Profile: Patrick Cuenco, Robert Crampton and Sébastien Audette

Bringing a glimpse of Canada to Beijing

A temporary assignment this summer in Beijing gave three public servants the chance to show off the culture and beauty of the province of British Columbia and Canada.

Patrick Cuenco, Robert Crampton and Sébastien Audette worked at the British Columbia Canada Pavilion, providing a glimpse of Canada’s tourism, culture and business opportunities.

The Pavilion was set up to help strengthen partnerships between Canada and China. The federal government's presence was coordinated by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT).  A total of fourteen individuals had the opportunity to represent Canada in Beijing, including employees of Canadian Heritage and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

“It was also an excellent opportunity to showcase Canada as we gear up for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games,” says Sébastien.

Business and pleasure

Patrick and Sébastien both work for the DFAIT while Robert is from Canadian Heritage. They worked at a two-level exhibition on culture, history and industry.

The exhibit was so well designed that visitors felt as if they were actually visiting British Columbia. The first floor focused on Canadian culture; the second was dedicated to business development.

“Patrick and Robert were working on the first floor,” recalls Sébastien. “They guided the visitors through the exhibition and gave explanations: culture, tourism, a little bit about industry.”

Trade missions

Sébastien, meanwhile, had another task. “My job was to help coordinate the business program that involved companies from Canada and China.”

There was a strong business component to the pavilion, meant to draw in potential investors from the rapidly growing People’s Republic of China. Chinese business people met with their Canadian counterparts, participated in seminars and trade shows, and were provided guided tours of the facilities to learn more about Canada.
 
Robert, Sébastien and Patrick helped coordinate these events. Thousands attended.

We had staff, Sébastien says, that “was responsible for mingling with Chinese delegates.” And for the Canadians who couldn’t speak the language, Sébastien says that staff would “make sure that they were able to communicate with the people they met.”

Canada Day party

Some Canadians came for reasons other than business, though. On July 1, for example, the pavilion hosted a Canada Day party for a large number of expatriates.

“It was pretty interesting,” says Sébastien. “It was open to kids of Canadian families. There were 200 or so kids who came. The whole second floor was set up to receive them.”

Patrick and Sébastien both have business backgrounds, while Robert studied English literature at university. All of them say they joined the Public Service to make a difference in the lives of Canadians.

“It’s a place where I can help out Canadians,” says Sébastien.” I don’t feel like I’m working for my own interests.”

• Next: Steve Blasco says "to protect the coastlines, we need a clear understanding of what Mother Nature is doing."
• See all profiles