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April 13, 2025 - 9:00 AM
While most of us are trying to keep up with the fluctuating trade situation between Canada and the U.S. along with the rapidly approaching federal election a group of experts are going to take a look at the long-term effects of the ongoing trade war at a debate in Kelowna.
The UBC Okanagan is hosting an event called "Canada–USA: Allies or Adversaries?" at the Kelowna Community Theatre at 7 p.m. on Tuesday April 22, according to a release from the university.
The school invited four experts to argue whether Canada and the U.S. should kiss and make up after president Donald Trump’s trade war.
“Even if we were to resolve the tariff dispute, secure our borders, develop new trading partners and eradicate any flow of fentanyl, we will still be faced with this dilemma of how we should treat our southern neighbour,” UBCO associate vice-president of university relations Marten Youssef said in the release. “Is this a blip in a long-standing relationship or a new global structure? This is an existential question that will outlive the current administration in the White House.”
Dr. Laura Dawson leads the Future Borders Coalition which deals with cross-border supply chains and travel and she's arguing that Canada should try to repair its relationship with the States. Dr. Greg Anderson is a political science professor at the University of Alberta and he's going to be on Dawson’s side arguing for friendship.
Dr. Renaud-Philippe Garner, an assistant professor of philosophy at UBCO, will argue Canada should take an adversarial approach to U.S. relations from now on. Jen Gerson has been a journalist for 20 years and is the co-founder of the podcast The Line. She is on Anderson’s side when it comes to butting heads with our neighbour to the south.
“UBCO Debates provides a critical platform to encourage thoughtful and respectful dialogue on the issues that deeply impact our community,” UBCO principal Dr. Lesley Cormack said in the release. “The relationship between Canada and the United States is a cornerstone of our political and economic landscape, and I’m pleased that our debate can address such a timely topic.”
The event is free to attend but requires online registration ahead of time.
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