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“Mr. Saccomani is a very distinguished individual with a strong record as a professional public servant,” Obhrai told the House of Commons. “Our government, this House and all Canadians can be proud of the work he has done and continues to do.”

Jordan is a critical nation in the Middle East not only because it is one of the few Arab countries with close ties to Israel, but also because of the civil war that continues to rage in neighbouring Syria and which has sent thousands of refugees fleeing to camps within its borders.

Liberal foreign affairs critic Bob Rae said a knowledge of security issues is required for Canadian diplomats working in Jordan and the Middle East, and that there have been examples of non-diplomats being appointed to head Canadian embassies in the past.

But he wanted to know more about Saccomani’s qualifications and plans once he arrives in the region.

“I think we all need to know more about Mr. Saccomani’s work experience and how he plans to go forward as an ambassador,” Rae said, “but I’m not going to say that he’s not qualified.”

However, NDP international development critic Helene Laverdiere, herself a former diplomat, said there is no reason to believe Saccomani has the skills required to fill such an important ambassadorial position.

“At the moment it is one of the hottest region in the world,” she told reporters in French. “We have specialists, professionals who have been in the diplomatic service for years who know the issues who know how to represent Canada more adequately. … This is certainly not someone who has the skills for a position in an area as sensitive as that.”