L. Philippe Rheault

L. Philippe Rheault takes on the leadership of The China Institute following a 25 year career in the Canadian diplomatic service, where he mainly focussed on China and East Asia. He has been posted to the region six times: to Beijing, Taipei, Chongqing (twice), Mongolia, and Guangzhou. Notably, he has headed two of Canada's four missions in Mainland China, as Canada’s first Consul General to the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing (2012-2017) and most recently as the Consul General of Canada for South China, based in Guangzhou (Canton) (2019 to 2023). Over the course of the last two and a half decades, he has had the opportunity to witness first-hand China’s extraordinary rise, as well as most of the key milestones marking the evolution of Canada-China relations.

Philippe's extensive network spans China, Canada, and beyond, and he has over the years provided advice and support to a wide cross-section of top leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society. He looks forward to deploying his experience, networks, and leadership skills in the service of the China Institute, with a view to continuing to enhance its profile, relevancy, and impact. He also looks forward to playing a role in deepening understanding of China at the University of Alberta itself and also within the broader Albertan and Canadian community. Philippe holds degrees in Philosophy, Political Science, and Law, all from McGill University. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at China Southwest University, is a member of the Québec bar, and is professionally fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, and French.