A Tale of Two More Cities (Part I)
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, to coin a phrase. The head of the Centre, Hamish MacBannoch, came out of the closet. (He wasn’t gay, he just got lost there one day while looking for his…
All the Fine Young Eagles
A quiet stroll through any book shop in Canada will reveal a super abundance of works about the Second World War. Indeed, the sheer volume of writings about that War suggests a mini-industry rather than a literary or historical endeavour. Much of…
Special Trust and Confidence: Envoy Essays in Canadian Diplomacy
“Special trust and confidence in your loyalty, integrity and ability.” These words, from the Governor General’s letter of appointment, start off every ambassador’s or high commissioner’s assignment. The first few words also form the highly appropriate title of this engaging new book…
Rare Ambition: The Crosbies of Newfoundland
Michael Harris’s purpose in writing this book was to produce “a history of the entire Crosbie family,” a work “that would not only tell readers where John Crosbie had come from, but make a permanent contribution to the history of the country…
A Aalto — The Final Challenge
A special tribute to a long-time contributor
Mr. Heeney Goes to Washington — Eventually
“In some respects,” Jack Granatstein has written, “Arnold Heeney fitted the concept of a perfect civil-service mandarin.” Heeney had been recruited personally by W.L. Mackenzie King in 1938 to serve as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister: Steering adroitly around King’s more…
Gérard Pelletier 1919-1997
Gerard Pelletier’s death in June the ‘t was noteworthy that, at the time of extensive press comment concentrated on his work as a journalist and politician. Little beyond the bare facts was said about his work as a diplomat. Considering that in…
Will the Real Roman Emperor Please Stand Up
by Roger Lucy
Le banquet de l’APASE, version 1997
C’est avec grand plaisir que j’ai décidé d’assister au banquet de l’APASE en juin. On n’a pas eu à me tordre le bras, car j’étais en fort bonne compagnie parmi quelques-uns de mes collègues de CIC les mieux connus (Gerry Campbell, Rod…
1997 FS Awards
Last June 10 saw 240 people — the biggest turn-out ever — gather for a banquet at the National Arts Centre to honour the four winners of the 1997 PAFSO Foreign Service Officer Awards. Under the urbane guidance of master-of-ceremonies Alan Kessel,…
