Biographical notes – Diplomatic appointments

Timothy Edwards (BA [History and Political Science], McGill University, 1998) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003. At Headquarters, he has worked in the Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and International Women’s Equality Division; twice in the North Asia Relations Division; in the Major Programs Bureau; and in the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Division. From 2011 to 2014, he was the elected president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers. Overseas, he has served in Hong Kong and The Hague, and he was chargé d’affaires and head of office in Vientiane, from 2018 to 2021. Most recently, he was director of the Weapons Threat Reduction Program.

Corry van Gaal (BIB, Carleton University, 2001; MBA, University of Ottawa, 2006) worked at Export Development Canada as a trade economist and business development strategist before joining the foreign service at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 2009. At Headquarters, she has served as director for food security and chair of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and pioneered innovative blended finance programs. Overseas, she has served in Ethiopia, Colombia and Zambia. She is currently chargé d’affaires at the High Commission in Zambia, where she advances bilateral trade, promotes inclusive economic growth and builds strategic partnerships in support of Canada’s international priorities.

Judith Gelbman (BComm, Concordia University, 1992; MSc [Economics], London School of Economics, 1994) joined Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada in 2013. At Headquarters, she has held a number of director-level positions working on a range of economic, development and foreign policy issues. Abroad, she served as counsellor at the mission to the EU, in Brussels (2018 to 2022). More recently, she served as director of the European Bilateral Relations and Commercial Advocacy Division, where she managed Canada’s relationships with several European countries and the EU. Prior to joining the department, she was director of International Climate Change Policy and Negotiations at Environment Canada (2010 to 2013) and worked in a number of other departments, primarily focused on international relations.   

Marcel Lebleu (BSc [Economics], University of Montréal, 1985), joined the Department of External Affairs in 1987. At Headquarters, Mr. Lebleu has served as director general of Regional Trade Operations and Intergovernmental Relations, as well as director general for West and Central Africa. In Montréal, he led the Trade Commissioner Service’s Quebec Regional Office. Abroad, he has held various positions at the embassies to Cameroon, Costa Rica, Argentina and Spain. In addition, Mr. Lebleu served as ambassador to Chile (2015 to 2017) and to Colombia (2017 to 2021). Most recently, he was ambassador to Senegal (2024 to 2026).