Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao

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Exchange Square is an office tower in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's Exchange Square houses consulates of several countries, including Canada.
Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao
Incumbent
J. Ian Burchett

since 2011
Style His Excellency
Residence Hong Kong
Inaugural holder Garrett Lambert
Formation 1997
Website Consulate General, Hong Kong

The Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao represents Canada in Hong Kong, and is also accredited to Macau. As Hong Kong was linked to the Commonwealth during British administration, Canada's mission was called the Canadian Commission before the transfer of sovereignty to China on July 1, 1997.[1] The Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong reports directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in Ottawa, Canada,[2] just like Canadian embassies around the world: this is because Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China.

Canada's mission in Hong Kong does not have its own chancery building, likely due to Hong Kong's lack of office space and high rents. In 1985 it moved located on the 11th to 14th floors in Exchange Square, at 8 Connaught Road Central. These offices provide a base for 23 Canada-based diplomats and 117 locally employed staff delivering a wide variety of services. The office relocated again in 2014 to two locations:

  • Office of the Consul-General/Canadian Trade Commissioner Service/Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service: 5th floor, Tower 3, Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place
  • Consular Section, Immigration Section, Canada Border Services Agency: 9th floor, Berkshire House, 25 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
  • Administration Section: 8th floor, Berkshire House, 25 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

The history of Canadian diplomatic missions in the territory began in 1923 when a Canadian Immigration office was established in Hong Kong. In 1929, Trade Commissioner Paul Sykes opened the Canadian Trade Commission. At the start of World War II (1941), the office was closed, but it reopened in 1946.

The current Consul General is J. Ian Burchett.

Past Commssioners and Consuls General

  • Doreen Steidle 2008-2011
  • Gerry Campbell 2004-2008
  • Anthony Burger 2001-2004
  • John P. Higginbotham 1989-1994
  • Garrett Lambert 1994-1997

See also

References

  1. 2 China Dissidents Granted Asylum, Fly to Vancouver, Los Angeles Times, September 17, 1992
  2. Inspection of The Canadian Consulate General Hong Kong

External links

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