The popular Fasken Canada–US panel series returns with a timely discussion focused on how shifting global political, economic and geopolitical dynamics are influencing the decisions Canada faces today.
As developments unfold across multiple regions, their interconnected impact is becoming more pronounced. In this next installment, our speakers will take stock of the current landscape and consider the forces most likely to shape the months ahead, offering perspective on what these changes mean for Canada’s role in an increasingly complex global environment.
Moderated by Karen Sargeant, Managing Partner, Ontario, the panel will bring the audience up to speed on the latest developments in and beyond the United States, setting the backdrop for a focused discussion on:
- The current Canadian political environment
- Geopolitical dynamics beyond the United States, including China, India and Japan, and the impact of Prime Minister Carney’s January Davos speech
- Political, economic, military, social and cultural developments in the United States toward the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026
- A thorough analysis of the CUSMA review process, now underway, including key issues, implications and forward-looking predictions
- What is dominating Canadian business discourse today, from major projects to the impact of global conflict on oil prices and Alberta’s economy
Please join us in person in Montréal, QC, or virtually, for this timely discussion and for the next chapter in Fasken’s ongoing examination of Canada’s role in the world today and in the years ahead.
Missed our earlier sessions? Click here to access Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of the series.
Visit Fasken’s Canada-Trump Administration 2.0 page for timely podcasts, articles, insights and guides to navigating Canada-US relations.
Speakers
- Dr. Laura Dawson (Guest Speaker), Executive Director, Future Borders Coalition. Prior to her appointment to the Future Borders Coalition, Dr. Dawson was the Director of the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., Founder of Dawson Strategic, and Senior Economic Advisor at the US Embassy in Canada. In addition, Dr. Dawson co-chaired the selection committee for the Government of Canada’s 2021 New Frontiers in Research Fund and was named 2020 Person of Distinction by the Public Affairs Association of Canada. Dr. Dawson holds a PhD in Political Science from Carleton University.
- Raymond Chrétien, C.C., Partner and Strategic Advisor, Fasken. Raymond served as the Canadian Ambassador to the United States from 1994 to 2000, and also notably in Mexico, France, Belgium, and the Congo. He remains an advisor to the Québec Government on trade policy issues between Canada and the US. He is a member of the Canadian American Business Council and former President of the Board of Directors of the CORIM and the CERIUM.
- Sarah Gingrich, Calgary-based Partner and co-Leader of Fasken’s Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions group, works closely with clients in the energy, oil and gas, and mining sectors. Sarah’s practice areas form an essential component of our trading relationship with the United States. Sarah is recognized by Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers, the IFLR1000, and Legal 500 Canada.
- Clifford Sosnow, Partner, Fasken and internationally recognized taxation, trade, investment and anti-bribery law advisor. He is the chair of the American Bar Association's International Law Section and vice chair of the Responsible Business Conduct Committee of the BIAC. BIAC (Business at OECD) is a Paris-based global network that advocates on behalf of businesses to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- James Villeneuve, Senior Business Advisor, Fasken and former Consul General to Los Angeles from 2014-2018. James was actively involved in trade relations during the Trump administration. James has served on many boards during his career, including the Toronto Economic Development Corporation, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the 2008 Toronto Olympic Bid, the Granville Island Trust, the Association of Canadian Advertisers, Carleton University, the Canadian Club, Teach for America, the United Way and the Regional Chamber and Growth Association in St. Louis.
Please note that the session will be held in English. Live French translation will be available.
Agenda
- 11:30 am ET Registration and lunch for in-person attendees
- 12:00 - 1:30 pm ET Panel presentation and Q&A
- 9:00 - 10:30 am PT
- 10:00 - 11:30 am MT
Cost
This event is complimentary
Type
Join us in-person for an exclusive opportunity to network with our speakers during lunch in our Montreal office, or you can attend via webinar.
This program is eligible for up to 1.5 Substantive Hours with the Law Society of Ontario.
This program contains 1.5 hours of accredited content for the purposes of the Law Society of British Columbia’s annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. The session has been loaded with the LSBC and is titled “Canada and the World Under Pressure in Year Two of Trump 2.0 - April 9, 2026”. It is available for claiming through your LSBC Member Portal.
For CPD/CLE in other jurisdictions, please contact your local Law Society.
Event Contacts
Andrea Tulloch Marketing Events Manager +1 416 868 3329[email protected] Stella Messina Senior Advisor, Event Experience [email protected]
