Michael Callan, Ambassador of Canada to Algeria

Message

Welcome to the website of the Embassy of Canada to Algeria.

It is a great honour to represent Canada in Algeria, a key partner for Canada and one with which we have shared excellent diplomatic relations since Algeria's independence in 1962. I am particularly excited to take on this role in a country so blessed with natural beauty, rich culture, and inspiring people. Together we share a range of common interests and there is much work to do!

Commercially, more than 100 Canadian companies are active in Algeria in areas ranging from agri-food to aerospace, hydrocarbons and infrastructure. Already strong, our economic and commercial relations have great potential for growth and our team at the Embassy's commercial section is ready to support Canadian firms with the support they need to succeed.

Our bilateral relations are marked by a frank, open and continuous dialogue. Whatever the issues we face, from climate change to the respect of international law, from the fight against pandemics to major geopolitical challenges, Canada-Algeria collaboration, guided by our values and principles, is essential in advancing our shared interests.

Canada and Algeria also share strong people-to-people ties. There are more than 120,000 members of the Algerian community in Canada who enrich Canada every day with their industriousness, creativity and culture. This community includes thousands of Algerian students who choose to take advantage of the excellence of Canadian educational institutions across the country, and like all Canadians, I wish them success.

For Algerians wishing to study, work, visit or immigrate to Canada, the immigration section of the Embassy offers a full range of services. For Canadians temporarily in Algeria who have the privilege of exploring this extraordinary country, we strongly recommend that you register online to facilitate the provision of consular services to Canadian citizens.

During my tenure, I intend to lead with humility, curiosity and an enthusiasm to demonstrate the best that Canada has to offer Algeria, the region and the world. As two principled nations striving to promote security, respect for the UN Charter and prosperity for their citizens, Canada and Algeria have much work to do, and I look forward to doing it together.

Please join us with these efforts by following us on the Embassy's Facebook and X (Twitter) accounts and contributing your ideas, comments and suggestions.

With regards,

Michael Callan

Biography

Michael Callan (BA Hons [Political Studies], Queen’s University, 2000; MSc Econ [International Security], University of Wales, Aberystwyth, 2002).

Prior to joining Global Affairs Canada, Michael Callan served in the Canadian Armed Forces, worked with the Aga Khan Foundation in Bangladesh, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Moscow.  Upon joining the Canadian International Development Agency in 2004, Mr. Callan took on assignments with the Humanitarian Assistance Division and the Afghanistan Task Force.

Abroad, Mr. Callan was Canada’s first civilian deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where he served as director, development, for Canada’s Provincial Reconstruction Team (2005 to 2006).  His subsequent deployments included assignments as head of aid in Khartoum (2008 to 2010) and director, development, for the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo and Amman (2012 to 2016).

Mr. Callan was seconded to the Privy Council Office (2016 to 2017) where he was responsible for the Middle East and North Africa, before taking up a fellowship with the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University (2018). Most recently, Mr. Callan served as Director of conflict prevention, stabilization and peacebuilding (2019 to 2021).  In 2016 Mr. Callan was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada for service rendered in Afghanistan.