The Co-Chairs of the International Joint Commission (IJC), Canadian Commissioner Pierre Béland and United States’ Commissioner Jane Corwin, are pleased to welcome Christopher Wilkie to the IJC family as the new Secretary of the Canadian Section, effective August 3, 2021. Mr. Wilkie succeeds Ms. Camille Mageau, who retired this past spring.
“As an accomplished diplomat with a demonstrated record of building and maintaining partnerships – including direct experience working with the IJC -- we are delighted that Chris has joined the team,” said Chairs Corwin and Béland.
Mr. Wilkie joins the IJC from Global Affairs Canada, where he served most recently as Canadian Ambassador to Algeria. With advanced degrees in international relations and economics, and a long career in public service, he has advanced efforts on many fronts to increase awareness of, and resources for, climate, environment, and corporate social responsibility in tandem with trade and economic development.
Most significantly, Chris worked directly with the IJC from 2012-2017 as Global Affairs Canada’s Executive Director of the U.S. Transboundary Affairs Division. He led the Government of Canada’s endorsement of several Commission undertakings, including the Souris River and Lake Champlain-Richelieu River studies. He also worked intensively to foster partnerships with all levels of government, Indigenous Nations, business interests, environmental non-governmental organizations and others to advance other water-related issues with the United States, including a new Columbia River Treaty negotiating mandate.
Reflecting on his past contact with the IJC, Mr. Wilkie observed: “Two things immediately struck me: first, that the IJC was a tremendous asset to both Canada and the United States; and second, that there are few things that people care about more than water! It is indeed a great pleasure to take up the position as Secretary of the Canadian Section of the IJC”.
On behalf of all Commissioners and staff, Chairs Corwin and Béland wish Mr. Wilkie every success as he takes on this new role.
