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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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CIC Vancouver Island: Canada First, Not Canada Alone – The Past, Present, and Future of Canadian Foreign Policy

April 15, 2025 @ 11:30 am - 2:00 pm EDT

Join Dr. Adam Chapnick for a discussion on what Canada’s past foreign policy can tell us about how Ottawa might best navigate an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world.

In Adam Chapnick‘s and Asa McKercher’s latest book, “Canada First, not Canada Alone: A History of Canadian Foreign Policy,” they tell the story of a country that has traditionally benefited from diplomatic prudence and compromise even as its citizens have yearned for their elected officials to be world leaders. They argue that, like any country, Canada must look out for its own interests first, but in the modern world, it can’t do so effectively without cooperating with other states and non-state actors.

Dr. Chapnick will share a controversial chronicle of Canada’s effective foreign policy – about why Canada’s world hasn’t changed quite as much as people are suggesting.

Three recent Canadian prime ministers, Paul Martin, Stephen Harper, and Justin Trudeau made the claim that “Canada is Back.” shortly after forming their governments. Martin promised to reinvest in world affairs. Harper was focused on the military. Trudeau meant more involvement at the UN. Each leader made foreign policy a part of their political brand because they recognized that in today’s world, domestic and international politics are interconnected. Canada can no longer take care of its own interests if it ignores the world around it.

This talk will end with comments about what we do about the current see-saw threats to our economy and sovereignty precipitated by events south of the border.

About our Speaker:

Dr. Adam Chapnick is a professor of defence studies at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). He is located in Toronto, where he also serves as the deputy director of education at the Canadian Forces College.

To learn more visit,

https://www.adamchapnick.ca/biography.html and https://www.adamchapnick.ca/adam-chapnick.html.

 

Tickets: $40 each > CLICK HERE to purchase tickets online.

  • A light lunch and refreshments will be served followed by our speaker.
  • For special dietary or seating requirements email vancouverisland@thecic.org.

Details

Venue

  • The Beach Club Resort
  • 181 Beachside Drive
    Parksville, BC V9P 2H5 Canada     + Google Map