Diplomat is Arts Alumni Achievement winner
2000 Arts Alumni Achievement Recipient: Kathryn McCallion
Kathryn McCallion, a distinguished diplomat and University of Waterloo political science graduate from 1972, is this year's winner of the Faculty of Arts Alumni Achievement Award.
McCallion, currently the Canadian government's assistant deputy minister for Corporate Services, Passport and Consular Affairs, was selected for the award that recognizes "Waterloo arts alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their professional field and/or in community and public service".
The third winner of the award, McCallion accepted a position in the Trade Commissioner Office in the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce after graduation. At the time she had no inkling that she was on a path that would take her to many places in the world and put her at the centre of diverse issues.
In addition to being based in Ottawa, McCallion's career in Canada's foreign service has led to postings in the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States and Western Europe.
After launching her career in trade promotion, McCallion became an expert negotiator of international agreements in commodities vital to Canada's prosperity. Later, she became a central player in negotiations related to agricultural subsidies and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. In 1987, she was appointed Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica, with responsibility for other Caribbean areas. She led Canada's reconstruction efforts after Jamaica was devastated by a hurricane and received the "heartfelt commendation" of the Jamaican people.
Upon her return to Ottawa, McCallion served in the office of the Secretary of State for External Affairs during the Gulf War. Her appointment in 1991 as director general, Western Europe, made her responsible for Canada's relations with the European Community and Western European nations.
The next assignment was assistant deputy minister, Latin America and the Caribbean, which put her at the centre of free-trade negotiations and the expansion of Canada's involvement in the region.
In 1996, as assistant deputy minister, International Business and chief trade commissioner, McCallion developed Canada's international information strategy. Two years later, she led the establishment of Team Canada Inc., which works for the expansion of Canadian exports. Then, in 1999, she was named to her current position.
McCallion has been recognized by her peers who named her president of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers and has served on number professional organizations.
Her work in establishing Team Canada was recognized when she received the Clerk of the Privy Council Award for Excellence.