The United States has become an economic and military power unmatched by any other state in today’s world.  In this new era of unipolarity, a combination of forces continues to move Canada toward greater integration with the United States. In sector after sector, Canadians face choices about the bilateral relationship which carry significant costs and benefits. The Centre for Global Studies believes it is important to understand the extent, pace and implications of this trend so that Canadians can make informed judgments about the Canada-US relations now and in the future.

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The objective of this project is to organize an exchange of views on four key aspects of Canada-US relations: security, water, energy, and economic integration (in particular proposals for either customs union or monetary union with the United States). The format of the project's November conference seeks to generate a lively debate pro and con greater integration, while emphasizing practical alternatives. Speakers include Paul Heinbecker, former Ambassador of Canada to the United Nations, current Director of the Laurier Centre for Global Relations, Governance and Policy, and Senior Research Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation, Jim Balsillie of Research in Motion, Hugh Segal of the Institute for Research in Public Policy and David Zussman of EKOS Research.

To broaden the reach of the debate, the CFGS has established a partnership with CBC Newsworld. Newsworld will broadcast the four hour-long television programs in December based on the conference proceeedings. The fourth of these programs will feature a live town-hall with a diverse studio audience, Canadian and U.S. panelists and an interactive phone-in/email-in component.

The CFGS and Newsworld believe it is vital to involve younger Canadians in the debate. The project includes a national essay contest aimed at highlighting young people's views on relations with the U.S. A significant number of people under the age of 25 will attend the conference itself.

Click here for the Project's 2 Page Electronic Brochure (pdf)

Click here for the Complete Project Description (pdf)

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Off-site Information on the Conference Speakers
(Each link opens in a new window)

Paul Heinbecker
Information from Laurier Centre for Global Relations, Governance and Policy here
Information from the Centre for International Governance Innovation here
Personal webpage here

Jim Balsillie
Information from Research in Motion Technologies here

Hugh Segal
Information from the Institute for Research on Public Policy here

David Zussman
Information from EKOS Reseach Associates here