attending film festivals featuring French films, or any other tasks that strengthen the ties between France and Canada, especially in Western Canada and Vancouver. This was seemingly a calling, growing up in a part of France that had classmates from different parts of the world, with stories that resonated with Nicolas for life.
Society wants monopolies for certain things – mostly our utilities, such as power, natural gas, and so on. Mark Jaccard’s job is to lead a team that keeps those monopolies in check, as the CEO of the British Columbia Utilities Commission. In addition, he is a professor at Simon Fraser University in the environmental field. It’s a busy life but it was a long time coming, as someone who wanted to work in the economics part in the energy industry.
Is your money coming from legitimate sources? This is what Kevin deBruyckere’s job is at the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. He works with law enforcement to monitor and detect fraudulent activities or potential money laundering. It is not a solitary role – he also has to provide the training to front-line casino staff to recognize potential money laundering and report it. Working in law enforcement was in his blood, having a father who worked in policing; however, this was not a career he had anticipated at first, having a background in business. Coincidentally, this was something the RCMP needed, which launched his career.