Gordon Giffin

Topics

Presentations

Canada-US Interrelationship Dynamics

Trade in a NAFTA and Global Context

US Domestic Politics, Elections and Events in Washington DC

Summary Profile

As the President's personal representative in Canada, Gordon was the chief executive of the United States Embassy in Ottawa responsible for the management of American interests in the largest bi-lateral trading relationship in the world.

Gordon Giffin worked on a scope of diverse international trade issues, including a multilateral protocol on biodiversity, the trade implications of global commerce in cultural products, Pacific salmon fishing rights, the future of the Softwood Lumber Agreement, and continental energy issues.

Because the United States and Canada share a 5,500-mile border, Gordon's portfolio also included border management (including customs and immigration), law enforcement (including joint efforts to combat international terrorism), environmental collaboration, and continental transportation considerations responsibilities.

Additionally, Ambassador Giffin oversaw a complement of approximately 800 American government personnel in Canada, representing 21 federal agencies.

Testimonial

“Mr. Giffin, in the three and a half years he represented the United States in Canada, probably did more in his informal way to influence the Canada-US relationship and to draw the two countries together, than any of our political leaders have done in their official encounters.”

The Globe and Mail