Today we are joined by the former Canadian Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (2006-2009) – Honourable Margaret Skok. Margaret started her career with the RCMP Canada, as well as served with Global Affairs Canada at the Embassy of Canada in Moscow (1991 – 1994).
She is sharing her experiences of unlocking Eurasian markets to Canadian businesses, the role of women in Central Asia, mobilizing change in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and Canada’s place in the international nuclear strategy.
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Timeline
00:00 Intro
00:40 Introducing Margaret Skok
1:36 Merry Christmas and Happy New Years: Julian and Gregorian Calendars
2:05 Background: From WWII Poland on Queen Elizabeth through Pier 1 in Halifax to Saskatchewan
3:05 Career launch in federal public service
4:07 Joining AG Canada
5:20 Moscow 1991 - 1994
7:11 Farms in Russia and in the West
12:31 Coup in Aug 1991
13:57 “Le Chateau Montebello” in Yakutia
15:10 Elections and difficult transformations in Ukraine and Belarus
17:24 Becoming an Ambassador of Canada to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
19:20 Mobilizing change
20:17 The New Way – reforms in Kazakhstan
21:15 Gold and education in Kyrgyzstan
24:00 Tajikistan: women in AG
26:00 His Highness the Aga Khan
26:40 Role of women in business – Central Asia
28:31 Kazakhstan Canada Business Council
31:50 Canada and international nuclear strategy
34:11 What made Margaret a leader?
36:30 What does the future hold for Margaret?
37:30 Special thank you notes
38:28 Conclusion
Icebreakers is produced by CERBA, an independent non-profit organization that promotes bilateral trade and investment between Canada and Eurasia. www.cerbanet.org
