PAFSO Awards — Celebrating 20 Years // Les Prix de l’APASE

bout de papier, Vol. 24, No. 3 (2009) — Summer/Fall 2009 // Été/Automne 2009, pp. 33–39

photos by Gordon King

(Above, left to right) Frank Ruddock, Jason LaTorre, Soyoung Park and Léonard Beaulne

On Thursday, June 11, 2009, 295 colleagues and guests gathered to celebrate excellence in the Canadian Foreign Service at the PAFSO Dinner and Awards presentations held in the Panorama Room of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Celebrations for an outstanding evening at the 20th year of the PAFSO Awards got underway as the Pipe Major of the Sons of Scotland, Ms. Bethany Basillion, piped in the guests.

Le président de l’APASE, Craig Weichel, a amorcé la soirée en souhaitant la bienvenue aux invités spéciaux et aux hauts fonctionnaires au 20e diner annuel de remise des Prix du service extérieur. Dans son allocution, M. Weichel a souligné que :

« Nous célébrons ce soir le 20e anniversaire d’établissement des Prix de l’APASE, et il est remarquable combien le monde a changé depuis la première remise des Prix, en 1990. À l’époque, il y avait encore un pays qui s’appelait l’Union soviétique, les États membres de la Communauté économique européenne en étaient encore à leurs tout premiers pas vers l’adoption d’une devise commune encore sans nom et l’American Dialect Society venait de couronner « politiquement correct » comme la nouvelle expression la « plus outrageuse » de l’année.

C’est dans ce contexte de monde en perpétuelle évolution que les agents du service extérieur exercent leur métier, saisissent la signification des événements qui se produisent, prodiguent les meilleurs conseils possibles au gouvernement de l’heure et défendent et promeuvent les valeurs et les intérêts du Canada à l’étranger …

[C’est ce qu’ils font] souvent dans des circonstances difficiles du point de vue tant de leur bien-être personnel que de celui des membres de leurs familles respectives … Nous soulignons les accomplissements exceptionnels de nos lauréat, [mais aussi] l’importante contribution que le service extérieur du Canada apporte à la protection, à la promotion et à la prospérité de notre pays.

Léonard Beaulne

Léonard Beaulne, directeur adjoint, Affaires interaméricaines à la Direction de l’Amérique du Sud et des relations interaméricaines du MAECTI, est lauréat d’un Prix de l’APASE cette année pour ses réalisations exceptionnelles et ses énormes contributions aux affaires interaméricaines. Léonard est parfaitement trilingue, français, anglais et espagnol, atout précieux pour les négociations dans le contexte interaméricain où la capacité de trouver le bon mot ou la bonne expression peut changer le momentum et, en dernière analyse, influer sur le succès de la séance de négociation. Il possède une connaissance intime des Amériques et expose à ses collègues le contexte et les antécédents historiques et politiques de nombreuses questions interaméricaines.

Leonard possesses the important ability to understand the motivations underlying the positions and actions of other delegations, allowing him to shape a strategy that can gain the support of others by addressing their needs and concerns. He is regarded as one of DFAIT’s foremost experts on the Americas, combining the experience of the full range of bilateral relations and extraordinary insight into the broader inter-American system — valued abilities as Canada has worked to develop the multilateral arm of its Americas Strategy.

Que ce soit en Colombie, mon premier poste, comme responsable de l’Afrique du Nord dans notre bureau des Nations Unies, au Venezuela, ou plus récemment travaillant aux Affaires interaméricaines, je me suis trouvé dans des circonstances souvent uniques qui permettaient de saisir à fond le sens, l’intérêt, le défi, l’utilité et la fascination du travail que nous accomplissons.

Allocution de la gouverneure générale

Malheureusement, les deux invités d’honneur de la soirée, Leurs Excellences la très honorable Michaëlle Jean, gouverneure générale du Canada, et M. Jean-Daniel Lafond, n’ont pu être présents. La gouverneure générale se trouvait à Trenton (Ontario) pour prendre part à la cérémonie de rapatriement du soldat Alexandre Péloquin tombé au combat en Afghanistan. En son absence, la secrétaire et suppléante de la gouverneure générale, M™ Sheila-Marie Cook, a prononcé l’allocution suivante :

« La gouverneure générale regrette de ne pouvoir être avec vous ce soir car une cérémonie de rapatriement à Trenton l’empêche d’être des vôtres.

