Greek and Canadian flags flying together outside the Presidential Mansion in Athens in honour of the Canadian PM's State visit to Greece in May of 2011
The Departing Canadian Ambassador Robert Peck's Farewell and Ode to Hellas below was published by
Kathimerini
this week, a particularly significant week for Canada. It was a week which saw
the Liberals being elected to power after many years and Justin Trudeau, the son of
legendary PM, Pierre Trudeau, become the Prime Minister in waiting...
"For me, last week marked the end of more than
eight years as a diplomat accredited on two different occasions to the
Hellenic Republic, serving for the last four years as Canada’s
ambassador.
From 2011 to 2015, with the support of my able embassy team, I have
worked with six different prime ministers, a multiplicity of ministers
representing six political parties, and have witnessed – and experienced
at a very human level – the complex challenges facing this remarkable
country.
Often drawing from the insights and experiences of my Greek-Canadian
spouse, the daughter of immigrants to Canada in the 1960s, I have been
motivated by the resilience of the Greek people, their inherent
generosity and “filotimo,” despite the existential questions of everyday
life. I have tried to be a faithful practitioner of the “human
diplomacy” and “a l’ecoute des citoyens” practiced by former Canadian
Governor General the Right Honorable Michaelle Jean, now
secretary-general of La Francophonie, and a past collaborator.
Cultural exchanges had a special place to underscore our solidarity
and the human face of bilateral relations at this difficult time: the
spectacular success in Canada of the exhibition “The Greeks: From
Agamemnon to Alexander The Great,” Cirque de Soleil’s Greek debut, music
by philhellene pianist Alain Lefevre, Diana Krall at the Herod Atticus,
and the Greek National Opera’s tribute to opera legend Teresa Stratas.
Legendary international singer Nana Mouskouri and laiko icon Mary Linda
both performed in Canada for philanthropic causes, a hospital
partnership in support of children with cancer and Greek language
instruction in three Canadian cities. The Vorres Museum and the Canadian
Institute in Greece (CIG) are vibrant symbols of longstanding cultural
ties.
I have drawn inspiration from the selflessness of average Greek men
and women who work under the radar, achieving small miracles every day
with limited means in support of the elderly, the hungry and the
chronically ill. And these experiences have challenged me to reflect on
my own moral compass.
I also have been proud to support the efforts of those who embrace
diversity in Greece, so that all can be treated with equality,
regardless of differences of religion, sexuality or race.
Even when there were differences of opinion and frank talk, as
Canada’s ambassador I have been treated invariably with courtesy and
respect, the ultimate compliment to my country, and always in the spirit
of partnership central to Canada-Greece relations.
As a diplomat I have been challenged to promote meaningful dialogue
between governments past and present and other key stakeholders
regarding a major Canadian investment in the mining sector. Diplomacy
obviously has its limitations but I nevertheless remain hopeful that
time, circumstance and win-win opportunities will lead to positive
outcomes.
During my tenure I have been gratified to see Canada become one of
the largest foreign investors in Greece, even at a difficult time. In
all candor I can claim no real credit for these fortuitous developments;
however, this Canadian engagement is a source of considerable pride and
validation of the untapped potential I have often championed.
I am confident Eldorado Gold, Fairfax and PSP Investments can
contribute to long-term economic growth and prosperity in support of
Greece’s future. Further successes by these signature Canadian investors
already present in Greece will send a clear message internationally.
The eventual ratification by European Union member-states, including
Greece, of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
(CETA) will provide an important catalyst to bilateral trade and
investment.
The future path for Greece will be far from easy. It is time,
however, to move beyond the many missed opportunities I have witnessed
during my mandate, including the return of seaplanes to Greece, a
certain catalyst for high-end tourism and a metaphor for transformation
in the sector.
Greece no doubt faces a long and difficult path ahead. The country is
at an historic crossroads. I have experienced at the grassroots level a
growing weariness and disillusionment across the generational divide.
Far too many Greeks seek new hope and opportunity only beyond the
borders of their country. This has to change.
But the glass remains at least half full, not half empty, for this
friend of Greece, although my own resolve has sometimes been tested.
Canada’s new Chancery in Athens, inaugurated earlier this year and
designed by celebrated architectural firm Tombazis and Associates,
provides a new, modern platform for 21st-century diplomacy. Canada and
Greece should aspire to be more ambitious in their bilateral relations.
We are joined by close people-to-people ties, dynamic
cultural/educational links and a growing Canadian investment presence.
This is my parting wish as our two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic
ties in 2017.
And, for me personally, a commitment that this is not a
goodbye: “Ce n’est qu’un au revoir.”
Thank you Ambassador!
We wish you well.
As part of our Global Greek family,
we're sure you will continue to do your best for Greece, wherever you are.
Ευχαριστούμε!
At Global Greek World, We ♥ Greece...and it shows!
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