Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named John Horgan Canada’s next Ambassador to Germany.

“He is a passionate public servant and an experienced leader, and I am confident that he will continue to serve Canada well and help advance our two countries’ common interests in this new role, including our shared commitment to building a clean future with good middle-class jobs and a strong economy that benefits everyone,” said Trudeau in a news release.

The PMO says the former BC Premier has a proven track record of dedicated public service, navigating British Columbia’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic and advanced clean economic growth to create good jobs.

Horgan was first elected in 2005 and was re-elected four consecutive times, before stepping down last year.

The release says Horgan will provide strategic advice to the Prime Minister in his new role as Ambassador to Germany. In the face of complex global challenges, ranging from food and energy insecurity to attacks on the rules-based international order, the release says Canada and Germany will continue to work side-by-side ‘’to advance our shared priorities and make life better for people on both sides of the Atlantic.’’

Almost 10 percent of Canadians claim at least partial German ancestry, and about 400,000 Canadians travel to Germany each year.

A similar number of Germans travel to Canada annually.