Michael Gort, Ambassador of Canada to Chile

Message

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Canada in Chile!

It is a pleasure and a privilege to serve Canada and Canadians in Chile, a fascinating country and important bilateral, regional and multilateral partner of Canada in the Americas.

I would like to share a little bit about myself. I am a second generation Canadian, having been born to European parents who emigrated to Canada in search of peace and prosperity. While I completed my studies in Canada, my career has taken me elsewhere: to Central America (Guatemala), West Africa (Ghana), and Europe (Italy). This is the second time I have the honour to represent my country as Ambassador, having previously served in Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua from 2013 to 2015.

Before arriving in Santiago in October 2020, I thought of Chile as the country of wonderful wine and warm weather. It is, of course, much more than this. I have been struck by its natural landscapes, which are as diverse and dramatic as they are picturesque; by its culture, which is internationally renowned for its movies and music, as well as its poets and playwrights; and by its people, who have warmly welcomed me with their help and hospitality.

It is surprising how many things our countries have in common: our geography and topography, and our very long coastlines (we both look towards the Pacific); our economies, which are endowed with vast natural resources and defined by international trade; our national identities, which are enriched by our Indigenous peoples; and our democratic traditions, which are supported by the rule of law and vibrant and vocal civil societies.

While we share these things, we also have many differences. These include our histories and colonial legacies, our political systems and institutions, our neighbours, and many more. While the things we have in common make us better friends, our differences actually make us stronger partners, for we have much to share and learn from one another. In this spirit, I hope to work with my Chilean colleagues and counterparts to share lessons and experiences in a variety of areas: the Constitution, climate change, gender equality, inclusion and diversity, and the COVID-19 pandemic, to name just a few.

I am honoured to work with an incredible team at our Embassy in Chile, who represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences, and who work with passion to bring our countries together. I would invite you to browse our website and social media accounts to find out more about our activities, as well the services and information we offer. These include the provision of consular assistance to Canadian citizens in the country, support for Canadian companies interested in the Chilean market, and information about opportunities to study in Canada, among others.

We would love to hear from you!

Michael Gort

Ambassador