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Message from Chair

Canadians are neither immune to  nor remote from the world's problems. My conviction is that Canada is uniquely positioned to bridge the disconnect between human achievement and global challenges, and to play a stronger role in international affairs.

The Canadian International Council (CIC) is a non-partisan, nationwide foreign policy council established to strengthen Canada's foreign policy. It promotes research and dialogue on international affairs issues through a national network that crosses academic disciplines, policy areas and economic sectors.

The privately funded research program features dedicated working groups and supports a competitive research fellow program. Working in universities and research institutions across the country, the research fellows focus on Canada's most important foreign policy issues. There is one thing we can all agree on - the application of expert and fact-based research to complex policy issues is the essential foundation for effective foreign policy. The CIC dedicates its resources to funding and disseminating that research.

The CIC's unique, nationwide network features 15 branches from coast to coast. The branches incorporate the voices and feedback of citizens across the country; engage local communities with programs that involve speakers, seminars, roundtable discussions and conferences; and organize study groups that generate citizen dialogue and involvement in international affairs.

Canadian corporate, academic, media and policy communities have the opportunity to participate in an important forum on international issues through the CIC. Our objectives are to generate the best Canadian research, develop the finest Canadian analysts, raise citizen awareness, and inform Canada's most promising future leaders.

It has never been more important for us to understand the world and to engage it. We urge you to join our efforts to amplify Canada's voice on the global stage by supporting the CIC and becoming involved in our activities. Building Canadian foreign policy capacity is good business, and good citizenship.

Jim Balsillie
Chair, CIC