David Jacobson, U.S. Ambassador to Canada
Wednesday May 16, 2012 Second Carl Beigie Luncheon - The Canada-US Relationship: Focal Points for a Strong North American Strategy
David Jacobson, the United States Ambassador to Canada, revealed the items that he believes are critical to a strong North American economic strategy. Trade with Asia and the importance of reducing non-tariff trade barriers are a few of the many issues the Ambassador discussed in the Institute’s private, off-record forum. Members received an insider’s view of the focal points in the current Canada-US relationship.
David Jacobson presented his credentials to the Governor General of Canada on October 2, 2009, becoming the 22nd United States Ambassador to Canada. Before coming to Ottawa, Ambassador Jacobson served in the White House as Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel. Prior to his government service, he was a corporate lawyer in Chicago where he was active in civic and political affairs.
Since assuming his post, Ambassador Jacobson has traveled extensively throughout Canada to learn about the country and to meet the Canadian people. He has concentrated his efforts in four areas:
- Expanding the bilateral trading relationship - which is already the largest in the history of the world;
- Improving the security and the efficiency of the 9000 kilometer border between our countries;
- Working to strike the proper balance between utilizing the vast and secure energy resources of Canada while preserving the environment for ourselves and our children; and
- Fostering the shared values of the United States and Canada around the world.
Since coming to Canada, Ambassador Jacobson has celebrated the Stanley Cup victory of his Chicago Blackhawks. He was less excited about the results of the gold medal hockey game during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He has taken up cross country skiing and showshoeing. He has also become an avid curling fan.
Ambassador Jacobson received a J.D. from Georgetown University where he was the Administrative Editor of the Georgetown Law Journal. He received his B.S. from the Johns Hopkins University.
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