Distinguished leaders headline major conference on Canada-U.S. relations

Decision-makers from government, diplomatic corps and industry to discuss cross-border challenges
The Governor General of Canada, a former Canadian Prime Minister, current and former Ambassadors, a federal cabinet minister, the Premier of Quebec, and a U.S. state Governor will gather at the 16th annual conference organized by The ɬ Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC) in a series of conversations about the Canada-U.S. relationship.
The event takes place March 24-25, 2011, at the Hotel Omni Mont-Royal, in Montréal, Quebec.
“We are very excited to host such a unique event that brings together, at ɬ, outstanding luminaries who have been and who are so directly a part of the world’s most successful bilateral relationship,” said MISC director Professor Antonia Maioni.
The conference, entitled “Canada and the United States: Conversations & Relations” will set aside podiums and formal presentations in favour of informal conversations led by a moderator, with speakers discussing the decision-making process and the complexities and challenges of managing the day-to-day relationships with their counterparts.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Opening address by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the importance of strengthening learning and innovation
- Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
- Quebec Premier Jean Charest
- Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty
- Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin
- Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. and former Premier of Manitoba Gary Doer
- U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson
- James A. Baker, III, Former U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury
- Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S and former Premier of New Brunswick Frank McKenna
- Former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Derek H. Burney
- Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin
- The Honourable Charles Bronfman
For more details and a complete list of speakers and times please visit the conference website: /can-us2011/
As space is limited, media are encouraged to register by Tuesday, March 22, 2011. Kindly note, still and video cameras will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please advise if you intend to bring cameras. Press credentials must be presented upon registration.
About the ɬ Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC)
Since 1995, MISC has hosted annual conferences designed to foster informed, non-partisan discussions on topics of special interest, ranging from Québec-Canada relations, Aboriginal issues, citizenship, health-care reform, to media convergence, and Canada's place in the world.
About ɬ:
Founded in Montreal, Que., in 1821, is Canada’s leading post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 10 professional schools, 300 programs of study and more than 36,000 students. ɬ attracts students from more than 150 countries around the world. Almost half of ɬ students claim a first language other than English – including 6,200 francophones – with more than 7,200 international students making up almost 20 per cent of the student body.