Vera Alexander was appointed as Canadian Ambassador to Germany on the recommendation of Prime Minister Mark Carney. She assumes the position following the tragic death of former Ambassador John Horgan, who was previously Premier of British Columbia.
Education and Early Career
Vera Alexander is a public servant with nearly three decades of experience in international affairs, diplomacy, and public administration. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations from the University of Toronto. Ms. Alexander joined the Department of External Affairs in 1995, launching a distinguished career in Canadian diplomacy.
Professional Background
Over the course of her career, she has represented Canada in key international postings, including in London, Washington, D.C., and Moscow. From 2017 to 2021, she served as Canada’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, helping to advance Canada’s security and defence interests in the Alliance.
Ms. Alexander has also held a number of senior leadership roles at Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa, including Chief of Staff to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director of Media Relations, and Director of the Democracy Division, where she advanced Canadian priorities on governance and democratic development. From 2006 to 2008, she also served in the Privy Council Office as a senior policy advisor on Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.
Since 2023, Ms. Alexander is Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of People and Talent Management at Global Affairs Canada, where she has been responsible for modernizing human resources services and ensuring an agile, highly skilled, and sustainable foreign service.
Recognition
In recognition of her contributions to Canada and public service, Ms. Alexander was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. She is currently based in Ottawa, where she is preparing for her new role as Ambassador to Germany.
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