Opportunities for Parliamentarians
Few outside parliament fully appreciate the demands and busy schedule of a member of parliament or senator. The Christian Embassy team values your time and endeavours to offer meaningful and helpful services.
"The Christian Embassy provides me and other MPs with a needed personal focus and an outlet to serve. Their team helps me make connections with ambassadors as part of my government service. They also offer opportunities for me to grow in my relationship with God as I reach out to encourage leaders in Ottawa and overseas. I doubt the Christian Embassy is aware of the full extent of their positive impact."
“Your work to provide friendship, support and spiritual encouragement to members of parliament, senators and members of the diplomatic corps is a significant contribution to the well-being of these national and international leaders.”
Initiatives for Parliamentarians
Courtesy Visits for Parliamentarians
It would be our privilege and honour to connect with all 338 members of parliament and newly appointed senators to acquaint them with our networking initiatives and other services. Contact us if you would like to schedule 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.
Business Tours
Since 1998, the Christian Embassy has taken over 170 ambassadors and high commissioners from 92 different nations on three-day 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
Networking with Ambassadors
When we become aware of special initiatives that members of parliament or senators are pursuing and wish to promote, we communicate them to ambassadors or high commissioners who share similar interests.
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.
Constituency Events
The Business Tours organized by the Christian Embassy visit several ridings each year. Frequently scheduled during parliamentary breaks, these tours include a community breakfast or lunch where two to three ambassadors address the group. We welcome members of parliament to these events and will happily coordinate with riding offices for upcoming events.
International Delegations
Since 1989, the Christian Embassy of Canada has sponsored more than seventy-five international tours. These have introduced delegations of Canadian economic and political leaders to national leaders around the world. The purpose of our delegations is to discover the priorities and concerns of the leaders they meet and to build bridges of understanding. They also seek to discuss areas of mutual concern and to explore the possibility of future cooperation. Participation in a delegation also helps members of Parliament increase their understanding of international affairs and helps them network more easily with leaders overseas.
Events for Parliamentarians
2020 Couples’ Weekend Getaway: Montebello, QC
March 27-29, 2020
Great marriages are built! Like a great house – on a solid foundation, lovingly crafted, updated and renovated over time. A Weekend Getaway will strengthen your foundation – God’s way – and give you new tools to renovate your relationship.
For most couples it’s a chance to reconnect, re-establish the foundation and rekindle romance.
For others, it’s a fresh start.
For some, it will be the weekend that saves a marriage.
Wherever you’re at in your relationship, it’s a weekend to remember. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, even fun. You’ll hear from real couples doing real life together… God’s way. You’ll be given time to process what you’re learning. And together, you’ll make a plan for a marriage that lasts a lifetime.
36th Annual Christmas Dinner: “Peace on Earth?” with Michael Ramsden
December 2, 2019 at 18h00
“Peace on Earth?” With Michael Ramsden
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 Michael Ramsden.
54th National Prayer Breakfast of Canada
May 2, 2019
The annual National Prayer Breakfast of Canada is a Christ-centred event held by the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast Group in our nation’s capital. The purpose of this event is to come together collectively to honour and continue to hold to our Christian heritage. This allows our elected officials to gather together with men and women from different backgrounds to pray and connect through our shared faith.
2019 National Christian Leadership Dinner
May 1, 2019 from 17h30 to 21h30
The Annual Christian Leadership Dinner is another event organized by the Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast Group as a part of the National Prayer Breakfast festivities. It has been taking place almost as long as the breakfast itself. The purpose of the dinner was originally to extend a courtesy to those travelling from out of town to attend the Breakfast. It has now evolved into an event that compliments the National Prayer Breakfast.
“Making Headlines” with Michael Suderman
April 9, 2019
We live in a time when public failure often leads to defamation. Misdeeds, whether past or present, start trending in social media headlines. Apologies are minimized and dismissed out of skepticism and distrust. In such a toxic environment, is it even possible to become agents of reconciliation and restoration? If so, how?
2019 Couples’ Weekend Getaway: Mont-Tremblant, QC
April 5-7, 2019
Great marriages are built! Like a great house – on a solid foundation, lovingly crafted, updated and renovated over time. A Weekend Getaway will strengthen your foundation – God’s way – and give you new tools to renovate your relationship.
For most couples it’s a chance to reconnect, re-establish the foundation and rekindle romance.
For others, it’s a fresh start.
For some, it will be the weekend that saves a marriage.
Wherever you’re at in your relationship, it’s a weekend to remember. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, even fun. You’ll hear from real couples doing real life together… God’s way. You’ll be given time to process what you’re learning. And together, you’ll make a plan for a marriage that lasts a lifetime.
