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The Ambassador is the Government of Canada's representative to the United States, responsible for advising his government on policy towards the U.S. and communicating Canadian policy to U.S. government leaders. He oversees the work of staff at the Embassy and at 13 Consulates General and four Consulates across the United States and in Puerto Rico.

The Embassy is divided into eight functional areas of operation:

Political ensures effective coordination between the two governments on such matters as the environment, international relations, anti-terrorism, peacekeeping and peace-building.

Economic maintains relations with U.S. economic institutions and ensures the smooth flow of the $1.3 billion in trade that crosses the border every day. It has specific responsibility for promoting trade in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

Public Affairs reaches out to the groups that play a role in policy-making in the U.S., including members of Congress and the Administration, the media, interest groups, academics and cultural and civic leaders, and manages the Embassy's Internship Program.

The Canadian Defence Liaison Staff, with representatives from land, sea and air branches of the Canadian Forces, advises the Ambassador on military matters, serves as a vital link between Canada's Defence Department and the Pentagon and handles the support needs of Canadian defence personnel serving in the United States.

Congressional and Legal Affairs tracks legislation in Congress, reports on U.S. politics and deals with legal issues flowing from some 230 agreements between Canada and the United States.

Immigration processes requests for visas from tourists, students and temporary workers. All applications for permanent residence in Canada must be filed with the Canadian Consulate General in Buffalo, N.Y.

Management and Consular Services provides administrative and technical support services for the Embassy, as well as assistance to Canadians visiting or resident in Washington, D.C., and the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

The Canadian Tourism Commission, which markets Canada as a four-season destination for meetings, conventions, incentives and vacations, has its U.S. headquarters in the Embassy.

The Embassy also houses a second diplomatic mission, Canada's Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States.