Description

Wars in Ukraine, across the Middle East, and in Sudan reveal how fragile global stability has become. Indeed, these crises, along with many others, leave no doubt that the international order is under severe pressure and that Canada’s ability to meet this moment will depend on the strength we build at home: resilient democratic institutions, purposeful diplomacy and development, defence capabilities ready for rapid change, a stable long‑term economy, and citizens committed to collective action. It also requires navigating a more challenging relationship with the United States, where shifting priorities, economic pressures, and strategic disagreements increasingly shape Canada’s security environment. As Canadians reconsider their nation’s place on an unstable global stage, this presentation will outline why Canada needs a new national vision and strategy — one suited to middle‑power leadership in a rapidly shifting international environment. Join the LER Museum and Canadian International Council - Edmonton Branch for a speaker and discussion event featuring Dr. Chris Kilford. Dr. Kilford is a member of the national board of the Canadian International Council (CIC), the former editor of CIC’s online foreign policy magazine Open Canada, and president of the CIC Victoria branch. He holds a PhD in history from Queen’s University and enjoyed a 36-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces including postings to Germany, Afghanistan and Turkiye. He retired from the armed forces in September 2014. Since then, Chris has remained deeply engaged in Canadian foreign and defence policy issues. His book chapters, articles, and opinion pieces have appeared in numerous Canadian and international publications, and he has become a frequent speaker and commentator on geopolitical issues for audiences across Canada and for Canadian and international media outlets.