Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the naming of Mark Rowswell, also know as “Dashan”, as Canada’s Goodwill Ambassador to China.
“For many years Mark Rowswell has used his extraordinary talents to build bridges of understanding between Canada and China,” said Prime Minister Harper. “I am pleased to name this highly recognized and respected individual as Canada’s Goodwill Ambassador to China.”
Over the past 20 years, Mr. Rowswell has become a cultural icon and celebrity known as “Dashan” in China. Known for his intercultural and charity work, he is an active performer, language educator, public speaker, and television host in that country.
In December 2006, Mr. Rowswell became a Member of the Order of Canada for his work in uniting the Canadian and Chinese peoples through laughter, understanding and goodwill. He has represented Canada in a number of capacities, such as Team Attaché for the Canadian Olympic Committee during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, and Canada's Commissioner General for Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
