High Commission of Canada, London Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom Haut-commissariat du Canada au Royaume-Uni
Canada House in 2004
Location	London, England
Address	Trafalgar Square
High Commissioner	Ralph Goodale
Website	Official website: https://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/index.aspx?lang=eng

The High Commission of Canada in the United Kingdom is like Canada's main office in the United Kingdom. It's where Canadian diplomats work to keep a good relationship between Canada and the UK. This important office is located in a building called Canada House in central London, right on Trafalgar Square.

Canada's Office in the UK: A Long History
People Who Led the Mission
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Canada's Office in the UK: A Long History

The Canadian High Commission in London is Canada's oldest diplomatic office. It was first set up way back in 1880. Canada House, located in Trafalgar Square, became the home of this mission in 1923.

In 1962, Canada also bought another building. This was the former American Embassy at 1, Grosvenor Square in London's Mayfair area. It was renamed Macdonald House. Macdonald House was the official home for Canada's main representative, called the High Commissioner. However, this building was sold in 2014 and is no longer used by Canada.

How Canada First Got a Representative in Britain

Canada's presence in London started even earlier, in 1869. That's when Sir John Rose, 1st Baronet was chosen to be Canada's unofficial representative in Britain. This was the very first time Canada, or any British colony, sent a diplomat to its "mother country."

At that time, Canada didn't have a special government department for foreign affairs. So, Sir John Rose worked directly for Canada's prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Even when a new government came to power in Canada, Rose kept his job. His role was then officially called "Financial Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada."

In 1874, Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie named Edward Jenkins as Canada's Agent-General in London. Jenkins was a British Member of Parliament who had grown up in Quebec. Prime Minister Mackenzie explained that Jenkins would look after Canadian immigration matters in London. He would also handle other secret government business and help Canadian visitors in London. Jenkins held this job for two years. After him, William Annand became the agent general in 1876.

The Title of High Commissioner

When John A. Macdonald became prime minister again in 1878, he wanted to make the "Financial Commissioner" role even more important. He suggested calling it "resident minister." However, Britain didn't agree. Instead, they offered the title of High Commissioner.

This is how the tradition started. Today, countries that are part of the the Commonwealth (like Canada and the UK) send High Commissioners to each other, not ambassadors.

The first official High Commissioner was Alexander Tilloch Galt, appointed in 1880. For a long time, this job was the most important in Canadian diplomacy. It was often given to politicians, not career diplomats.

Expanding Canada House

As the High Commission's work grew, it needed more space. On June 29, 1925, King George V and Queen Mary officially opened Canada House on Trafalgar Square.

Even with Canada House, the mission still needed more room. So, Canada bought the old American embassy building on Grosvenor Square. This building was renamed Macdonald House to honor Canada's first prime minister. Macdonald House opened on Canada Day (July 1) in 1961.

Canada House was updated in 1997–98. For many years, the High Commission operated from both Canada House and Macdonald House. But in December 2014, all the High Commission's activities moved back to an expanded and fully renovated Canada House on Trafalgar Square.

To make Canada House bigger, the Canadian government bought the building next door at 2-3-4 Cockspur Street. This building was originally the British head office for the Sunlife Assurance Company of Canada and was built in 1927. It's interesting because the Sunlife building was designed to look just like Canada House. So, from the outside, it seems like the buildings were always one big structure, even though they weren't. Now, the original Canada House and the former Sunlife office form one connected and impressive building.

People Who Led the Mission

Many important people have served as Canada's representative in the United Kingdom. They have held different titles over the years, starting as informal representatives, then Agent-General, and finally High Commissioner. These leaders have played a key role in building and maintaining the strong relationship between Canada and the UK.