Colin Robertson Honored For Exemplary Leadership by Canada-U.S. Forum

by McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP,
July, 20, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC (July 20, 2012) —  McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) Senior Advisor Colin Robertson was given the “Hot Potato Award” by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) partnership for his work in increasing collaboration between the United States and Canada organizations and stakeholders. Founded in 1991, PNWER is a leading U.S.-Canada forum that fosters collaboration and dialogue between public and private sector leaders at the state and provincial level as well as at the national level in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa.

Each year, PNWER presents the “Hot Potato Award” to an individual who has provided exemplary leadership in reducing tension between the U.S. and Canada in the Pacific Northwest, or played a major role in bringing greater awareness and collaboration across the border. Robertson accepted his award at the 22nd Annual PNWER Summit in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada on July 16, 2012.

A career Canadian foreign service officer, Robertson focuses his practice on U.S.-Canada government relations, advising clients on policy issues that involve perspectives from both sides of the border. In addition to his work at MLA, he is also a distinguished senior fellow at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs and a vice president and fellow with the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute.

“Congratulations to Colin on award this well-deserved award,” said former U.S. Ambassador to Canada Gordon Giffin, Chair of MLA’s Public Policy and International department and head of the firm’s Canada-U.S. practice. “Colin’s strong thought leadership in cross-border policy-making fora is rooted in a deep and ongoing commitment to the bilateral relationship. This important award recognizes the far-reaching impact of his experience and commitment, which he exemplifies on behalf of our clients across a range of timely bi-national issues, including energy, infrastructure development and transportation, among others.”

Robertson joined MLA in 2010, having previously served as Minister and Head of the Advocacy Secretariat at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC. He served as Consul General of Canada in Los Angeles where he was responsible for the American Southwest. Robertson also served at the Canadian Consulate General and Canadian mission to the United Nations and at the Canadian Commission in Hong Kong. He has held senior executive positions at the Canadian Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Treasury Board Secretariat and the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration in Canada. In his final assignment, Robertson directed a project on Canada-U.S. Engagement at Carleton University’s Centre for Trade Policy and Law with private and public sector support.

The attorneys and public policy professionals in MLA’s Canada-U.S. practice advise and advocate on behalf of U.S. and Canadian public and private sector clients on their most important cross-border legal, regulatory, economic and investment concerns. Combined with Canadian counsel, the practice works with numerous and diverse U.S. and Canada-based entities and believes that enhancing the bilateral relationship benefits both countries’ provincial, state and local governments and the businesses that drive the integrated North American economy.

About McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP
McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP (MLA) is an international law firm with more than 575 attorneys and public policy advisors in 13 offices and 11 markets. The firm is uniquely positioned at the intersection of law, business and government, representing clients in the areas of complex litigation, corporate law, energy, environment, family wealth, finance, government contracts, health care, infrastructure, insurance, intellectual property, public policy, real estate, and technology.  Please visit www.mckennalong.com for more information.