Ex-publisher takes role as diplomat
OTTAWA— Former Star publisher John Cruickshank has been appointed consul general of Canada in Chicago, where he worked as a newspaper executive for several years.
In a statement Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Cruickshank’s appointment will strengthen Canada’s presence in the U.S. Midwest. He will be responsible for consular affairs in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, northwest Indiana and Kansas City.
“Mr. Cruickshank personally exemplifies the many links between Canada and the United States, which includes his time in Chicago and his tenure as publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times,” Freeland said in her statement. “With his proven leadership, I have no doubt that he will successfully represent the best of Canada in Chicago.”
Cruickshank was the publisher of the Toronto Star from 2008 to 2016. Since then, he was chairman of the Canadian Journalism Foundation and continued to serve as co-chair of Canadian Press Enterprises.
“He was a superb publisher in Chicago. He knows the community. He knows the various leaders. In fact, he was once part of Barack Obama’s book club,” Torstar chair John Honderich said Monday.
“He is extremely well-suited to do this job. . . . John will make an excellent consul.”
Cruickshank worked for the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper from 2000 to 2007, first as vice-president of editorial, then as chief operating officer and publisher.
He will succeed Roy Norton, who served as consul general in Chicago from 2014 to 2016.