Biographical note - Claude Demers 

Claude Demers (MIA [International Affairs], Columbia University, 1998; LLB and BCL [Law], McGill University, 1990; BSc [Urban Planning], University of Quebec in Montréal, 1986) started with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1998. He has served in various functions at Headquarters, including as departmental spokesperson and as deputy director in several divisions (Latin America, Middle East, Consular Case Management and Human Resources). He has served overseas in Tokyo (2001 to 2004 and 2016 to 2020), Zagreb (2006 to 2009) and Shanghai (2013 to 2015). Most recently, he served as counsellor and head of the Political and Economic Section in Tokyo. Prior to his career as a diplomat, he practised law in Montréal.