This webinar will attempt to pull back the analysis of the current crisis and delve into questions related to the legitimacy of the Lebanese state, the role of the Lebanese leaders throughout history, the current unprecedented levels of the leaders’ selfishness and ignorance, and the resulting outcomes. This analysis is crucial not only for understanding Lebanon’s trajectory but also for assessing potential future governance options for Lebanon. Continue Reading October 27, 2020, Webinar – Getting to the bottom of the crisis in Lebanon
It is likely that even a one-term Trump will go down in history as a president who (more than Obama, Bush, Clinton) symbolized a “new era” in the history of the West. The new era will last for a few decades, as the “social democratic era” lasted for three decades (1945-1975) and the “neoliberal era “ lasted for three plus decades (1980 to 2010+). It is marked by a shift in the center of gravity of western politics/policies in the direction of (1) authoritarian-nationalism and exclusionary identity politics; (2) illiberal internationalism — including less commitment to free international trade and free international capital movements, and less support for legacy multilateral organizations, like those of the UN. Continue Reading August 25, 2020, Webinar – Why the ‘Trump era’ could last for thirty years
Moderator: Margaret Huber, Speakers: Peggy Mason and Daryl Copeland
On June 17, Canada lost its bid for a seat on the UN Security Council, the second time in a decade that it has tried and failed to do so. This event has stoked debate about Canada’s standing in the UN, and much self-searching about the role Canada plays (or should play) on the world stage. The world of 2020 is fundamentally different from the postwar world of 1950 when the foundations of Canada’s foreign policy were laid. Lamentably, the threat of nuclear annihilation remains. But in addition, the climate crisis poses an additional existential threat. And Canada is no longer the leading peacekeeper and aid donor that it once was. The Canadian foreign service is understaffed and under-resourced to meet the challenges of today. All that being so, a review of Canada’s foreign policy is overdue. This webinar will take stock of emerging global and national realities, along with Canada’s international aspirations and capabilities, in thinking about the shape of foreign policy in the decades ahead. Just as important, perhaps, it will consider how a sweeping review of our foreign policy should be structured, to make it open and inclusive, and not simply a dialogue among foreign policy experts. Continue Reading July 28, 2020, WEBINAR – Canadian Foreign Policy: Time For A Re-Set?
Drug coverage in Canada is a patchwork; an inequitable inefficient and unsustainable patchwork with no coherence or purpose. Some people think that we can solve the problem by adding more patches, but the core of the problem is that it is a patchwork. For the working population, access to medicines is still organized as privileges offered by employers to their employees. Universal pharmacare would not only provide better access to needed prescription drugs, but also eliminate waste, ensure value-for-money and help improve drug safety and appropriate prescribing. Opponents fear that a universal pharmacare plan would ration drugs, and impede drug access for some patients. However, these claims misunderstand the reality of drug coverage, pricing and access. Opponents propose, instead, to “fill the gap” of current drug coverage by implementing catastrophic coverage, which would serve commercial interests without maximizing health outcomes for the Canadian population. In spite of overwhelming evidence and consensus in the academic community in favour of universal pharmacare, the battle is far from over. Continue Reading May 26, 2020, WEBINAR – The Battle for Universal Pharmacare in Canada Ft. Marc-André Gagnon
On February 6, 2020, just 7 sitting days into Canada’s 43rd Parliament, and a week and a half after the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg confirmed Canada’s first case of Covid-19, I launched a Senate Inquiry into finding the right pathways and actions for Canada and Canadians to meet our net zero carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions targets in order to slow, arrest and hopefully reverse human- caused climate change, to ensure a healthy planet, a healthy society, a healthy economy and a healthy democracy.
During our June 23rd Group of 78 virtual gathering, I will highlight the intention behind the launch of the inquiry, the substance of my speech, the contributions of my fellow senators and ambitions for amplifying the conversation and its impact.
Continue Reading June 23, 2020, WEBINAR – Getting to Net Zero, Featuring: Senator Mary Coyle
This year’s Trade and Development Report suggests that meeting the financing demands of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development requires rebuilding multilateralism around the idea of a Global Green New Deal, and pursuing a financial future very different from the recent past. Richard Kozul-Wright, UNCTAD Director of Globalization and Development, presented highlights from the report and the… Continue Reading January 31, 2020 Recordings – Financing a Global Green New Deal: Trade and Development Report 2019 (2020)
Date: February 19, 2020
Reception 3:30-4:00, talk begins at 4:00 pm
Location: FSS 4004, 120 University Private, Ottawa
Presented by: CIPS and the Canadians for a Nuclear Weapons Convention
Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament, bluntly warns that the struggle for nuclear arms control and disarmament is “going backwards” and calls for “a new vision” to re-establish arms control dialogue and negotiations. Continue Reading Securing Our Common Future: Why Disarmament Matters Today as Much as Ever
The Group of 78 invites you to a dynamic conversation, presenting the key findings from the Trade and Development Report 2019. In collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). Continue Reading Financing a Global Green New Deal: Trade and Development Report 2019
The Rideau Institute, Group of 78 and the World Federalist Movement – Canada invite you to celebrate the 2019 holidays and the 70th birthday of Peggy Mason, President of the Rideau Institute. To get everyone dancing, we will be featuring the fabulous Ottawa band, Three Times Lucky. There will be a cash bar, lots of delicious nibbles and the odd fundraising activity to keep you on… Continue Reading Jingle, Mingle and Birthday Bash! The Rideau Institute, World Federalist Movement-Canada, and Group of 78
