Opportunities for Diplomats
One of Canada’s ambassadors serving overseas cited his appreciation for the spiritual availability offered by the Christian Embassy staff, adding that he takes advantage of their services whenever he can.
We also offer initiatives for spouses of heads of mission and other diplomats. We hope to serve you and help you succeed in your mandate as you represent your country in Canada.
"I desire to be involved with the seminars and luncheons of the Christian Embassy because of the important life issues presented and the opportunities to meet people of faith."
"I think every ambassador and high commissioner should connect with the Christian Embassy. I have found their team to be very helpful to my work as an ambassador for networking, because of the many people they know. With their help, I also better understand the Bible."
"Everything that the Christian Embassy offers is excellent and very helpful. I am informed on very important topics and feel safe to express my opinions on these matters. Not only do you inspire us, but you help us to identify which priorities are truly important."
Initiatives for Diplomats
Courtesy Visits
When a new ambassador or high commissioner arrives in Ottawa, we like to schedule a courtesy call to introduce ourselves and present the services and practical resources that the Christian Embassy offers.
Contact us if you are interested in receiving a courtesy visit.
Networking Luncheons
Through our networking luncheons and dinners, the Christian Embassy provides a platform for more than 100 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders to make meaningful connections that inform and inspire. You will have the opportunity to hear a Christian leader talk about their professional experience and how a personal relationship with God impacts their personal and professional life.
Roundtables
The roundtable luncheons organized by the Christian Embassy facilitate the interactions of six to eight diplomats with one or more senior members of Parliament. The roundtables give diplomats the opportunity to share their country’s perspective on specific areas of mutual interest with the member of Parliament and to glean helpful ideas from one another.
Ambassador Business Tours
Since 1998, the Christian Embassy has taken more than 170 ambassadors and high commissioners from 92 different nations on three-day ambassador business tours to different Canadian cities. These tours provide you valuable opportunities to: – discover and enjoy Canadian innovation, culture and hospitality
– expand your network of Canadian contacts
– promote business and economic opportunities in your country
English as a Second Language Classes
The English as a Second Language (ESL) classes offered by the Christian Embassy are oriented to diplomats and are designed to give students practice in written and oral comprehension, with an emphasis on oral expression. We cover a wide variety of discussion topics, from our professional and personal lives and the classes are oriented toward diplomats’ schedules. Faith and Bible stories are important components of our program, because we seek to inspire people with the person and values of Jesus.
Christmas Dinner
The highlight of the year is our Christmas Dinner, which brings together leaders from across Canada. Diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and their guests are invited to begin celebrating the Christmas season by enjoying a festive meal, live seasonal music and an inspirational guest speaker.
Discussion Groups
Discussion groups are oriented towards diplomats and are organized according to the participants’ schedules and interests. A typical group meets weekly for six to twelve weeks. Some of the topics available include: Principles of Leadership, Marriage and Family, and Integrity.
Seminars for Diplomat Families
Living in an unfamiliar country or culture can be challenging. The Christian Embassy offers periodic seminars on navigating life transitions, cultural challenges, marriage, parenting and other relevant topics for busy diplomat families.
We can also help connect you to a weekly Bible study for wives of ambassadors and high commissioners.
Events for Diplomats
“Anchored in Reality: Why Christmas Matters”, Mr. Abdu Murray
December 1, 2026, 18h00
“Anchored in Reality: Why Christmas Matters” with Mr. Abdu Murray, J.D.
Diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and their guests are invited to begin celebrating the Christmas season by enjoying a festive meal, live seasonal music and inspirational keynote speaker Mr. Abdu Murray.
The bedrock of reality seems to be shifting underneath our feet in these turbulent times. Yet the Christmas story remains an unchanging influence on cultures, institutions and our lives. We invite you to discover the deeper meaning and significance of this world-changing event.
Chaos and Canada’s Future: Is there Hope for Growth?
May 4, 2026
Chaos and Canada’s Future: Is there Hope for Growth?
Chaos is so common that if suddenly there was calm, it would be equally shocking. In such a time, is there hope for our future, will there be growth, and is forecasting even possible? Join other diplomats to hear key thoughts on this from a seasoned Canadian economic forecaster Mr. Peter Hall.
On Mission Together: Reflections on a Political Life – Hon. Ed Fast, PC KC and Mrs. Annette Fast
November 24, 2025
“On Mission Together: Reflections on a Political Life” with the Honourable Ed Fast PC KC and Mrs. Annette Fast
Diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and their guests are invited to begin celebrating the Christmas season by enjoying a festive meal, live seasonal music and inspirational keynote speakers the Honourable Ed Fast, PC KC and Mrs. Annette Fast.
When a spouse enters politics, it affects both partners deeply. Ed and Annette Fast speak on how Ed’s 34 years in public life entailed both sacrifice and reward. They address their struggle to manage career, community and family, and how their commitment to serve God informed the many decisions they made along the way.
Trade Tumult: Challenges and Solutions in an Increasingly Fractured World
October 8, 2025
“Trade Tumult: Challenges and Solutions in an Increasingly Fractured World” with Mr. Jesse van de Merwe, CFA
As established trading arrangements are questioned, the volatility in both markets and government policy are leaving countries and investors scrambling. What are the challenges facing a vulnerable global economy and the implications thereof? What opportunities exist for leaders and investors, given the large shifts occurring in the global economy? How do we make sense of it all in an increasingly fractured world?