Elle m’a demandé de vous faire ses amitiés et de prononcer quelques mots en son nom.

Chaque visite d’État ou officielle à l’étranger me permet de constater la qualité du service extérieur canadien.

C’est le plus souvent par vous, par les voies diplomatiques que vous privilégiez, et grâce à votre travail sur le terrain, que le Canada parvient à éliminer les causes possibles de conflits, à multiplier les occasions de prospérité et de partenariat, et à créer des liens de coopération durables.

C’est un travail que vous effectuez le plus souvent en coulisses, et j’estime qu’il est essentiel que toutes les Canadiennes et tous les Canadiens sachent combien votre travail à l’étranger contribue à l’excellente réputation du Canada dans le concert des nations et à son succès.

J’ajouterais que, dans un monde qui connaît une ouverture sans précédent, votre rôle n’a jamais été aussi important.

The economic crisis, natural disasters, food crises, the withdrawal into one’s identity when faced with diversity, and the importance of security in light of the rise in fundamentalism of all kinds: these are all issues that present tremendous challenges that now extend beyond regional and national borders.

Challenges that affect the entire world and require every country and government, including Canada, to work together to find common solutions that respect everyone’s needs and interests.

That is why it is so important and necessary to be able to count on our extremely professional foreign service officers, people who take the road less travelled, understand the cultures in which they are asked to work and embody the democratic values Canadians hold so dear.

Foreign service officers like the ones we are honouring tonight.

You were chosen by your peers, which, I believe, makes these awards even more significant.

Because they see you as sources of inspiration and role models, and it is on their behalf, and on behalf of all Canadians, that we have the pleasure of honouring you and telling you how proud we are of you.

Sachez que la gouverneure générale du Canada vous offre toutes ses félicitations!

Mr. Alan Kessel, Legal Adviser, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT), was Master of Ceremonies. In his introduction, Mr. Weichel noted Mr. Kessel’s long association with the PAFSO Awards, having served both as Master of Ceremonies from 1996-2000 and for a number of years as Chairman of the Awards Committee. Mr. Kessel added

“It is an honour to be amongst such a luminous crowd that has done such tremendous things around the world and this is our night to tell people about what we do and how well we do it.”

Jason LaTorre

Jason LaTorre, Senior Trade Commissioner, Canadian Consulate General, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has been selected as a winner of the PAFSO Award for his work as Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He is being recognized for his initiative, creativity, inter-cultural effectiveness and dedicated service to Canadians. One of his prime areas of work was in the education sector. He recognized the opportunities to promote Canadian competitiveness in education and worked with key local contacts, Canadian institutions and other members of the mission, including the immigration section. During his first year on the education file, his efforts resulted in student numbers effectively doubling.

Jason est un modèle de conciliation travail-vie pour son personnel et pour d’autres personnes; il met l’accent sur les priorités d’une manière qui les inspire. Un certain nombre de clients de Jason ont participé au processus de sa mise en candidature, louant divers aspects de son travail. candidature a été appuyée sans réserve par les membres de sa section qui reconnaissent et apprécient son style de leadership, son respect de la culture vietnamienne sur les plans tant professionnel que social et l’enthousiasme dont il fait preuve dans son affectation.

Jason LaTorre and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Perrin Beatty

am working with an exceptional team. They are delivering service to clients with the highest degree of integrity, commitment, and professionalism. Tonight, I’m accepting this award on behalf of the team. I’d also like to acknowledge my wife and our two very young daughters, who accept new postings with openness and optimism and make my life special wherever we go.”

Soyoung Park

Soyoung Park, currently Project Business Director, GCMS, Client Service Modernisation in CIC, is being honoured this year as a winner of the PAFSO Award for excelling in bringing action management, vision, partnership and solid values to her work in the Foreign Service. Soyoung has had three postings, New Delhi, Beijing and Damascus. In each, she has tackled difficult problems and implemented efficient managerial practices, improving the service provided to clients. At headquarters, she took on responsibility as Project Business Director for the Global Case Management System (GCMS) which, when implemented, will be the platform to bring the business of citizenship and immigration into the 21st century.

