Former Consul General of the country in São Paulo brings with him the experience with Brazil acquired in a decade living in the country 

By Sérgio Siscaro

Canadian diplomat Stéphane Larue has just assumed the presidency of the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) in Canada, which is based in Montreal (Quebec). He brings with him the experience of having served as Canada’s Consul General in São Paulo from 2013 to 2019. Prior to that, Larue had served, between 2001 and 2004, as immigration program manager, and responsible for overseeing immigration and visa programs. 

With a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Ottawa, Larue has been in the Canadian diplomatic service since 1989. He has a deep knowledge of Brazil, is married to a Brazilian woman, and during his stay in the country he developed close ties with the local culture – including an appreciation for feijoada, which he learned how to prepare. 

“It is an honour to be appointed to this position. My expectations are to support the activities that CCBC already carries out in Canadian territory, in addition to expanding them through partnerships – with, for example, Investissement Québec, Montréal International, the Montreal municipal government and the Quebec government. And also collaborate with the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC), which is based in Toronto. These are some of the organizations we expect to work with in the coming years,” says Larue. 

According to him, the current moment is of strengthening bilateral relations between Brazil and Canada – as shown not only by the trade balance data between the two countries, but also by expressive business deals – such as the new Embraer aircraft supply contract for Porter Airlines, or the increase in Canadian fertilizer purchases. “We cannot forget the number of Brazilian professionals working in Canada, or the students who decide to come here. After all, Canada is still the first destination for Brazilians who intend to learn English abroad”, he points out. 

Larue says that, thanks to his long stay in Brazil, he has had the opportunity to travel extensively within the country. “I believe I have a good knowledge of Brazil, and I will employ that experience to support CCBC’s expansion here in Canada.”  

Multifaceted performance 

During his term as Consul General of Canada in São Paulo, Larue collaborated with the strengthening of CCBC. In 2014, he participated in a committee that contributed to changing the way the Chamber operates, making it more capable of meeting the needs of its members.  

In addition, other partnerships between the consulate and CCBC were made during the period in which Larue led Canadian diplomacy in the São Paulo capital, including from participation in events in Canada to meetings in several cities in Brazil, with roadshows, seminars, trade missions and business rounds. In 2017, when Canada celebrated its sesquicentennial of independence, a major concert with Brazilian and Canadian musicians was held at Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo, in addition to a tribute to the country at the Gramado Film Festival (RS).