New Canadian High Commissioner presents credentials to Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday accepted the Letters of Commission from Canada’s new High Commissioner to Guyana, Deborah Gomes-Schultz, as the two countries seek to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation.

In a post on his social media page, Ali said the meeting focused on the shared commitment of Guyana and Canada to deepening their partnership.
Guyana and Canada established formal diplomatic relations on May 26, 1966, and marked 60 years of diplomatic ties earlier this year.
The High Commission of Canada to Guyana and Suriname, in a separate social media post, welcomed Gomes-Schultz’s appointment, noting that her experience in diplomacy and leadership would support efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries.
It highlighted her background in international affairs, trade, development and security, saying these areas of expertise would help advance the growing partnership and deepen collaboration on shared priorities.
The High Commission also expressed its intention to work with partners across Guyana as Gomes-Schultz begins her tenure.
According to Global Affairs Canada, Gomes-Schultz holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and International Development from McGill University and a master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Essex. She joined the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 1999 and has held several senior positions in Canada’s public service, including deputy director and head of Canada’s National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct, and deputy director in the Office of the Deputy Minister of International Trade from 2020 to 2022.
She has also worked in the Africa and Americas branches, the Child Protection Division and at Canadian embassies in Egypt and Senegal. Before her appointment as High Commissioner to Guyana, she served as director of the International Crime and Counterterrorism Policy Division.
Her appointment comes as Guyana and Canada continue discussions on expanding economic cooperation, investment and environmental collaboration.
On October 14, Ali disclosed that he had held a telephone conversation with Canadian Prime Minister (PM) Mark Carney to discuss investment opportunities under the Guyana-Canadian Commerce Cooperation Agreement, investment protection and cooperation on biodiversity.
The conversation followed a meeting between the two leaders in Ottawa on May 8, during which they discussed bilateral relations, economic cooperation, climate change and biodiversity. During that meeting, Ali called for Canada to play a greater role in Guyana’s economic diversification, innovation and development, while highlighting the longstanding trade relationship between the two countries.
Both countries have also expressed a shared interest in climate action, tropical forests and biodiversity protection.