Statement on the passing of former diplomat Allan Gotlieb

April 21, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement on the passing of Allan Gotlieb:

“Global Affairs Canada and its employees were saddened to learn of the death of Allan Gotlieb, an exceptional public servant and diplomat whose influential work has left a lasting impression on Canada’s foreign policy.

“Mr. Gotlieb led a distinguished public service career, and his dedication to Canadians and Canada’s foreign policy are demonstrated by the many crucial roles he occupied.

“During his extraordinary career with the Department of External Affairs, he was appointed as a member of the Conference of the Eighteen-Nation Committee on Disarmament, head of the Legal Division, alternate delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations and under-secretary of state for external affairs. He also served as Canada’s ambassador to the United States for nearly a decade.

“Mr. Gotlieb achieved public service excellence beyond the department as well, having been appointed as both deputy minister of the former Department of Communications and deputy minister of the department responsible for immigration.

“He was an accomplished scholar, who published many books and articles in the fields of international law and political science, providing crucial insights into the central role of multilateralism, international consensus and coalition building in Canada’s foreign policy.

“On behalf of all Global Affairs Canada staff in Canada and abroad, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Gotlieb’s family and loved ones.”