The British Consulate General in Calgary represents the UK government in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Jonathan Turner serves as the British Consul General in Calgary, representing the United Kingdom across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Since his appointment in June 2021, he has been at the forefront of strengthening the UK’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with Western Canada. Jonathan took up his appointment as British Consul General in Calgary in June 2021. He is the UK Government’s representative in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Prior to arriving in Calgary, Jonathan served for four years as Southeast Asia Regional Director for Economic and Trade Policy, based in the British High Commission Singapore. His most recent role in London was leading a team focused on global economic issues including financial services, economic reform and engagement with economic multilaterals, including the G7, G20 and OECD. Before joining the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in 2013, Jonathan was an economic advisor for the UK Department for Business, focusing on areas including science and innovation, regional economic integration, productivity and financing to support economic development.
Before his tenure in Calgary, Jonathan held significant roles that shaped his expertise in international economic relations. He served as the Southeast Asia Regional Director for Economic and Trade Policy at the British High Commission in Singapore, where he led initiatives to deepen trade links and foster economic cooperation within the region. His earlier position in London involved leading a team focused on global economic issues, including financial services, economic reform, and engagement with multilateral organizations such as the G7, G20, and OECD.
Jonathan’s journey into diplomacy began with his work as an economic advisor for the UK Department for Business, where he concentrated on science and innovation, regional economic integration, and productivity. This foundation laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, where he has been instrumental in shaping the UK’s economic policies on the global stage.
In his current role, Jonathan leads the UK’s diplomatic efforts in Western Canada, focusing on promoting economic growth, innovation, and collaboration between the UK and the Canadian provinces he oversees. He is committed to enhancing bilateral trade, fostering educational partnerships, and addressing global challenges through joint initiatives. Jonathan’s leadership extends beyond traditional diplomacy; he actively engages with local communities and institutions to build lasting relationships. His participation in events such as the Calgary Pride parade underscores his dedication to inclusivity and human rights, reflecting the values he champions in his diplomatic work.
Jonathan is particularly passionate about fostering innovation and sustainability. He has been involved in initiatives that promote clean technology, green finance, and energy efficiency, aiming to create a sustainable future through international collaboration. His efforts include facilitating dialogues between Canadian and UK stakeholders to share best practices and drive forward-thinking solutions to global challenges. Jonathan Turner’s career exemplifies a commitment to fostering international cooperation, economic development, and cultural exchange. His work continues to inspire those in the diplomatic community and beyond, as he navigates the complexities of global relations with integrity and vision.
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