“Is the Next Recession Imminent?” with Peter Hall
February 26, 2019
Global economic momentum slowed in the final weeks of 2018. Stock market volatility and a rising fear-factor are leading some to predict recession. Is there a point to their pessimism? Or is this another analytical misstep in a time of uncertainty? Hear about global economic prospects and the hope to be found in times of uncertainty.
Roundtable: “Inside the Entrepreneurial Mind” with Don Simmonds
November 27, 2018 from 12h00 to 13h30
A serial entrepreneur shares what makes him tick, and then opens up for an honest Q and A with those in the room. What drives the desire to create new business? How does government inspire or discourage? What about the growing income inequality? Can the “1%” problem be solved? What is the impact of the changing view of leadership? Any other question you might have?
35th Annual Christmas Dinner: “The Certainty of Uncertainty” with Don and Fay Simmonds
November 26, 2018
“The Certainty of Uncertainty” with Mr. Don and Mrs. Fay Simmonds
Uncertainty strikes all of us. For Don and Fay Simmonds it came in the words “liver failure.” They spoke about their life and death battle and their search for certainty in life’s most uncertain moments. There is much to celebrate!
The annual Christmas Dinner is the highlight of the Christian Embassy’s year. This year we welcomed over 200 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders, representing 55 nations.
The festive evening allows busy leaders and their spouses to relax, network and enjoy special music and meaningful reminders of the season. Diplomats appreciate what is often a first opportunity to experience Canadian Christmas traditions.
Roundtable for Parliamentarians: “Reflections on a Trade Challenged World” with Rob Wildeboer
October 31, 2018 from 12h00 to 13h30
Martinrea is a global automotive parts supplier based in Canada, with $4 billion in revenues and 15,000 employees worldwide, operating 44 plants in eight countries on four continents. The current international trade environment, as well as the challenges of one of the most innovative and technologically advanced industries in the world, provide a suitable background to discuss issues of politics, culture and adaptability in a changing world. Martinrea has been heavily involved in international trade and policy discussions involving the automotive sector. Join Rob Wildeboer, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Martinrea, and fellow colleagues for a roundtable discussion on how to persevere and succeed in this challenging environment.
“An Anchor in a Financial Storm” with Jonathan Wellum
June 6, 2018
Levels of debt, wealth disparities, shifting social, ethical and moral values, nation-state challenges – the world is living with risk. How might we deal with the challenges we face?
Jonathan Wellum addresses the need to restore truth, meaning and values rooted in Christianity if we are to progress and maintain free, vibrant and healthy markets at this networking luncheon.
53rd National Prayer Breakfast with Dr. Os Guinness
May 8, 2018
The National Prayer Breakfast is an annual ecumenical event held in Ottawa inviting leaders to come together for an inspirational message, music and the opportunity to pray together. The breakfast is offered under the auspices of the speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons and is organized by a group of volunteers.
The theme for the 2018 National Prayer Breakfast is “Believe, Serve, Lead”.
Dr. Os Guinness, author and social critic, is the keynote speaker and will be joined by special guest Humboldt Broncos’ chaplain Sean Brandow.
National Prayer Leadership Dinner with Kim Phuc
May 7, 2018 from 18h00 to 21h30
The National Prayer Leadership Dinner is an annual ecumenical event held in Ottawa inviting leaders to come together for an inspirational message, music and the opportunity to pray together. The dinner is offered under the auspices of the speakers of the Senate and the House of Commons and is organized by a group of volunteers.
Kim Phuc, author of Fire Road: The Napalm Girl’s Journey Through the Horrors of War to Faith, Forgiveness and Peace, will give the keynote address.
2018 Couples’ Weekend Getaway: Montebello, QC
April 6-8, 2018
Great marriages are built! Like a great house – on a solid foundation, lovingly crafted, updated and renovated over time. A Weekend Getaway will strengthen your foundation – God’s way – and give you new tools to renovate your relationship.
For most couples it’s a chance to reconnect, re-establish the foundation and rekindle romance.
For others, it’s a fresh start.
For some, it will be the weekend that saves a marriage.
Wherever you’re at in your relationship, it’s a weekend to remember. The atmosphere is relaxed and warm, even fun. You’ll hear from real couples doing real life together… God’s way. You’ll be given time to process what you’re learning. And together, you’ll make a plan for a marriage that lasts a lifetime.
