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The mission of the CIC is to promote an understanding of international affairs and Canada’s role in a changing world by providing Canadians with a non-partisan, nationwide forum for informed discussion, analysis and debate. Accordingly, the cornerstone of the CIC’s work is our events program. The CIC national office and our branches hold more than 150 events per year in cities across the country. In particular, our branch events give members an opportunity to directly engage with global issues that often intersect with local concerns. The CIC also supports events outside of Canada, often in partnership with other global think tanks, that can introduce Canadian perspectives to global audiences. CIC events take on many different forms, from academic lectures and panel discussions to town hall meetings and pub nights. Please consult our events calendar for a listing of CIC-organized and sponsored events.

If you have an idea for a CIC event, please contact us at info@thecic.org.

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  • This event has passed.

CIC Vancouver Island: Economic Espionage and Critical Minerals

May 21, 2025 @ 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT

Join John Pyrik as he leads a discussion on one of Canada’s 14 intelligence priorities, “Espionage and the Extraction of Knowledge and Information”. This means traditional spying, but it also includes attempts by foreign actors to misappropriate Canadian technology, something our speaker used to investigate for CSIS. Since Canada’s national security is dependent on its economic vitality, he’ll also lead a discussion of whether Canada is doing enough to protect strategic resources such as critical minerals.

The Business Council of Canada says successive Canadian governments have overlooked, taken for granted, or simply ignored economic security which they say should be a “central pillar” of Canada’s national security strategy. But finding the right balance is difficult. A regime that is too restrictive risks discouraging foreign investment that is needed to develop new resources and technology. One that is too weak bleeds Canada of home-grown innovation and loses control over commodities vital to a 21st century economy.

Location: Nanoose Library Hall, 2489 Nanoose Road, Nanoose Bay

Date & Time: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 4-6 PM |Doors open at 3:30 PM.

Cost: $25.00/ Includes a complimentary glass of beer or wine and appetizers.

To Register:  Contact CIC-VI via email at vancouverisland@thecic.org

Note: This is a CIC Members Only event, tickets are limited. Fellow CIC branch members are welcome to purchase a ticket (e.g., CIC-Victoria).

Details

Venue

  • Nanoose Library
  • 2489 Nanoose Road
    Nanoose Bay, British Columbia Canada     + Google Map

Organizer

  • CIC Vancouver Island Branch