The Consul General of Canada presented the Governor General of Canada’s Medallion to Ambassador Gordon Giffin in recognition of his contributions to the vibrant Canada-US relationship. In awarding the medal, the Governor General Johnston cited that Ambassador Giffin’s “service to both Canada and the United States has no parallel.”

“With your strong personal ties to our country, you have established business and political connections throughout the years that have brought tremendous benefit to both nations. Your ongoing commitment to several Canadian-based organizations in business, natural resources and education are laudable,” His Excellency the Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, added.

Louise Blais, Canada’s Consul General for the Southeastern U.S. officially presented the medal to Ambassador Giffin during a private ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.

“For generations Canada has been a special part of my family heritage. The opportunity to represent my native country in my adopted country was the honor of my life," said Ambassador Giffin. "The receipt of the Governor General's Medallion crystallizes in my mind how remarkable the relationship between our two countries is and how blessed I have been to be a small part of that dynamic.”

Unique among previous and current U.S. envoys to Canada, Ambassador Giffin spent 17 years of his childhood growing up in Canada. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, he moved to Canada before his first birthday.

Ambassador Giffin was appointed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton and served as Ambassador from 1997-2001. At the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, he managed U.S. interests in the world's largest bilateral trading relationship in the context of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as well as U.S. collaboration with Canada on global issues in international fora.

Since the adoption of the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (1989) and NAFTA, the Canada-U.S. bilateral trading relationship has more than tripled. In 2015, Canada-U.S. trade in goods and services exceeded $670 billion. Beyond his links to expanding trade, Ambassador Giffin received the Superior Honor Award from the Department of State for negotiating a pre-clearance agreement.

Added Blais, “We appreciate the strong links Ambassador Giffin has maintained to Canada. His service on the Canadian-American Business Council and the boards of several Canadian companies, along with his valuable perspective continue to strengthen the bonds between our nations.”

Today, Ambassador Giffin heads Dentons' Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs department. His distinguished career also includes service as a Legislative Director and Chief Counsel to former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn.

Canada In the Southeast : Canada is the largest international trading partner for the United States. In 2015, trade between Canada and the U.S. Southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee exceeded $50 billion. More than 1 million jobs in the region are linked to bilateral trade with Canada. Louise Blais serves as Canada’s Consul General since 2014. For more information, visit www.can-am.ca/atlanta.

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