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.

Related Links

• CERBA Kazakhstan Canada Business Council
• Cameco
• Ronald A. Chisholm
• Centerra Gold
• Canadian Trade Mission to Russia, Uzbekistan and Armenia
• Canadian Trade Mission to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

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