Quoique le projet ait connu des périodes houleuses, Soyoung a su, en l’espace d’a peine quelques mois, parfaitement cerner les enjeux et commencer à mettre en place un plan d’action visant à constituer une équipe solide au sein de laquelle les entreprises et les groupes commerciaux/techniques partagent le même but et les mêmes objectifs. Elle est une innovatrice pratique et courageuse. Elle sait inspirer et motiver les agents comme le personnel de soutien.

Visa officers make millions of decisions each year and it is the unspectacular ones that make up the social and cultural fabric of Canada, one decision and one person at a time.”

Soyoung Park and Mme Sheila-Marie Cook, Secretary to the Governor General

Frank Ruddock

Frank Ruddock, Coordinator for Pan-African Affairs, in the Africa Bureau of DFAIT, is being honoured this year as a winner of the PAFSO Award for his outstanding policy and corporate advice as well as the service he has provided to the Africa Bureau and all of DFAIT, its missions abroad and the entire inter-departmental community dealing with issues touching on Africa. He possesses the skills of a model foreign service officer with an in-depth knowledge of the Canada/Africa dynamic, providing consistent, sound policy advice and lucid, tightly focussed analyses. He has a long-standing dedication and commitment to serve Canada and is effective at interacting within the bureaucratic culture of DFAIT, the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Privy Council.

otherwise? Over more than three decades, whatever the challenges, you have surrounded me with friendship, help and counsel. In our careers we face ever changing responsibilities, and an array of countries and cultures. But our family of colleagues represents the constant on which we may always rely.”

Frank Ruddock and Len Edwards, Deputy Minister, Foreign Affairs

Why not start thinking about or preparing now for nominations for the 2010 PAFSO Awards? While the deadline for submissions is April 5, 2010, nominations or indications of forthcoming nominations can be received at any time at [email protected] or by mail to Secretary, FS Awards Committee, 412-47 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 9K1.

Épinglette d’argent des Prix de l’APASE

M. Michael Small, sous-ministre adjoint (Ressources humaines), MAECI, et fondateur du Programme des Prix de l’APASE, a retracé les débuts du programme en 1990 et sa raison d’être. Pour marquer cette occasion spéciale, il a annoncé que les lauréats des Prix des agents du service extérieur canadien pour 2009 seraient les premiers à recevoir une épinglette d’argent des Prix de l’APASE et qu’on en remettrait également une à tous les lauréats des années antérieures.

Présentation des Prix de l’APASE

M. Robert Peck, actuellement chef du protocole au MAECI, a agi à titre d’animateur pour la remise des prix. Avant de présenter le premier prix, M. Peck a tenu à souligner l’excellent travail de deux membres très actifs du Comité des prix au cours des 17 dernières années, MM. Douglas Small et George Grande. Les deux sont membres de l’Association des chefs de mission à la retraite.

Pourquoi ne pas envisager dès maintenant de présenter une ou des candidatures aux Prix de l’APASE de 2010? La date limite de réception des candidatures est fixée au 5 avril 2010, mais il est possible en tout temps d’envoyer une candidature ou un avis de candidature, soit par courriel à [email protected], soit par la poste à : Secrétaire, Comité des Prix FS, 412-47, rue Clarence, Ottawa (Ontario) K1N 9K1.

2009 Panel of Judges

The panel which selected this year’s Awards recipients was composed of people who themselves have achieved distinction in their fields.

The Hon. James Bartleman joined the Department of External Affairs in 1966 and retired in 2002. Postings and assignments include ambassador to Cuba, Israel, NATO and the European Union, high commissioner to South Africa and Australia, assistant secretary to Cabinet and Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister. Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario from 2002—07. Member of Mnjikaning First Nation. National Aboriginal Achievement Award, 1999. Phi Delta Kappa Educator of the Year Award. Arthur Kroeger College Award in Ethics in Public Affairs. Nine honourary degrees. Author of four best-selling books. Mr. Bartleman is currently Chancellor of College of Arts and Design. He is actively engaged in aboriginal literacy initiatives and in recent years has established the Club Amick reading club for 5,000 native children and 36 summer literacy camps serving 2,500 children.

