Complementary, but limited: how Carney’s use of ‘personal’ envoys can boost the foreign service

Although the government hasn’t yet reached that point, too many political appointments ‘is never ideal because it undermines morale in the diplomatic service,’ says professor Adam Chapnick.

Prime Minister Mark Carney looks on as then-Privy Council clerk John Hannaford, right, swears in then-transport minister Chrystia Freeland, left, on May 13. Carney has since recently given Freeland and Hannaford each their own diplomatic assignment. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garica

News

BY NEIL MOSS

October 14, 2025

With Prime Minister Mark Carney adding his first personal touch on Canada’s foreign service, former diplomats say his use of special envoys can help boost Canada’s links abroad, but that their numbers should remain lean.

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