Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Payam Akhavan, Senior Fellow at Massey College and distinguished visiting professor at the University of Toronto, will join Global Affairs Canada (GAC) as a senior advisor on the department’s ongoing response to the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 tragedy. This appointment concludes a months-long search to best support the expertise and capacity of the department on this critical file.
May 21, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Payam Akhavan, Senior Fellow at Massey College and distinguished visiting professor at the University of Toronto, will join Global Affairs Canada (GAC) as a senior advisor on the department’s ongoing response to the Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 tragedy. This appointment concludes a months-long search to best support the expertise and capacity of the department on this critical file.
Professor Akhavan will provide advice and expertise on all matters pertaining to Flight PS752, with particular attention to the GAC legal team’s preparations for the upcoming state-to-state negotiations with Iran on reparations, as well as other possible measures.
The Government of Canada remains committed to pursuing transparency, accountability and justice for the victims of the tragedy, their grieving families and all Canadians.
“I am pleased to welcome Professor Akhavan to Global Affairs Canada. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will bolster the department’s ongoing efforts to hold Iran accountable for the downing of Flight PS752 and to pursue justice and transparency for the families.”
– Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs