Stéphane Dion named first 'diplomat in residence' at Université de Montréal

In an interview Friday, Dion, 70, joked that he doesn’t know how to stop working.

“I need to feel useful to society,” he said, adding that he’s “pleased that I will have this opportunity to do so being the diplomat in residence.”

In mid-December Dion completed his posting as Canada’s ambassador to France and Monaco, which began in June 2022. Before that he had been ambassador to Germany since 2017. During his time in both postings he was also the prime minister’s special envoy to the European Union and Europe, a job that included promoting democracy in non-EU states.

Dion’s new role marks his return to an institution where he taught political science from 1984 to 1996. In a statement, Université de Montréal says Dion will participate in panels and conferences and help with research projects.

He says a diplomat in residence is about being available to professors, students and researchers for guidance, adding that he hopes to give advice on important issues such as Canadian unity, global security and the importance of strengthening Canada-Europe relations. With separation talk in both Alberta and Quebec, his experience will likely be in demand.

Dion represented in Parliament the Montreal riding of Saint-Laurent—Cartierville between 1997-2015 and the Saint-Laurent riding between 2015-17. He served as intergovernmental affairs minister between 1996-2003, drafting the Clarity Act on Quebec’s secession in response to the failed independence referendum in 1995. The act, adopted in 2000, states that a “clear majority” of people must vote in favour of separation before provincial and federal governments enter negotiations that could, one day, lead to secession.

“Canada plays a very important role in the world and it needs to make good decisions,” Dion said. “And that assumes that Canada is a united country, so if there are divisions within Canada, well, I won’t hide from them — I’ll say what I think.”

Foremost, Dion hopes to focus on global challenges and Canada’s role in the world. After eight years serving abroad, Dion said he’s happy to share his expertise on the all-important relationship with Europe.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has talked about doubling exports outside of the United States over the next 10-years, an enormous undertaking, Dion said. “We can’t replace the United States — the United States is still essential for us,” Dion said, but noted that attempts to reduce dependence on the U.S. will require closely working with European partners, as well the Indo-Pacific region, Africa, and Latin America. 

“You’ll note that every time we need to strengthen our efforts in a region of the world, we call Paris, London, and Brussels to see how we can do it with our allies,” Dion said. 

“So Europe is essential for us.”

Université de Montréal rector Daniel Jutras said in a statement that the university has never had a diplomat in residence before Dion but says the school feels that the former ambassador is the ideal person to fill the role. “Everyone can benefit from Mr. Dion’s wealth of experience,” Jutras said. 

Dion briefly led the Liberal Party of Canada between 2007-08 and served as foreign affairs minister in 2017 before his series of international postings. He also served as environment minister between 2004-06.

Dion’s three-year appointment at the university begins on March 1.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2026.