FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Mariana Sánchez Ramírez

Phone: (202) 691-4032

Mariana.Sanchez@wilsoncenter.org

April 24, 2020

 

WASHINGTON – The Canada Institute of the Wilson Center mourns the death of the Honourable Allan Gotlieb who served as a Canada Institute Advisory Board Member for over 17 years.

Allan Gotlieb was Ambassador of Canada to the United States from 1981-1989. Previously, Ambassador Gotlieb served as Deputy Minister of Communications, Deputy Minister of Manpower and Immigration, and Under-Secretary of State for External Affairs. His expertise in international and domestic law, human rights, and the impact of technology on law is reflected in his public policy works. His work and dedication as Ambassador and his ministerial portfolios critically enhanced the relationship between Canada and the United States.

After retiring from the public service, Ambassador Gotlieb served as a leader in the business industry, most recently serving as a Senior Business Advisor at Bennett Jones.

In 2002, the Honourable Allan Gotlieb was the first Canadian awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service. Ambassador Gotlieb was an early advocate of the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute and served as an Advisory Board Member of the Policy Circle from 2003 until his passing. His dedication and support of the Canada Institute throughout the years helped to advance the work of the Canada Institute in Washington, D.C.

Says Christopher Sands, Canada Institute Director:

Allan Gotlieb redefined the role of Canada's ambassador in Washington, breaking new ground for a foreign representative by engaging directly with the United States Congress and expanding Canadian outreach far beyond the White House and the State Department to build relationships with executive branch departments, academic and think tank policy experts, and powerhouse lobbyists on K Street. Ambassador Gotlieb also negotiated the agreement that led Canada to relocate its embassy in Washington its current, iconic location on Pennsylvania Avenue. And, while not as visible, Ambassador Gotlieb continued to transform how Canada is viewed and how it engages in Washington through his role as a member of the advisory board for the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center where his influence has helped to shape our work and his wise counsel will be deeply missed.

Says Gary Doer, Canada Institute Co-Chair:

Former Ambassador Allan Gotlieb was an intelligent, passionate force of nature every day he advocated for Canada’s interests in Washington. The deals he negotiated were sure to have made his fellow Winnipegger Monty Hall proud.

Says Bruce Heyman, Canada Institute Co-Chair:

I am saddened at the news of Amb. Allan Gotlieb’s passing and like so many others in both Canada and the U.S., I am reflecting on how well Amb. Gotlieb represented Canada in his role as Ambassador to the United States. His service to strengthening this bilateral relationship continued throughout his accomplished life. Both Canada and the U.S. will miss his voice.

Says Hugh MacKinnon, Canada Institute Co-Chair:

Allan Gotlieb was a great patriot who served his country with exceptional skill and dedication. A person who never lost his passion for clear thinking and great policy, nor his grace and humour. His impact on Canadian public policy and on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him cannot be overestimated. He will be greatly missed.

Says David Jacobson, Canada Institute Advisory Board Member:

Allan Gotlieb exhibited every quality that is important in a diplomat: intelligence, integrity, passion, patriotism, a great sense of humor, and so much more.  He was a role model for me. And I will miss him very much."

Allan Gotlieb’s lifelong commitment to advancing the Canada – U.S. relationship embodied the ideals of President Woodrow Wilson who said, “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.”

We are saddened by his loss and thank him for his dedicated years of service to the Canada Institute.

In partnership with the University of Toronto Munk School and John Hopkins Center for Canadian Studies, we will be hosting a virtual conversation on May 7th to discuss the legacy of Ambassador Allan Gotlieb. A formal invitation with additional information to follow.