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 McGill 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 Ď㽶ĘÓƵ, 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 McGill 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 McGill:
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. McGill attracts students from more than 150 countries around the world. Almost half of McGill 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.
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