Old Boys at Career Day - Jeremy Adler '96

What does a Canadian diplomat do? “In small ways, you can influence world events,” says Jeremy Adler ’96. As executive assistant to Colleen Swords, Assistant Deputy Minister for International Security with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Jeremy can find himself helping deal with any number of “explosive situations.”

His job is to give the minister what she needs to know concerning any number of files on situations practically anywhere in the world. “My typical day is not that typical,” he says.

He could be keeping the minister informed about situations such the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, climate change, the still-unresolved Zimbabwe elections, or the upcoming elections in the U.S. and what the implications may be for Canada.

Basically, Jeremy says “States have to interact with one another, and we’re on the front lines of that. We’re making sure Canadian interests are served.”

Also, says Jeremy, “We help Canadians abroad when they’re in trouble.” For example, he was personally involved in the massive airlift of Canadians out of Lebanon during the attacks by Israel in 2006, travelled to Sudan and Nigeria to observe the Darfur peace negotiations, and monitored negotiations on the recent release of Brenda Martin, a Canadian who had been jailed in Mexico.

What does it take to work for Foreign Affairs Canada? One needs to have an undergraduate degree, but almost any field will do. Jeremy, for example, has a physiology degree from McGill. “I learned on the job,” he explains.

More than anything, “You need you to be flexible and have good judgment.”

Jeremy signed up for an internship in Washington, and later took a Foreign Service Exam. The most essential quality the ministry looks for is loyalty: can you be trusted with sensitive information? Naturally, a security clearance is required.

Diplomats could be assigned to work out of any of 168 Canadian missions worldwide. It’s a transient lifestyle, he point out, with 30 to 50 per cent of one’s time spent abroad

“[While on assignment in a foreign country] you’re living there—you’re not just a tourist.” Such a routine can make a diplomat’s life hard on his family.

What are the pros and cons of his job? “A sense of pride in Canada,” Jeremy said without hesitation. “It makes you appreciate your own country and want to help out.” Also, the chance to work with dedicated people like Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Roméo Dallaire.

The cons? Danger. A Canadian diplomat was recently killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Another hazardous assignment involves decommissioning retired Russian submarines in order to prevent nuclear materials from falling into the wrong hands.

And what if your personal views conflict with your government’s policies?
“You’re not a politician,” Jeremy clarified. “You’re interpreting the situation there for the decision makers back in Ottawa. They’re our bosses. All we can do is recommend options.”

In August Jeremy begins a new posting, in the wilds of New York, working at the United Nations.