bout de papier, Vol. 16, No. 3 (1999) — Fall 1999 // Automne 1999, p. 2
I have returned to bout de papier as Editor after several years’ absence just in time to write the last editorial of the century for the magazine. Few editors are given such a rare privilege! The occasion did cause me to reflect on the many past achievements of bout, and the contributions of those who have made the magazine an enduring part of the Canadian Foreign Service. bout exists only because of the tireless efforts of volunteers, and the many contributors here and abroad who give freely of their time. As I take on the editorship, I would like to acknowledge the professionalism of my immediate predecessor Neil Reeder, past editors and editorial boards and the production team at ACART Communications, in particular, Al Albania and Nancy Boland, whose creativity and passion for the magazine results time and again in a magazine pleasing to the eye. But there simply would not be bout de papier as we know it without the steady hand of Managing Editor, Debra Hulley to keep the magazine’s production schedule and finances on an even keel.
As the new editor, I would like to see bout take on a larger role as a forum for discussion and debate on issues facing the Foreign Service. The task facing senior management is daunting, as a new Human Resources Strategy is launched at Foreign Affairs, and Assistant Deputy Minister for Human Resources, Suzanne Laporte, joins the Executive Committee. I know the challenges are equally great at Citizenship and Immigration.
It is my hope that “PAFSO Forum/Forum de L’APASE” will become, once again, a column where PAFSO members and others can raise concerns about major issues before the FS community.
Appropriately, before we leave this century behind, former Ambassador Arthur Blanchette takes a look back at the postwar Foreign Service, and the days when ministers met all officers going on posting abroad, regardless of rank. Times have certainly changed! bout salutes in this issue a secretarial legend, Michaelena McLaughlin, who was awarded the Order of Canada earlier this year by then Governor General Romeo LeBlanc. This recognition underscores the tremendous contribution made by members of the department’s support personnel. They are indispensable and valued partners, whose contributions are all-too-often forgotten. It is a tribute to the Retired Heads of Mission Association (RHOMA) that McLaughlin’s nomination was put forward, based on the contributions of no less than ten senior officers.
Nothing generates headlines at home more readily than a consular case with a human interest dimension. Canada’s Consul in Dallas, John Morrow, poignantly describes his personal journey with Stan Faulder, an Albertan condemned to die by lethal injection in a Texas prison. Morrow’s account underscores the sensitive and complex nature of consular work
On a lighter note, retired Foreign Service officer Jim Bonthron describes his new vocation as an actor in a Chinese mini-series filmed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In keeping with the Chinese theme, Foreign Service officer J. Jan Burchett reports on Canada-Shandong-Qingdao Week. A highlight of the week’s activities drew attention to the people-to-people links between the two countries and the missionary work in the early 1900s of Dr. James Menzies, father of former Canadian Ambassador to the PRC, Arthur Menzies.
In this issue, Hector Mackenzie delves into his bottomless treasure trove to bring us an account of Mackenzie King’s Italian holidays and his impressions of fascist Italy.
“In Memoriam” features pieces written by former Ambassadors David C. Reece and Angus W.J. Robertson paying tribute to the legendary Escott Reid and Yvon Beaulne. The Foreign Service also mourns the untimely death of Anthony Vincent, Canada’s Ambassador to Spain, who passed away last November just as bout was going to press.
For “Books in Review” we thank John Kneale for his reviews of two reference works on diplomacy. Geoff White tackles works by four Canadian journalists who offer their own individual take on the direction of their profession and John Starnes reviews Jan Adams’ latest book “Agent of Influence: A True Story.” Finally, A Aalto is back with a puzzle guaranteed to test the skill of readers.
We look forward to receiving your story ideas particularly from colleagues at Citizenship and Immigration whose work is rarely described within the covers of this magazine. Feel free to call or e-mail with your comments and suggestions to the Editorial Board ([email protected]). Here’s wishing you Happy Holidays and the team at bout extends to you all a millennium toast!
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Originally published in / Publié à l’origine dans bout de papier, Vol. 16, No. 3 (1999) — Fall 1999 // Automne 1999, p. 2. Read the rest of this issue / Lire le reste de ce numéro →
