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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 Victoria: Why Supporting Taiwan Matters for Global Democracy

June 17 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm PDT

Please note that registration details will be sent directly to CIC Victoria members by email.

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Union Club lunch: Why Supporting Taiwan Matters for Global Democracy

When: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Where: The Union Club, 805 Gordon Street
Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm (registration desk opens at 11:25 am)
Speaker: George S. Takach

Taiwan stands as a significant example of democracy and technological advancement, inspiring global support for its resilience and values. A small island nation with a population of 23 million, it is not only a major player in the global technology sector, producing over 90% of the world’s advanced semiconductor chips, but is also a vibrant democracy that champions civil rights and diversity. In his latest book Inspired by Taiwan George S. Takach explores these themes, emphasizing why Taiwan matters both to its citizens and the international community. Meanwhile, and against this backdrop, Xi Jinping has consistently threatened to take over the island by military force if necessary. During his talk, George will highlight what Canadians need to know about this marvelous, very relevant and dangerously situated country, including the critical importance that the United States plays in supporting Taiwan while balancing its relations with China.

Our speaker has undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Toronto, and an MA from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He practiced technology law for over 35 years as a partner at McCarthy Tétrault. During his legal career he was also an Adjunct Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School for 22 years, a columnist for Lexpert Magazine, and he wrote three books on technology/law topics. Currently, he is a Senior Fellow of the Bill Graham Centre for Contemporary History at the University of Toronto. His books include Cold War 2.0: Artificial Intelligence in the New Battle Between China, Russia and America, which was published in 2024 and now Inspired By Taiwan, published by Sutherland House Press in January, 2026.

Copies of Inspired By Taiwan will be available for purchase and signing at both events at a reduced price. The book costs $40 at major retailers, but for us the cost will be $30.

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The cost to attend this lunch is $45 for CIC members, $35 for CIC young professional members and $20 for CIC student members.

The last day to register for this event is Tuesday, 9 June 2026 at midnight. No refunds are possible after this date and time unless we can fill the cancellation from a waiting list.

Details

  • Date: June 17
  • Time:
    11:30 am - 1:30 pm PDT

Venue

  • The Union Club of BC
  • 805 Gordon Street
    Victoria, BC V8W 1Z6 Canada     + Google Map

Organizer

  • CIC Victoria