Updating Official Property Addresses, Including Those of Career Heads of Consular Posts

Circular Note No. XDC-4910 of October 28, 2015

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Office of Protocol) presents its compliments to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Chargés d'affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada and has the honour to refer its policy on Acquisition, Disposition and Development of Real Property in Canada, and to draw attention to their obligation to seek, through official diplomatic channels, the written consent of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development prior to the acquisition, disposition and development of real property in Canada to be used as the premises of the mission (which includes the official residence), consular premises and the residence of the career head of the consular post. This includes temporary moves, leases and relocations of missions and official residences due to renovation or other reasons.

The Department has noticed several gaps in its records with respect to the addresses of residences of career heads of consular posts, such as residences of consuls general. It would be greatly appreciated if diplomatic missions could provide an updated list of all residences of career heads of consular posts. Indeed, the Department, in order to adequately discharge its obligations to ensure the protection and security of the diplomatic community, continues to count on the collaboration of Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'affaires, a.i. in the application of its policies. The Government of Canada's effectiveness in meeting its twofold commitment of responding to emergencies and reducing the risk of immunity being violated can only be achieved by its capacity to maintain accurate records on property owned and/or leased by Diplomatic Missions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (Office of Protocol) takes this opportunity to renew to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and Chargés d'affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada the assurances of its highest consideration.

Ottawa, October 28, 2015