MONTRÉAL — Stéphane Dion, the former leader of the federal Liberals and an ex-ambassador, has been named the first “diplomat in residence” at Université de Montréal.

The position within the arts and sciences faculty will see Dion share his expert knowledge with students in areas such as foreign policy, public administration and the environment.

In a news release, the university says Dion will also participate in panels and conferences and help with research projects.

The new posting marks a return for Dion to an institution where he taught political science from 1984 to 1996 before beginning his career in federal politics.

Dion recently completed his term as Canada’s ambassador to France and prior to that, the former Liberal leader and longtime cabinet minister spent five years as Canada’s ambassador to Germany and to the European Union.

Rector Daniel Jutras says the university has never had a diplomat in residence but says the school feels that Dion is the ideal person to fill the role.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2026.

The Canadian Press