2025 Canadian General Election: What Happened and What’s Next?
May 9, 2025
“2025 Canadian General Election: What Happened and What’s Next?” with Mr. Lucas Malinowski and Mr. Mike Donison
An analysis beyond the headlines: Where was the election won and lost? What are the priorities for the new government going forward? How will the results of this election impact those priorities and its ability to deliver on them?
What’s Next in the Canadian Political Landscape?
March 31, 2025
“What’s Next in the Canadian Political Landscape?” with Mr. Lucas Malinowski and Mr. Mike Donison
A new Leader and Prime Minister, and an early federal election: helping us make sense of so many political developments in so short a time.
Canadian Political Landscape: Insights on the Liberal Leadership Contest and the Triggering of an Election
February 5, 2025
“Canadian Political Lanscape: Insights on the Liberal Leadership Contest and the Triggering of an Election” with Mr. Lucas Malinowski and Mr. Mike Donison
Gain insights into the current Liberal leadership contest from these politically aware leaders, as well as into the options for launching an election and when one might take place.
Setting the Table – Fact, Fiction and Foundations to Alleviate Hunger
December 4, 2024
“Setting the Table – Fact, Fiction and Foundations to Alleviate Hunger” with Dr. Don Buckingham and Mrs. Julia Sáez
Led by a celebrated professor of agriculture and food law and a current policy advisor working in international relief and development, this roundtable discussion will explore the multifaceted nature of food insecurity around the world.
For the Love of Food – Dr. Don Buckingham and Mrs. Julia Sáez
December 3, 2024
We find life and meaning in what, when, where and how we eat. And we love eating! But in many homes across Canada and in communities around the world, finding enough food to eat, let alone at a desired frequency and with loved ones, will be a challenge this Christmas.
Join father/daughter duo, Don and Julia, for a journey into their worlds of food, agriculture, human rights and international development as they reflect on why there is food insecurity in our world of abundance and what we can do about it.
Peace in Conflict? – Mr. Abdu Murray, J. D.
April 17, 2024
The impact of global conflicts have given rise to increased uncertainty and fear. Three aspects of human experience arise from conflict: cries of Sorrow arising from loss, demands for Justice, and questions about Love in the face of seeming indifference to our suffering. Abdu Murray explains how ancient wisdom can resolve all three aspects of conflict in a way that brings peace that defies our circumstances.
Politics, Faith and Human Rights – MP Garnett Genuis
February 29, 2024
MP Genuis has served in roles involving foreign affairs and human rights since he was elected in 2015. His motivation comes from the lessons of an important Holocaust survivor. He will speak about his current work in Parliament, sharing how his family and faith have influenced his work.
40th Christmas Dinner – Hon. Hugh Fraser, O.C.
November 28, 2023
“Cultural Change in Sport” with the Honourable Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C.
Chair of the Hockey Canada Board of Directors
Diplomats, parliamentarians, business leaders and their guests are invited to begin celebrating the Christmas season by enjoying a festive meal, live seasonal music and inspirational keynote speaker and Olympian, the Honourable Justice Hugh L. Fraser, O.C.
Canadian Agriculture: a Force for Food, a Force for Good – Mr. Ian Ross
May 17, 2023
Canada’s Role: Feeding the World while Saving the Planet
Ian Ross explores Canada’s role in feeding the world while saving the planet in a networking luncheon “A Force for Food, a Force for Good.”
Dancing with the Disruptor – Mr. Abdu Murray, J. D.
April 20, 2023
Artificially intelligent software is capturing the world’s imagination and promises to improve our lives and make time for greater creativity. Yet even AI experts warn us that we do not have any ability to predict the kinds of disruptions AI will bring to global economies, governments, social structures and even our definitions of what it means to be human. Abdu Murray explores how ancient wisdom can guide us in our courtship with AI, the most powerful change agent of modern times.
Is Economic Chaos our New Reality? – Mr. Peter Hall
March 29, 2023
Recession seems to be the 2023 watchword, with the only squabbles being around how deep and how long this one is going to be. Recent economic data have sharp-eyed analysts revising forecasts upward. What are we to think about an increasingly chaotic environment?
In this roundtable for diplomats, Mr. Hall shares his high-level thoughts on the world economic and geopolitical situation and on the issues that are of greatest concern. Expect these views to challenge the consensus and to emphasize the particular importance of our role in facilitating solid international relations and trade activity.
Journeying with Jesus – Mrs. Anne-Marie Montgomery
February 23, 2023
Does being an ambassador for Christ seem impossible in your role? Come reflect and hear insights on how to be a witness in a natural and relevant way. What have we learned from our own journey with God? How can we help others become curious about Jesus?
39th Christmas Dinner – Mr. Peter Hall
November 29, 2022
Is there reason for hope in these times which seem to be defined by gloomy forecasts? Hear of critical elements that are almost entirely absent from today’s policy, strategic and social discourse.
Speaking Words of Life and Hope – Barbara Rudd Degenhardt
October 13, 2022
Living out our abundant life and overflowing hope
Our world is in need of solutions to address the challenges we are facing. How can I make a difference by speaking life and hope in my workplace, my family and my community?
Analysis of the Conservative Party Leadership Contest – Mike Donison and Adam Bolek
September 15, 2022
What might the results of the Conservative leadership race mean for the future of the party and indicate about the current state of politics in Canada?
Insights into the Conservative Party Leadership Contest – Mike Donison and Adam Bolek
May 26, 2022
Mr. Donison presented a brief overview of the history and the rules of the Conservative Party leadership selection process and summarized the recent developments that led the Party to another leadership contest. Mr. Bolek spoke to each candidate’s background, prospects and mechanics of their leadership campaign.