The U.S. Midterms, Benjamin Franklin, and the St. Lawrence Seaway

Abstract

In his J.R. Mallory lecture, Jim de Wilde is going to reflect on how we got to where we are now in terms of Canadian federalism and Canada-US relations after the U.S. midterm elections of November 3rd. He will look at the way Canadian capital markets are being prompted to redesign competitive industries including the unique and indispensable importance of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec in global growth strategies, the development of new capital market instruments in Alberta, and the coalition behind national projects and the future role of a Canadian sovereign wealth fund.

Most immediately, this requires an understanding of the emerging negotiating dynamics between Canada and the United States as it evolves one more time. It starts with Benjamin Franklin’s unsuccessful trip to Quebec in 1776 through the various stages of Canada-U.S. relations and the beginning of a new one framed by the results of this U.S. midterms.

The discussion must address the meaning of “sovereignty” in a world of U.S. and Chinese apparent leadership in AI and other key technologies. The new political coalitions in the United States create strategic opportunities for the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs and political activists.

The talk will be followed by a Q&A. This event is free and open to the public. Reserve your tickets via Eventbrite. The Mallory Lecture series is annually organized by the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada.

Biography

Jim de Wilde has been involved in Canadian politics since his years at McGill writing a doctoral dissertation on modern capitalism and Canadian federalism under the supervision and mentorship of Professor J.R. Mallory. This led to a career in venture capital and in public policy including involvement with the establishment of federal government public sector support of Canadian aerospace as an advisor to Jack Austin. He was the author with Lloyd Axworthy of the Liberal Party response to the first FTA with the US in 1987. His subsequent political support of those framing a response to the sovereigntist critique of federalism has been a constant of his political engagement, especially in the context of his friendship and engagement with Prime Minister Paul Martin. His writing on venture capital and geopolitical issues can be found on Substack at https://substack.com/@jimdewilde877648.