The appointment of May, who has more than 30 years of experience representing Canada on three continents, was announced directly by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday (9/23) local time.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer May as Canada’s Ambassador to China,” Trudeau said. ReutersSaturday (24/9).

“A dedicated public servant, his various years of experience in international missions and his deep understanding of Asia will serve to manage this important bilateral relationship and advance Canada’s interests in China,” he said.

May was previously named Canada’s Ambassador to Brazil in 2019. She has also served in Canadian diplomatic missions in Europe, Latin America and Asia, including Beijing.

As Ambassador to China, May will lead Canada’s important work in upholding democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.

His work will be essential in advancing Canada’s priorities in Canada-China relations, including supporting the long-standing people-to-people, economic and trade relations between the two countries.

Canada’s relationship with China is built on strong people-to-people ties, although it was recently disrupted after Canada launched allegations of human rights abuses against China against the Uyghurs and a case of alleged foreign espionage.

May’s appointment comes as Canada tries to scrape the ice from its frosty relationship with China following the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig a year ago.

More than 1.8 million Canadians come from China. Chinese is also the most spoken foreign language in Canada after English and French. Chinese-born immigrants are also one of the largest immigrant groups in Canada.