Mr. Brian Davis served as a Foreign Service Officer from 1971 to 2006. His assignments abroad included Lebanon, Kenya, Poland, India, Hong Kong (twice), Paris and Syria. He was the Immigration Program Manager in Poland, Hong Kong and Paris. In his final assignment before leaving the Public Service, he served as Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic from 2003 to 2006. Since leaving the federal government in 2006, Mr. Davis has been a freelance policy consultant, with particular emphasis on the Middle East. He has also given lectures on the subject in various fora, such as at McGill University.

Mr. John de Chastelain joined the Canadian Army in January 1956 as a Private in the Calgary Highlanders. On graduating from the Royal Military College (RMC), he was commissioned into the 2nd Battalion PPCLI. He served as a Company Commander in Germany and Cyprus in 1 PPCLI and in Winnipeg as Commanding Officer of 2 PPCLI. His senior appointments included Commander of CFB Montreal, Commander of the Canadian Contingent in Cyprus, Commandant of RMC, Commander of the 4th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Germany, Director General Land Doctrine and Operations, Deputy Commander of Mobile Command, Assistant Deputy Minister Personnel and Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. Mr. de Chastelain was Chief of the Defence Staff from 1989 to 1993 and from 1994 to 1995. In 1993 he was Canada’s Ambassador to the United States. He retired from the Canadian Forces in January 1996 and since then has been involved in the Northern Ireland peace process. He is a Senior Advisor on the University of Windsor’s Jerusalem Old City Initiative, a member of the Board of the Forum of Federations and a member of the Board of the United Nations Association of Canada. and President of Intermestic Consulting Inc, a firm he founded, specializing in advising clients on Canada-US relations.

Don Newman is Senior Parliamentary Editor for CBC News and the host of CBC Newsworld’s daily program POLITICS, an intelligent analysis of major political news stories and newsmakers in Ottawa, around the country and abroad. In 1981, Mr. Newman came to work for the public broadcaster’s Parliamentary Bureau and since then has hosted his own political affairs program based in Ottawa (This Week in Parliament from 1981-93, Capital Report from 1989-95 and POLITICS from 1995—present). In 1997, Mr. Newman was the first recipient of the Charles Lynch Award for outstanding coverage of national affairs and in 1999 was named a Member of the Order of Canada for being one of Canada’s most respected journalists. Mr. Newman is currently on the boards of Canada’s National History Society and the Canadian Journalism Foundation.

M” Louise Terrillon-Mackay est une ancienne agente du service extérieur et ancienne présidente du chapitre de la Capitale nationale de l’Institut canadien des affaires internationales. Elle est présidente du Conseil d’administration de l’Institut canadien des études méditerranéennes, membre des conseils d’administration de l’Alliance française et de

RHOMA Prize for best article in bout de papier

In addition to the four PAFSO Awards, one other prize was presented at the PAFSO Dinner on June 11, 2009. Mr. Nicholas Coghlan was the winner of the Retired Heads of Mission Association (RHOMA) sponsored prize for best article in bout de papier magazine. His article, “Pastoral Pursuits in Pakistan’s Punjab” appeared in Volume 23, No. 4. He received a framed award and cheque.

Honourable Mention went to Ms. Liza Linklater for her review of Portrait in Light and Shadow: the Life of Yousuf Karsh, Volume 23, No.

At the request of Nicholas Coghlan, Michael Small read his acceptance remarks and accepted the prize and cheque from the President of RHOMA, Larry Dickenson (left).

June 11, 2009 — Dinner / dîner — le 11 juin 2009

Inniskillin 2007 Niagara Series
Riesling VQA Niagara Peninsula
Arugula and Red Leaf Lettuce,
Charred Fennel and Roasted Red
Capsicum Confetti, Balsamic and
DOP Olive Pull
Salade de fenouil grille sur verdure
confetti de câpres rôties, vinaigrette
balsamique
Inniskillin 2007 Montague
Chardonnay VQA Niagara
Peninsula
Inniskillin 2007 Pinot Noir Reserve
VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ceylon Tea Crusted Paillard of
Salmon Steamed Yau Choy,
Yukon Potato Gallette,
Green Peppercorn Gastrique
Paillard de saumon avec croute de
thé Ceylanais, yau choy a la vapeur,
galette de pomme de terre Yukon,
sauce gastrique au poivre vert
Inniskillin 2006 Olympic Series
Vidal Icewine VQA Niagara
Peninsula
Chocolate Tartelette with Créme
Anglaise
Tartelette au chocolat avec crème
anglaise