Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson has announced he is stepping down from his Vancouver area federal seat to become Canada's next Ambassador to the European Union, accepting an appointment from Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Wilkinson Accepts Diplomatic Post
In a statement posted on social media Thursday morning, Wilkinson confirmed he had accepted Carney's offer to serve as Canada's top diplomat to the EU. "The European Union is one of Canada's most important partners in trade, climate, security and the defence of democracy," Wilkinson said. He added, "In Brussels, I will work to ensure that this partnership delivers real benefits to Canadians."
Leaving Parliament
Wilkinson stated he would vacate his seat representing a Vancouver-area riding "in the coming months." First elected to the House of Commons in 2015, he served in several senior cabinet roles under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, including Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Minister of Natural Resources.
Third Trudeau-Era Minister Appointed
Wilkinson becomes the third former Trudeau cabinet minister to be appointed to a diplomatic post by Carney. Previously, former Attorney General David Lametti was named Canada's Ambassador to the United Nations, and former Defence Minister Bill Blair was appointed High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Wilkinson will succeed career diplomat Ailish Campbell, who completed her term as Canada's Ambassador to the EU in September 2025.
