PM Carney names former minister as next EU ambassador

Jonathan Wilkinson speaks during an announcement in Surrey, B.C., Monday, July 15, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Prime Minister Mark Carney named former cabinet minister Jonathan Wilkinson on Thursday as the next ambassador to the European Union.

Wilkinson confirmed the news in a post to X after sources close to Wilkinson confirmed the new role to CTV News.

The appointment has been speculated upon since as early as last September.

In a letter posted online, Wilkinson said the decision was “not easy” and that he is taking on the role to “serve Canada.”

“I believe that, at this moment, this is where I can best contribute to the long-term interests of Canadians,” Wilkinson writes, while referencing how the world “has changed in fundamental ways.”

Since becoming prime minister, Carney has sought to strengthen ties with the EU in a bid to reduce dependence on the U.S.

“With his vast experience as a minister, entrepreneur, and businessperson, Jonathan Wilkinson will drive this mission to help create greater security, prosperity, and sustainability on both sides of the Atlantic,” Carney said in a statement.

The Prime Minister’s Office also says Wilkinson will begin his new appointment at the beginning of summer.

Once he vacates his seat, a byelection will be triggered at a later date. His departure would bring the Liberal government down to 173 seats, but they would still control the House with 172, not counting the Speaker of the House.

Wilkinson has been an MP since 2015, representing the riding of North Vancouver-Capilano.

He has held several cabinet positions under former prime minister Justin Trudeau, including minister of environment and climate change and minister of energy and natural resources, but was not named to Carney’s cabinet.

Wilkinson’s appointment comes after former Trudeau-era cabinet minister Bill Blair was appointed as High Commissioner for Canada in the United Kingdom in February.

With files from CTV News’ Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos