On Monday, January 13, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) hosted an intimate dinner in honor of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s Center for North American Prosperity and Security (CNAPS) in Washington, DC. The discussion focused on the future of the Canada-US relationship and the things Canada needs to do to be a real partner in the defense of North America. The dinner gathered individuals together from across the partisan divide to discuss the critical moment the Canada-US relationship is in as both countries looks towards a change in Administrations.
There was consensus on the urgent need for Canada to hit, and even exceed, the 2% of GDP spend as soon as possible. Canada and the US should work together to reinvigorate NORAD and modernize Canadian capabilities for Arctic deployments, ultimately allowing Canada to burden share and take pressure off of the American defense forces.
Significant discussion also centered on the unique role Canada can play in getting Canadian critical minerals mined and refined to counter Chinese dominance over minerals that both Canada and the US need for the defense and energy sectors.
Canada and the US are an energy powerhouse in the form of oil, gas, and electricity, but the US needs Canada to maintain their end of the bargain in order to keep refineries operating.
Regrettably, the leadership vacuum that Canada finds itself in politically was also raised. Canada’s ability to move desperately needed policy forward, and provide assurances to its allies that it can do so, is at an all time low.
Regardless, Canada and the US are stronger together.
Many thanks to Colin Dueck, Kori Schake and Caleb Dixon at AEI for hosting.
(Left to right: Jamie Tronnes, Robert Zoellick, Kori Schake)
Guests Included:
Balkan Devlen, MLI
Caleb Dixon, AEI
Colin Dueck, AEI
Jordan Embree, Heritage
Raquel Garbers
Alex Gray, Legatum Institute
Bob McNally, Rapidan Energy
Eric Miller, Rideau Potomac Strategy Group
Jonathan Miller, MLI
Julia Nesheiwat, US Arctic Research Commission; TC Energy
Peter Newman, NSC
Dan Runde, CSIS
Jennifer Savage, US Department of State
Kori Schake, AEI
Jamie Tronnes, CNAPS
Robert Zoellick, CNAPS Advisory Council
