Robert McDougall is a senior fellow with CIGI’s International Law Research Program (ILRP). His focus is on the legal aspects of inclusive trade, the digital economy, privacy standards, trade facilitation, Brexit, and the formal and informal mechanisms for dispute resolution. He is also a senior fellow at the Centre for International Trade and Sustainable Development.
Robert spent 15 years as an international trade lawyer at Global Affairs Canada (formerly Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada), during which time he provided trade law advice and litigated disputes before the World Trade Organization (WTO). As permanent delegate to the WTO for five years, he was Canada’s representative to the Dispute Settlement Body, to negotiations to improve the dispute settlement system, and in many disputes involving Canada.
Previously, as Canada’s permanent delegate to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in Paris, he represented Canada in activities relating to trade, agriculture, science, technology and industry, including major initiatives on innovation, the digital economy and green growth.