A Dinner Banquet with the Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, KC
Tuesday September 22, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. ADT
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Ralph and Rose Chiodo Gallery
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Event Overview

Join the Canadian International Council (CIC) – Halifax Branch for an engaging evening of
dinner, discussion, and informed debate on one of the defining issues of our time: Canada’s role
in an increasingly unstable world.

As global alliances shift, geopolitical tensions intensify, and new security threats emerge,
Canada faces difficult choices about defence, sovereignty, and international leadership. What
should Canada’s role be? How prepared are we for today’s strategic realities? What
investments and partnerships will be required in the years ahead?

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Peter
MacKay, PC, KC, will provide a timely keynote address exploring Canada’s defence priorities in a
rapidly changing international environment.

Following the keynote, guests will have an opportunity to participate in a moderated question-
and-answer session.

Whether you work in government, defence, business, academia, diplomacy, or simply have an
interest in international affairs, this promises to be one of Halifax’s premier public policy events
of 2026.

About the Speaker

The Honourable Peter MacKay, PC, KC, is one of Canada’s most experienced and
knowledgeable leaders in foreign affairs, defence, and national security.

During his 18 years as Member of Parliament, he served in several senior cabinet positions,
including:

• Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006–2007)
• Minister of National Defence (2007–2013)
• Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada (2013–2015)

As Minister of National Defence, he helped guide Canada’s military through one of its busiest
operational periods in decades. He oversaw Canada’s combat mission in Afghanistan, advanced
the Canada First Defence Strategy, strengthened Arctic sovereignty initiatives, expanded
support for Canadian Armed Forces personnel and veterans, and played a leading role in
establishing the Halifax International Security Forum in 2009.

Today, Peter MacKay serves as Senior Counsel with McInnes Cooper and Strategic Advisor with
Deloitte Canada, advising organizations on public policy, governance, international affairs, and
strategic issues.

His extensive experience offers a unique perspective on Canada’s place in an increasingly
uncertain global order.

Evening Program

5:30 p.m.
Registration and Reception

6:00 p.m.
Dinner

7:00 p.m.
Keynote Address

7:45 p.m.
Audience Q&A

8:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks

9:00 p.m.
Event Concludes

Ticket Information

• General Admission: $150.00 per person
• CIC Members Admission: $125.00 per person
• Tables of 10: $1,500 each (Reserve at 902-233-2414)

Your ticket includes:

• Welcome Reception (Cash Bar)
• Three-course dinner
• Keynote presentation
• Audience Q&A
• Networking with leaders from business, government, academia, diplomacy, defence, and the broader community

Advance registration is required. Seating is limited.

About the Canadian International Council

The Canadian International Council (CIC), founded in 1928, is Canada’s leading non-partisan,
nationwide forum dedicated to promoting informed discussion about Canada’s engagement
with the world. Through public lectures, panel discussions, and special events, CIC connects
Canadians with leading thinkers and practitioners in international affairs, foreign policy,
defence, trade, and global governance.

Our Halifax Branch hosts community engagement events and brings together members of
Atlantic Canada’s business, academic, government, and policy communities to explore the
international issues shaping Canada’s future.

Reserve Your Seat Today

Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.
We look forward to welcoming you to an exceptional evening of conversation, insight, and
informed discussion on Canada’s role in an increasingly complex world.