Patricia Atkinson, Ambassador of Canada to Panama

Message

Welcome to the Embassy of Canada! It is a great privilege to serve as Canada’s Ambassador to Panama, working alongside my colleagues in the Embassy and our local partners to strengthen the already strong ties between our two nations.

Canada and Panama share a strategic partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to addressing global challenges. Together, we collaborate on upholding human rights, advancing environmental sustainability, promoting democracy, addressing the challenges of irregular migration, and enhancing regional security.

Our people-to-people ties continue to grow, with thousands of Canadians visiting Panama’s beautiful nature and iconic canal each year. The Embassy is here to provide assistance to Canadian travellers and residents when needed. And with Panama now part of Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, travel to Canada has become even more accessible for Panamanians holding a valid U.S. visa or have previously held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years. Canada is also an attractive destination for Panamanian students, offering opportunities to study in English or in French.

Canadian businesses are proud to contribute to Panama’s growth, prioritizing responsible practices while seizing new opportunities. Trade between our nations has grown significantly since the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement came into effect in April 2013. While our commercial relationship is well-established, I believe we have only scratched the surface of its full potential. Panama's unique position as a gateway to Latin America presents exciting opportunities for Canadian companies, not only those seeking to establish commercial relationships with Panamanian firms but also for those aiming to invest and capitalize on the country's diverse business advantages.

I am thrilled to be in Panama, exploring its remarkable biodiversity, vibrant culture, and getting to know the warm, welcoming and diverse people of this beautiful country. Canada and Panama are more than just neighbours in the same hemisphere—we are trusted allies and friends, working together toward a brighter, more prosperous and secure future.

• X (Twitter): @CanEmbPanama
• Instagram: @canadapanama
• Facebook: @Canada.pa

Biography

Patricia Atkinson (BA Hons [Social Sciences], University of Ottawa, 2002) joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003, following an internship in Lithuania. At Headquarters, she has worked in the Southeast Asia and Oceania Division, the Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Response Group, the Central America and Caribbean Relations Division and the Canadian Foreign Service Institute. She has also served as the first head of the Venezuela Task Force and the director of the Data, Results and Delivery Division. Overseas, Ms. Atkinson has served at the Embassy to Thailand, Myanmar and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, as well as at the Embassy to Guatemala and High Commission in Belize. Most recently, she was the director of the Natural Resources and Governance Division in the Global Issues and Development Branch.