The Canadian International Council / Conseil International du Canada

04/07/2026

Join us on April 10th for Mobilizing Canada: Power, Partnerships and Purpose in the New Global Order, a full-day conference at the University of Victoria examining how Canada can step up its leadership in a time of shifting alliances, economic challenges, and global uncertainty.

We're proud to announce our opening keynote at Mobilizing Canada:

Jody Thomas: former National Security and Intelligence Advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau and former Deputy Minister of National Defence.

Few people in Canada understand the intersection of security, intelligence, and international affairs the way Jody does. Her keynote will set the stage for a day of high-level conversation about Canada's role in a rapidly changing world.

April 10th | University of Victoria
Tickets →

Welcome to CIC Couchiching West! Since its inaugural conference in 1932, the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs (C**A) played a pre-eminent role in Canada’s civic discourse as a national forum […]

04/06/2026

Join us on April 10th for Mobilizing Canada: Power, Partnerships and Purpose in the New Global Order, a full-day conference at the University of Victoria exploring how Canada can lead in an era of shifting alliances, economic pressure, and geopolitical volatility.

This is the conversation Canada needs to have. We hope you'll be part of it.

Friday, April 10, 2026
Student Union Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Tickets from $10 (students) | $75 general public

Register now: https://thecic.org/event/couchvictoria2026/

03/18/2026

We are pleased to welcome Michael Adams, President and Founder of the Environics Institute for Survey Research, for a special lecture hosted by the Canadian International Council on March 26, 2026 in Toronto.

Drawing on themes first explored in Fire and Ice and later in Could it Happen Here? Michael will examine the evolution and divergence of social values in Canada and the United States. In light of Donald Trump’s return to the White House and an increasingly assertive posture toward Canada, this lecture will consider how prevailing assumptions about both countries may need to be reconsidered. It will also reflect on how Canadians are responding to pressures on economic stability and national sovereignty, and what these responses suggest about the country’s character at a moment when both unity and independence feel uncertain.

Date and time
Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Location
Campbell Conference Facility
Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto
1 Devonshire Place, Toronto

We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be a timely and substantive discussion.

Register here:

We are honoured to welcome Michael Adams, President and Founder of Environics Institute for Survey Research, to deliver a special lecture for the Canadian International Council on March 26, 2026 […]

03/14/2026

Recently, the Canadian International Council hosted the third annual Graham Lecture on International Affairs at Arcadian Court.

We were honoured to welcome Geoffrey Hinton, widely known as the “Godfather of AI,” for a thoughtful conversation with Patchen Barss on the future of artificial intelligence. Professor Hinton shared reflections on the rapid evolution of AI and its profound implications for international security, governance, and society.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such an engaging and inspiring evening.

03/03/2026

The future of international affairs will be shaped by technology.

At this year’s Bill Graham Lecture on March 12, 2026, Professor Geoffrey Hinton will discuss AI’s growing influence on global power, policy, and society. Be part of this important conversation at Arcadian Court.

Details and registration: https://lnkd.in/ediyvMEH

02/24/2026

Join us on March 12, 2026, at Toronto’s historic Arcadian Court for the 3rd Annual Bill Graham Lecture on International Affairs.

This year’s keynote speaker, Professor Geoffrey Hinton, will explore artificial intelligence and its implications for global security, governance, and society.

An evening of insight, dialogue, and engagement with Canada’s leading voices in international affairs.

Register Here: https://thecic.member365.com/public/event/details/adceb80fff6a1260fa2f32a5e481d056a75a8593/1?fbclid=IwY2xjawQKr05leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEelDqtTBjdAodsqHsqhPCyoKT6dC43lg0DF_PdKSgOyByRgrbUVMI5cUIiaEM_aem_CH7j6fpA_GE6EbeSSEys2A

02/20/2026

The Canadian International Council’s Toronto Branch is pleased to present:
When Aid Retreats: Democracy, Power, and the Choices We Make

February 25, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Great Hall, U of T Bookstore (214 College St, Toronto)

As global power dynamics shift and multilateral cooperation evolves, what role do citizens play in sustaining and strengthening democratic institutions?

This panel discussion will examine the civic, ethical, and practical dimensions of democratic engagement at a time of heightened geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Register here:

Join the CIC Toronto for a panel exploring civic responsibility, ethical dilemmas, and the human impact of global aid decisions.

02/20/2026

The Canadian International Council’s Toronto Branch invites you to an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of digital power and democratic resilience.

Chasing Shadows: Cyber Espionage, Subversion, and the Global Fight for Democracy

March 2, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 PM
Albany Club (91 King St E, Toronto)

Join Ronald J. Deibert, Director and Founder of Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, for a timely discussion based on his latest book. In conversation with Lotfullah Najafizada, he will examine the global marketplace for digital surveillance and cyber espionage, and the broader implications for democratic societies.

A book signing will follow the discussion.

Register here:

Join us for a discussion on digital espionage and its implications for global democracy in CIC Toronto's book talk with Dr. Ron Deibert.

02/17/2026

For nearly a century, the Canadian International Council has convened Canadians committed to understanding and shaping the country’s role in the world.

From climate change and global health to democracy, trade, and security, CIC creates space for informed dialogue on the most pressing international issues.

Membership offers access to more than 175 events annually, exclusive programming, a distinguished network spanning 18 branches, complimentary access to the International Journal, and curated analysis through our newsletter. Members also help sustain forward-looking policy research and Open Canada, our online magazine advancing thoughtful debate on international affairs.

To learn more about becoming a member, please visit:

When joining the CIC, you have the option of affiliating with one of our 19 local branches or joining as a National Office Member. If there are no CIC branches near you, a National Office membership is an ideal option.

02/11/2026

Join us on March 12, 2026, at Toronto’s historic Arcadian Court for the 3rd Annual Bill Graham Lecture on International Affairs. This flagship event brings together Canada’s leading thinkers, practitioners, and supporters of global engagement for an evening of timely insight and substantive dialogue.

We are honored to welcome Professor Geoffrey Hinton as this year’s keynote speaker. One of the world’s most influential voices in artificial intelligence, he will examine the rapidly shifting technological landscape and its implications for international security, governance, and society.

The Graham Lecture reflects CIC’s commitment to strengthening public understanding of global affairs and fostering thoughtful, informed conversation across Canada.

To reserve your place, please visit:https://thecic.member365.com/public/event/details/adceb80fff6a1260fa2f32a5e481d056a75a8593/1

01/22/2026

Canada’s place in the world is shifting...fast! 🌍

What should our foreign policy priorities be in 2026?
👉 Take the 5-minute survey and make your voice count.

📝 Share your perspective. Shape the conversation.
https://survey.euro.confirmit.com/wix/0/p962572792600.aspx