Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao
Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao | |
---|---|
Incumbent since 2011J. Ian Burchett | |
Style | His Excellency |
Residence | Hong Kong |
Inaugural holder | Garrett Lambert |
Formation | 1997 |
Website | Consulate General, Hong Kong |
The Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong and Macao represents Canada in Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China. As Hong Kong was linked to the Commonwealth during British administration, Canada's mission was called the Canadian Commission before the transfer of sovereignty to China on July 1, 1997.[1]
Owing to the special status of Hong Kong and Macau, the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong reports directly to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development in Ottawa, although it works closely with its counterparts in mainland China.[2]
Canada's mission in Hong Kong does not have its own chancery building, likely due to Hong Kong's lack of office space and high rents. In 1985 it moved located on the 11th to 14th floors in Exchange Square, at 8 Connaught Road Central. These offices provide a base for 23 Canada-based diplomats and 117 locally employed staff delivering a wide variety of services. The office relocated again in 2014 to two locations:
- Office of the Consul-General/Canadian Trade Commissioner Service/Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service: 5th floor, Tower 3, Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place
- Consular Section, Immigration Section, Canada Border Services Agency: 9th floor, Berkshire House, 25 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
- Administration Section: 8th floor, Berkshire House, 25 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
The history of Canadian diplomatic missions in the territory began in 1923 when a Canadian Immigration office was established in Hong Kong. In 1929, Trade Commissioner Paul Sykes opened the Canadian Trade Commission. At the start of World War II (1941), the office was closed, but it reopened in 1946.
The current Consul General is J. Ian Burchett.
Past Commssioners and Consuls General
- Doreen Steidle 2008-2011
- Gerry Campbell 2004-2008
- Anthony Burger 2001-2004
- John P. Higginbotham 1989-1994
- Garrett Lambert 1994-1997