Leonard J. Edwards

About

Len Edwards retired in 2010 after 41 years in Canada’s Public Service, including assignments as a deputy minister in Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

He has been Canada’s ambassador to Japan and the Republic of Korea, and served in Vietnam and Turkey and with Canada’s missions to NATO and the UN in Geneva. His headquarters assignments have included the oversight and organization of major international summits in Canada.

Len grew up in a farming family near Melfort, Saskatchewan. He is married to Margaret MacDonald of Kirkland Lake, Ontario. Their son Timothy is an officer in Global Affairs, and daughter Kathleen is a singer-songwriter.

In private life, Len has been involved in choral music, drama and musical theatre. Since retiring he has served on NFP boards, written on foreign and trade policy, and been a senior advisor to several organizations.

Len is a recipient of Canada’s Distinguished Service Medal and Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan.