"The Canadian Exemplar: Partnering with the US to Secure North America" February 1, 2011

The U.S. needs friends and allies. Canada is one such friend and ally, one that is flourishing while operating under the American public's radar: it manages its political and economic issues with skill, and keeps its people safe. In many ways, this is the reason that few Americans pay attention to Canada. A sound national strategy is both the reason for Canada's low visibility and the key to its success. Canada and the U.S. have many things in common, but the comparisons worth focusing on are the ones that provide positive lessons that can be applied to America's current problems. What can the U.S. learn from Canada's experience? And in what ways are the U.S. and Canada working together to produce a prosperous and secure North America?

Brian Lee Crowley, Director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute of Public Policy, will speak about Canada's importance to North American security and the means by which our two great countries can partner to face the security and economic challenges of tomorrow. In particular, he will address how Canada is creating its own national security strategy as it resides in the shadow of its neighbor next door. How will the U.S. and Canada cooperate on security issues? How can the U.S. and Canadian economy achieve a synergy that propels our countries out of the current economic malaise? What are the goals and plans for a new border security strategy?