After the US general election, the US approaches to China are expected to be different compared to the current ones. Such policy changes might have a deep impact on Canada-China business relations as well. This upcoming event is designated to address the potential changes in Canadian policies to China. Influential experts will discuss and debate on what’s the best Canadian strategies to China in order to preserve Canadian national interests and rule of laws.

AGENDA

• 19:30-20:30 EST: Viewpoint Presentation

A discussion will take place between John Baird, Guy Saint-Jacques, Yuen Pau Woo, and Cheng Li.

• 20:30-21:00 EST: Debate

The speakers will debate on what the best Canadian strategies to China are for the duration.

• 21:00-21:30 EST: Q&A

The speakers will answer any questions raised by participants.

SPEAKERS

• John Baird, former Foreign Minister of Canada (2011-2015).

Prior to his tenure as foreign minister, John served as minister of the environment, minister of transport, infrastructure, and communities; and leader of the government in the House of Commons. Mr. Baird has played a leading role in the Canada-China dialogue and worked to build ties with ASEAN countries. In addition, Mr. Baird has worked closely with international leaders to strengthen security and economic ties with the United States and Middle Eastern countries.

• Guy Saint-Jacques, former Ambassador to Beijing.

He joined the Department of External Affairs in 1977, holding office in New York, Mexico City, Kinshasa, and Hong Kong as well as twice in Washington, D.C., the last time as Minister and Deputy Head of Mission. He is the Honorary Chair of the Canada-China Small and Medium Size Companies (CCSME) and sits on the Advisory Board of the Québec Chapter of the Canada-China Business Council.

• Yuen Pau Woo, Senator of Canada.

Senator Woo has worked on public policy issues related to Canada’s relations with Asian countries for more than 30 years. From 2005-2014, he was President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. He also serves on the Advisory Boards of the Mosaic Institute, the Canadian Ditchley Foundation, and the York Centre for Asian Research.

• Cheng Li, director of the John L. Thornton China Center, Brookings Institution.

Dr. Li is also a Distinguished Fellow of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at University of Toronto. Li’s research focuses on the transformation of Chinese political leaders, generational change, the Chinese middle class, and technological development in China. He is the author of the forthcoming book Middle Class Shanghai: Reshaping U.S.-China Engagement.

• Gordon Houlden, Director of the China Institute, University of Alberta.

Professor Houlden joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 1976. Abroad he has been posted to Havana, Hong Kong (twice), Warsaw, Beijing (twice - most recently as Minister 2001-2004), and as Executive Director of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (2004-2006). Twenty-two of his years in the Canadian foreign service were spent working on Chinese affairs for the Government of Canada.

• Moderators

The Forum will be moderated by Gorden Houlden (University of Alberta) and Howard Lin (Ryerson University).