Ottawa names Julie Crowley as next Ambassador to Armenia
TORONTOHYE — Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced on August 6 that career diplomat Julie Crowley has been appointed as Canada’s next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Armenia. Crowley will replace Andrew Turner, who has led the Canadian mission in Yerevan since late 2023.
Crowley brings over two decades of diplomatic and legal experience to her new posting. She joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 2003 after earning degrees in law and journalism from Université Laval and a master’s degree in political science from Université du Québec à Montréal. Most recently, she served as High Commissioner to Rwanda and Ambassador to Burundi.
The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) welcomed Crowley's appointment as Canada’s next Ambassador to Armenia in a statement released shortly after the announcement. "We look forward to working with Ambassador-designate Crowley and continuing our longstanding engagement in support of stronger Canada-Armenia relations, enhanced cooperation and the enduring ties between our two peoples. We also extend our sincere gratitude to outgoing Ambassador Andrew Turner for his years of dedicated service, valued partnership and friendship with the Armenian Canadian community," the ANCC statement reads.
Throughout her extensive career with Global Affairs Canada, Crowley has held key diplomatic assignments across Africa, including roles in Ethiopia—where she managed relations with the African Union—the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Between 2019 and 2023, she also served as the Regional Director for Central and West Africa at the International Development Research Centre in Dakar, Senegal, overseeing development initiatives across 24 countries.
Her appointment marks the next chapter in Canada's diplomatic presence in Armenia following the foundational tenure of outgoing ambassador Andrew Turner. Turner served as Canada’s first-ever resident ambassador to the country, arriving in September 2023 shortly before Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly officially inaugurated Canada’s full resident embassy in Yerevan that October. During his tenure, Turner focused on establishing Ottawa's direct operational presence in Armenia, supporting democratic reforms, and strengthening bilateral ties during a critical period for the region.
(Photo: World Vision Rwanda)
