The current Ambassador of Canada is Jennifer May who was appointed on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on September 22, 2022.
Canadian participation in World War II made it desirable to establish separate representation in China.
Diplomatic relations between Canada and China were established on November 6, 1941, with the first ambassador, Victor Wentworth Odlum, appointed on the advice of Prime Minister W.L.
Paynter, Mulroney and Saint-Jacques had served as diplomats to China prior to being appointed ambassador.
John Lawrence Paynter died in Vancouver 10 months into his posting while still serving as Canada's Ambassador to China.