Canada – A Partner of Choice in Turbulent Times
Donnerstag, 22.5. | 16:45 Uhr – 18:15 Uhr Neue Aula
In Kooperation mit
Following the federal elections in Canada, which were held on April 28, a new government will have the mandate to advance the country’s political, economic, and societal interests. At the same time, a new government is taking shape in Berlin, allowing Canada and Germany to write a new chapter in their vibrant bilateral relations. Evelyne Coulombe, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Canada in Berlin, sheds light on the fundamentals of German-Canadian relations in times of geopolitical turmoil.
It is precisely in these times that a good friend can make a big difference. In a year when Canada has the G7 Presidency and was Partner Country at Hannover Messe – the world’s largest industrial trade fair – Canada has worked hand-in-hand with Germany to: support Ukraine and address international security challenges, enhance energy security, catalyze the emerging green hydrogen industry, and support our collective efforts to advance the energy transition. The two countries have grown closer than ever before, and have expanded their cooperation on climate action, immigration, and other important issues of our time.
For its economic relations Canada has typically looked south. But with uncertainty over tariffs imposed by the US administration, Canada is increasingly looking to diversify its trade relations. Thanks to CETA and the Canada-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement, Canada and Germany, as well as the rest of Europe, are now working more closely than ever in all areas of policy, including international peace, security, trade, investment and development cooperation.
Evelyne Coulombe will speak about these new opportunities for Canada and Germany who are partners of choice in turbulent times. She will also look ahead and discuss the priorities and ways to advance common goals in the lead up to the G7 Summit next month in Kananaskis, Alberta.
This event is organized in cooperation with the German-American Institute Heidelberg (DAI). Tickets can be purchased via the Heidelberg Symposium website or on site at the counter in the festival tent. A limited number of tickets is available for members of the DAI's Circle of Friends. The venue is the Great Hall of the New University auditorium building (Neue Aula, Neue Universität, Universitätsplatz 1, 69117 Heidelberg).
Evelyne Coulombe
Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Canada in Germany
Evelyne Coulombe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Montréal Polytechnic School (1990–1994), a Master’s in Applied Environmental Studies from McGill University (1994–1997), and an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of British Columbia (1999–2000). Before joining the Canadian Foreign Service in 2002, she gained experience in the private sector as a business strategy consultant and engineering project manager, working both in Canada and abroad. Throughout her career at Global Affairs Canada – the department of Canada’s government that manages Canada’s foreign policy, international trade, and diplomatic relations – Evelyne Coulombe held various leadership positions. She was Policy Officer in the Science, Technology and Innovation Division and the South Asia Division (2002–2004), Deputy Director of the Southeast Asia and Pacific Division (2007–2008), Director of the Mission Support Division (2014–2016), and Executive Director of U.S. Transboundary Affairs (2020–2022). Overseas, Evelyne Coulombe served as First Secretary (Political and Public Affairs) at the Embassy of Canada in Vietnam (2004–2007) as well as Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Canada in Cambodia (2008–2009) and at the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala (2010–2011). She was Political Counsellor at the Embassy of Canada in Chile (2011–2014) and Consul General of Canada in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2017–2020). Since 2023, Evelyne Coulombe has served as Deputy Head of Mission in Berlin and is currently Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Canada in Germany.