Topic:
Fortress North America? Canada, the United States and Trans-Pacific Relations
Speaker:
The Honourable Yuen Pau Woo
Senator, Parliament of Canada
Date & Time:
Monday, 15 September 2025
3:30 pm – 5:00pm (Singapore Time)
On-site Venue:
Angsana Room 1, C J Koh Law Library
NUS Bukit Timah Campus, 469D Bukit Timah Road
Singapore 259773
Registration is required:
Synopsis:
While most countries targeted by Trump’s trade actions chiefly face economic pressure from the United States, Canada is confronted with an even deeper challenge: threats to its sovereignty, as reflected in President Trump’s repeated calls for its northern neighbour to become America’s “51st state”. With strong support from Canadians, Ottawa has been resolute in rejecting Trump’s overtures. However, mounting tariff threats continue to strain Canadian exports and intensify economic pressures. Despite efforts to diversify trade and investment, including to East Asia, the economy remains massively reliant on the United States. Even as Canadian leaders reaffirm their country’s sovereignty, many policy conversations about a way forward remain entangled with some version of a “fortress North America” for Canada and the United States. This seminar with address the following questions: What will it take for Canada to avoid “51st state” solutions to its current predicament? And how can deeper economic ties with East Asia, beyond the current “diversification” mantra, be part of the answer?
Note:
Registration is required for this seminar.
Photography and videography may be carried out during the event by EAI for its print publications, digital platforms and/or marketing channels. The event is open for full media coverage.
For enquiries, please contact the Institute at 6516 3708 / 6516 8333 or email: katherine.toh@nus.edu.sg / james_tan@nus.edu.sg
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