Dean Paton and Barbara Schedler Fischer, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland in Canada
It's not every day a senior diplomat graces the hallways of the Law Centre, but on March 9, she did. The University of Alberta Faculty of Law was pleased to host a visit from Barbara Schedler Fischer, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland in Canada.
Dean Paton hosted an informal Q&A with Ms. Schedler Fischer at CN Alumni Hall for a late afternoon gathering of faculty, staff, and students. Ms. Schedler Fischer spoke about a number of topics, including her experiences in the diplomatic corps, the skills required of a good diplomat, the challenges of managing a trade relationship, her current role in Ottawa, how she sets priorities for the Embassy, impressions of Alberta, and Swiss investment in Canada. She also touched on the cordial relationship between Switzerland and Canada, two countries that share many values.
Ms. Schedler Fischer was in Alberta as part of a mission hosted by Global Affairs Canada to identify opportunities for business between the province and Switzerland. In addition to visits to Calgary, Red Deer, and Olds, Ms. Schedler Fischer also met with Premier Notley at the Legislature.