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David Jacobson New Co-Chair of Wilson Center Canada Institute Advisory Board

David Jacobson, former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, is the new U.S. co-chair of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute Advisory Board. He will join Canadian co-chair Hugh MacKinnon, chairman and chief executive officer at the law firm Bennett Jones. Together, Jacobson and MacKinnon will lead the Canada Institute’s long-term strategic direction and fundraising.

WASHINGTON - Wilson Center President and CEO Jane Harman is pleased to announce the appointment of David Jacobson as the new U.S. co-chair of the Wilson Center’s Canada Institute Advisory Board.

“David’s many years of experience working on bilateral issues between the United States and Canada, and enthusiasm for expanding the relationship, will enhance the excellent work the Canada Institute is doing” said Wilson Center Director, President, and CEO Jane Harman.

Jacobson currently serves as the vice chairman of BMO Financial Group in Chicago.

Prior to joining BMO, Jacobson served as the 22nd United States Ambassador to Canada from 2009 to 2013. As Ambassador, Jacobson worked to expand the bilateral trading relationship between the United States and Canada and led the Beyond the Border and Regulatory Cooperation Council efforts to improve the shared border. Before becoming Ambassador, he served at the White House as special assistant to the President for presidential personnel.

Jacobson will join co-chair Hugh MacKinnon, chairman and chief executive officer at the law firm Bennett Jones. Together, MacKinnon and Jacobson will lead the Canada Institute’s long-term strategic direction and fundraising.

Jacobson takes over from Paul Frazer, president of PD Frazer Associates, who will continue to serve on the Canada Institute Advisory Board as Immediate Past Chair.

The Canada Institute was established in 2001 to increase awareness and knowledge about Canada and U.S.-Canada relations among U.S. policymakers and opinion leaders. Focusing predominately on energy and the environment, trade, and border and border security, the Institute explores the world’s largest trading relationship.

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Canada Institute

The mission of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute is to raise the level of knowledge of Canada in the United States, particularly within the Washington, DC policy community.  Research projects, initiatives, podcasts, and publications cover contemporary Canada, US-Canadian relations, North American political economy, and Canada's global role as it intersects with US national interests.  Read more