For decades, Alberta and Canada have shared a strong, cooperative relationship with the United States, founded on mutual interests, robust trade and deep institutional ties. However, that relationship has shifted significantly in recent times and continues to evolve, demonstrating the need for more research and a greater understanding of the changing North American dynamic.
Currently, North America faces a significant gap in dedicated research activity specific to the study of Canada-U.S. relations and policy – and there is a particular shortage of this research from a western Canadian perspective.
Understanding and navigating the changing geopolitical landscape is crucial, and partnering with researchers abroad is becoming increasingly vital. That is why Alberta’s government is investing $6.5 million over three years in the New North America Initiative, led by the University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy, to help Alberta navigate this new reality.
“A strong and collaborative relationship with the United States is essential to Alberta’s long-term success. This initiative will deepen academic and policy partnerships, and expand Alberta’s research capacity, to support and develop effective responses to shifts in Canada-U.S. relations.”
The New North America Initiative will help fill the significant gap in Canada-U.S. policy research and collaboration in North America and foster increased collaboration with the United States. By working with universities across North America, post-secondary institutions in Alberta can expand their research capacity and build key partnerships between institutions in both countries. Over the next three years, the initiative will bring key research and industry partners together to help Alberta better anticipate, manage and mitigate U.S. policy shifts.
“The New North America Initiative will help Alberta take strategic and thoughtful action as we navigate relations between Canada and the U.S. This initiative will open new research pathways and help establish strong new connections and partnerships, while also empowering and developing capacity for the next generation of students. There is very little dedicated research directed to the study of Canada-U.S. relations at Canadian universities, and increasing our knowledge on this topic right now is crucial.”
This initiative will also build upon the expertise of researchers at the University of Calgary and other post-secondary institutions, relevant think tanks and business associations in Alberta. The New North America Initiative will connect thought leaders, government officials, the private sector and think tanks in Alberta and across the continent to increase understanding and share new ideas on relations with the U.S. In addition to coursework and hands-on involvement in research, the initiative will help train students in specific skills and knowledge to work for government, private sector and civil society in a new era of relations with the U.S.
“The University of Calgary’s School of Public Policy is taking the lead at a critical moment in Canada-U.S. relations by gathering the expertise of our researchers and partners to provide evidence-based public policy guidance to government.”
The University of Calgary School of Public Policy
Founded in 2008, the School of Public Policy advances public policy in Canada and works to improve policy capacity in government and enhance policy discourse outside of government. By conducting evidence-based research and fostering dialogue among policymakers, academics and the public, the School of Public Policy aims to inform and shape effective policy solutions for complex societal challenges while focusing on four key areas: social policy and health, energy and environmental policy, fiscal and economic policy, and international policy and trade.
“With the crisis in Canada-U.S. relations, it’s clear our traditional policies and the ways we engage the Americans, and their federal and state governments, have not been enough. We need new thinking and new ways of engaging, and we need the work behind this to come from new places and new voices on both sides of the border. That’s what the New North America Initiative will deliver.”
As part of the launch of the New North America Initiative, a roundtable discussion will be held with researchers from post-secondary institutions across Canada and the U.S. The discussion will explore opportunities for Alberta-based researchers to serve as a ready resource of information, intelligence and capacity to help inform policy. It will also allow these researchers to hear diverse perspectives from experts across the United States and Alberta and help build collaborative relationships.
Quick facts
- The New North America Initiative’s initial primary focus is on issues affecting Alberta/Canada-U.S. relations.
- The initiative will include researchers from Alberta and the United States, including from the:
- University of Alberta
- University of Lethbridge
- Mount Royal University
- University of Nebraska
- University of Colorado
- Arizona State University
- Rice University