Ambassador David Jacobson will be stepping down as America's ambassador to Canada, reports Postmedia News:
U.S. President Barack Obama will be sending a new ambassador to Canada this year, a move that could have ramifications for Canada-U.S. relations.
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Jacobson has been a leading player in helping Canada and the U.S. smooth over some bilateral irritants. Perhaps most significantly, he was a crucial force behind advocating for the Canada-U.S. border deal that tightens security while also speeding access at the border. He has also developed a strong personal rapport and working relationship with Gary Doer, Canada's Ambassador to the U.S.
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Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat who once worked at Canada's Embassy in Washington, said in an interview Tuesday that the bilateral relationship benefited thanks to Jacobson.
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"Jacobson, because of the personal relationship, clearly had clout," said Robertson. "You want an American ambassador who can pick up the phone and get through to the White House - to the president or the chief of staff. And Jacobson had those attributes."
The major accomplishment during Jacobson's term was the achievement of a "Beyond the Border" agreement signed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Obama.
Under the deal, both governments are embarking on pilot projects to adopt a joint "perimeter security" approach to protect the border.
And Colin Robertson writes on Jacobson's legacy and possible replacements at the Globe and Mail.
And to learn more about Jacobson's work in his own words, check out his blog.
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