Explore past CN Forums dating back to 2005. Previous forums have brought together leaders from academia, business, and government to discuss cross-border trade, economic development, the Great Lakes, Arctic research, and other shared priorities.
Explore past CN Forums dating back to 2005. Previous forums have brought together leaders from academia, business, and government to discuss cross-border trade, economic development, the Great Lakes, Arctic research, and other shared priorities.
The 2024 CN Forum, “Beyond the Gordie Howe Bridge: Reimagining Trade and Commerce for a New Age,” examined the bridge’s significance for Michigan Ontario trade and explored what additional infrastructure and partnerships are needed to strengthen the cross-border relationship. The program featured an opening presentation on the Gordie Howe Bridge, a panel discussion on future developments, and an afternoon discussion on lessons learned in Canada U.S. relations.
The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Garlin Gilchrist II, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan.
The 2017 CN Forum, “Putting the Arctic in Plain Sight,” examined the Arctic’s growing global importance, focusing on changing Arctic conditions, maritime transportation, supply chain logistics, geopolitics, and the implications for communities and economies. The program included a panel on North American Competitiveness and the Arctic, exploring research needs and opportunities related to the region.
The keynote address, “The Maritime Arctic: New Global Connections and Challenges,” was delivered by Lawson Brigham, Distinguished Fellow and Faculty at the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The 2015 CN Forum, “Thinking Ahead: Regional Needs for Meeting Global Demand,” focused on the transportation, trade, and logistics needs of the Great Lakes region in an era of expanding global commerce. The program explored the importance of the proposed Gordie Howe International Bridge, supply chain innovation, transportation infrastructure, and the role of cross-border connectivity in strengthening regional competitiveness. It also featured a research innovation panel examining the intersection of education, industry, and policy.
The keynote address, “Looking Ahead at Transport and Trade,” was delivered by David Woodruff, Assistant Vice President for U.S. Public & Government Affairs at Canadian National Railway (CN).
The 2013 CN Forum, “Synergetic Transformation of the Great Lakes Region,” examined strategies for strengthening the Great Lakes economy through innovation in technology, transportation, and trade. The Forum brought together leaders from government, business, and research to explore policy agendas and practical approaches for advancing economic development and regional competitiveness, with particular attention to the important role of Canada in the Great Lakes trade relationship.
The 2012 CN Forum, held as part of the Canadian Studies Center’s annual board meeting, focused on Michigan’s role in the global economy and its partnership with Canada, with particular attention to supply chains, trade and transportation, and the Great Lakes. The program included discussion of Michigan’s supply chain potential, the Great Lakes International Trade and Transport Hub Initiative, invasive species, and Great Lakes restoration.
The keynote address was delivered by Governor James J. Blanchard, Honorary Chair of the Canadian Studies Center Board, who spoke on Michigan’s important and necessary role in the global economy, with Canada as its partner.
The 2011 CN Forum focused on the exchange between MSU and Canada and the intersection of academia, business, and public policy, with discussions addressing food, water, energy, transportation, trade, health and safety, and cross-border collaboration. The program also explored the role of universities in international relations and opportunities to strengthen connections between academic, business, and policy communities.
The keynote address was delivered by Warren Everson, Senior Vice President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the International Chamber of Commerce. His remarks addressed the challenges and opportunities of balancing international trade, security, and economic competitiveness.
The 2010 CN Forum, “Border Trade, Travel and Security,” examined the challenges and opportunities surrounding the U.S. Canada border, with a focus on trade, transportation, security, and cross-border collaboration. Discussions addressed border transitions and barriers, information sharing, communication, risk management, the movement of goods from truck to rail, and the role of technology in strengthening North American economic competitiveness.
The Forum featured Christopher Sands, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute; Michael Kergin, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States; and Adam Salerno, Senior Manager at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Robert Noble, Consul General of Canada, also addressed participants on the importance of strengthening collaboration among business, academia, and policymakers.
The 2006 CN Forum, “Strengthening Canadian-U.S. Relations,” focused on North American trade, transportation, and economic competitiveness, examining the importance of cross-border infrastructure and the evolving relationship between Michigan and Canada. The program brought together leaders from government, business, and academia to discuss transportation networks, trade corridors, and opportunities to strengthen the region’s economic connections.
The keynote address was delivered by Paul M. Tellier, director of Alcan, Inc.; Bell Canada Enterprises; Bell Canada and Telsat Canada; Canadian Forest Products; GM Canada; and McCain Foods, Ltd.
The 2005 Inaugural CN Forum examined Michigan’s relationship with Canada and the importance of cross-border cooperation to the region’s economic and transportation networks. A panel featuring Rocco Delvecchio, Consul General of Canada, along with representatives from the International Joint Commission, the City of Windsor, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, explored issues affecting transportation, trade, infrastructure, and regional economic development.
The keynote address was delivered by Governor James Blanchard, who highlighted the significance of the Michigan Canada partnership and its role in advancing shared economic interests.