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Lieu of Personal Residences

Circular Note No. XDC-2157 of August 30, 2001

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade presents its compliments to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'Affaires a.i. accredited to Canada, and has the honour of referring to the matter of official residences and personal residences of other accredited staff members assigned to diplomatic missions.

The Department has the further honour of: (a) reminding the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'Affaires a.i. of the policy in effect regarding the location of official residences of heads of mission and the location of personal residences of other accredited staff members working at diplomatic missions; and (b) clarifying the scope of the said policy. According to this policy, the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and other accredited members of diplomatic missions can establish their official and personal residences in the “National Capital Region,” that is, the seat of the Government of Canada and the surrounding area, and more specifically the area that is part of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

In accordance with this policy, which remains unchanged, heads of diplomatic missions and other accredited staff members have always been and continue to be able to, without prejudice to their duties, establish their official and personal residences in the current area of the Communauté régionale de l'Outaouais, province of Quebec, including the cities of Hull, Aylmer and Gatineau, the borders of which will not be affected by the Quebec government's legislation on municipal amalgamations.

Notwithstanding the above and in view of the provisions in circular note XDC-2771 dated January 29, 2001, diplomatic missions must obtain the express prior consent of the Department regarding the location of official residences.

The Department would greatly appreciate the assistance of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'Affaires a.i. in disseminating the content of this note to members of their representation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade avails itself of this opportunity to renew to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'Affaires a.i. accredited to Canada the assurances of its highest consideration.

OTTAWA, August 30, 2001