Conference: CANADA AND THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

The NATO Council of Canada and the Advocates for Civil Liberties held a very successful conference on March 28 entitled ‘Canada and the New Middle East’. With over 350 people in attendance, this conference featured high-profile speakers such as Executive Director of CSIS Raymond Boisvert, RCMP Superintendent Doug Best, Former Senior Trade Commissioner Mike Ward and National Post Journalist Peter Goodspeed.

With a range of topics covered, the conference helped illuminate the challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s national interests in this volatile region. Set amidst the backdrop of the Arab Spring, our speakers discussed how Canada’s economic, political and security concerns should be addressed and reminded the audience of the importance to remain vigilant in our ongoing pursuit of peace, security and trade between Canada and the wider Middle Eastern region.

PANELS:
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Panel 1: CANADIAN ECONOMIC AND ENERGY INTERESTS IN THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

Panel 1 Video:

   LAWRENCE SOLOMON:  Columnist, Financial Post, Executive Director, Energy Probe

      MIKE WARD:  Former Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner to Turkey

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Panel 2: CANADIAN NATIONAL SECURITY IN THE NEW MIDDLE EAST

Panel 2 Video:

    RAYMOND BOISVERT:  Assistant Director, Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

    DOUG BEST:  RCMP Superintendent and Head of the National Security Section

    JOHN THOMPSON:  International Security Intelligence Expert, Mackenzie Institute

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Panel 3: CANADA, IRAN AND THE ARAB SPRING

Panel 3 Video:

   PETER GOODSPEED:   Senior Reporter, International Affairs, National Post

RAMIN  JAHANBEGLOO:  Iranian Political Philosopher, University of  Toronto Centre for      Ethics