Thank you to everyone who attended the 2024 CN Forum!
For those unable to attend, you can read a recap of the event here. We hope to see you at future Canadian Studies Center events.
Beyond the Gordie Howe Bridge:
Reimagining Trade and Commerce for a New Age
Friday, September 27, 10 am -3 pm
MSU Henry Center
With a keynote address by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.
As part of the Whitmer Administration, Lt. Governor Gilchrist has focused on helping Michiganders in communities across our state realize their full economic and political potential. From co-chairing the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, to helming the Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities, to leading efforts to connect over 23,000 unserved locations in Michigan to affordable high-speed internet, Lt. Governor Gilchrist is committed to building a more just, equitable, prosperous, and connected Michigan where everyone can thrive.
Established through a generous endowment provided to the MSU Canadian Studies Center by Canadian National Railway (CN), the CN Forum provides a venue for academic, business, advocacy, and governmental leaders to share information, discuss matters of common concern to those in the US and Canada, and identify opportunities for mutual cooperation to enhance social and economic growth.
The Forum will consist of an engaging morning and afternoon panel discussion, fully catered lunch, a mid-day keynote, and plenty of time for networking.
Tickets are free but limited. To save your spot, we encourage you to register today!
Sponsorships opportunities are available for individuals and businesses.
CN Forum Schedule
Registration and Coffee—10:00 am
Opening Remarks—10:15 am
- Rebecca Malouin, Director, Canadian Studies Center
Opening Presentation—10:30 am
An Introduction to the Gordie Howe Bridge
- Heather Grondin, Chief Relations Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Morning Fireside Chat—11 am
What's Next? Beyond the Gordie Howe Bridge
- Val Kucherenko, Director, MSU Center for Railway Research and Education
- Amy O’Leary, Executive Director, SEMCOG
- Earl Provost, Ontario Agent-General
- Laurie Tannous, President, Canada-United States Business Association
- Steven Melnyk, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Michigan State University (Moderator)
Lunch—12 pm
Keynote Address—12:45 pm
- The Honorable Garlin Gilchrist II, Lt. Governor of Michigan
With introductory remarks by Rebecca Malouin and the Honorable James Blanchard
Afternoon Fireside Chat—1:30 pm
Lessons Learned in Canada-US Relations
- Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit
- Stephen Brooks, Professor of Political Science, University of Windsor
- Jean-François Hould, Quebec Delegate in Chicago
- The Honorable Amos O’Neal, Michigan State Representative, 94th House District
- The Honorable Roger Victory, Michigan State Senator, 31st Senate District
- Eric Freedman, Knight Chair in Environmental Journalism, Michigan State University (Moderator)
Recognition of Steven Melnyk and Nicholas Little—2:30 pm
Closing Remarks—2:45 pm
- Rebecca Malouin, Director, Canadian Studies Center
Session Learning Objectives
What's Next? After the Gordie Howe Bridge
By the end of the session, the participants will:
- Be introduced to the history and the events that led to the decision to build the Gordie Howe Bridge.
- Be able to better assess the impacts of recent developments in the US-Canada trade relationship, such as the Gordie Howe Bridge, on the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of the relationships linking Michigan to Ontario and the United States to Canada.
- Recognize that this bridge, while important, is not enough. It is a start. Other developments are needed. The participants will be introduced to these other factors.
- Be better able to identify the factors that will either impede or accelerate these developments.
Lessons Learned in Canada-US Relations
By the end of the session, the participants will:
- Develop a broader understanding of the US-Canadian relationship, what factors can be expected to impact this relationship, and what the future holds for the ties that bind Canada and the United States.
- Recognize the various threats to this relationship, why they are threats, and how they can be most appropriately mitigated.
- Better appreciate the roles that schools, Institutions (such as the Canadian Studies Center), and universities play in enhancing and improving relationships between Canada and the United States.
- Be introduced to new strategies and ideas for how such a powerful relationship can be nurtured and improved over time.
For questions, please email the Center at csc(at)msu.edu. For information on past CN Forums, see our past events page.