“Clarity in a Confused World” with Abdu Murray
March 28, 2018
Educational institutions, news and social media provide us with many different voices, opinions and perspectives. Who do we believe? Increasingly in Western culture, many believe that morals, spirituality and truth are all relative; that there are no absolute truths. Truth is being sacrificed on the altar of preferences. This tendency can cause confusion in interactions. In contrast people who express certainty about what they believe are frequently seen as bigoted, arrogant and intolerant.
Have we embraced a culture of confusion? What are the consequences of such a perspective? Mr. Murray presents reasoning from a Christian perspective for the foundations of truth with applications for professional and personal life to an audience of diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders at a plated networking luncheon entitled Clarity in a Confused World.
“Leading Change” with Don Van Meer
February 28, 2018
Change is inevitable. In fact, what we have in common is that we are all grappling with change in our lives. Change is the one constant. It’s the one reality.
Jack Welch says, “Anytime there is change, there is an opportunity. So it is paramount that an organization get energized rather than paralyzed.”
According to Don Van Meer, the greatest single point of failure in driving through change is when leadership doesn’t capture the hearts and minds of the entire organization. In other words, change is just not about leaders taking people through something. Change is about engaging people in the process of change. Having them be part of the decision making. Having them understand where you are going as an organization. Having them buy into the process, even when they don’t understand all of it.
When people are engaged, people “Get it, feel it, and want it.”
How does a leader keep a team engaged in the face of major changes? What equipped Don to lead change?
Promise Keepers “All In” National Men’s Conference
February 23-24, 2018
Join men from all walks of life at the “All In” National Conference, where we will explore God’s plan for leading significant lives. Whether you are exploring faith or have been a Christian longer than you can remember, “All In” will challenge, motivate and equip you to stand firm and navigate the world around us.
34th Christmas Dinner: Counter-intuitive Leadership
November 27, 2017
The annual Christmas Dinner is the highlight of the Christian Embassy’s year. This year we welcomed 186 diplomats, parliamentarians and business leaders, representing 56 nations.
The festive evening allows busy leaders and their spouses to relax, network and enjoy special music and meaningful reminders of the season. Diplomats appreciate what is often a first opportunity to experience Canadian Christmas traditions.
Leaders from various backgrounds participated in readings, reflections and seasonal music. Richard Magnussen, Chairman of the American Furniture Association, gave the keynote address entitled Counter-intuitive Leadership.
Richard shared his thoughts on the key virtue required of a successful leader, one that is a core characteristic of God and interwoven throughout the Christmas story: humility. He gave a number of examples of how he has grown in humility.
Richard concluded by stating, “I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I have learned so many lessons through my simple faith in the humble Jesus of the Christmas story.”
Ottawa Civic Prayer Breakfast: “Who is my Neighbour?”
October 27, 2017 7h15-9h00
The Ottawa Civic Prayer Breakfast is one of more than 50 gatherings across Canada in which community leaders honour and pray for the mayor, city councillors, police and emergency responders. Leaders come together to celebrate under the banner “Who Is My Neighbour?” because the Scriptures suggest that we love our neighbour as ourselves.
Each year the speaker at the breakfast focuses on answering the question: “Who is My Neighbour?”
This year our speaker will be Gerry Organ and he will be answering that question through the lens of being a former football player, his work with refugees and immigrant families here in Ottawa, mentoring young men with fatherhood issues, and encouraging young entrepreneurs in their calling. Also, he is passionate about this annual prayer event!
Gerry became a Christian in 1973 while playing professional football for the Ottawa Rough Riders. Since that time, he has been fully engaged in Kingdom work both in the church and in business. His passion is to fulfill the will of God as an ambassador and servant so that others will taste and see God’s goodness and be transformed by His love.
“Leading With Courage” with The Rt Hon. The Baroness Cox
September 25, 2017
Leaders were riveted as they heard the The Right Honorable Baroness Cox recount several stories about her life’s work at a Christian Embassy roundtable luncheon on September 25, 2017. As the founder Trustee of MERLIN (Medical Emergency Relief International), and the founder and President of HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust), she has visited many remote areas of the world.
Seeking to be a voice for the voiceless, she has found herself in situations where she has been afraid and dismayed, “[You] have to learn to cross that frontier of fear…and when you do cross that frontier of fear, you meet the most amazing people. You meet heros and heroines of faith. And we always come back humbled and inspired, receiving more than we could ever ever give.”
She took her listeners on a journey to three different conflict zones where she witnessed first hand the people affected by horrific tragedies carried out under the radar from most of the world. These tragedies included the destruction of churches and mass persecution of Christians. She has clearly been impacted by the powerful stories of suffering of brave men and women and emphasized that we live in countries where we have the freedom to stand up for those with no voice and that we must not take this valuable freedom for granted.