The Red Passport

Canada and the European Union took what appears to be a major geopolitical step for both, deciding at a Canada-EU Summit in Montréal to establish together an "Alliance for the Future."

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada be the EU's first "Associate Member," a term that Prime Minister Mark Carney understands as determination to establish "the deepest possible partnership, short of accession."

Both parties have established an agenda and timeline to deepen the partnership across a range of new technologies, exploit economic and trade complementarities and align with a wider coalition to sustain multilateral cooperation on key global issues.

Jeremy Kinsman, Peter Donolo and Louise Blais examine the push for deeper cooperation on critical minerals, research, defence, technology and the digital economy. They consider the proposition that Europe provides Canada's effort to reduce its dependence on the United States with additional options for Canadians.

For nearly five years, Ukraine has defied expectations, resisting a much larger military with Western support and remarkable resilience. But is one of its most important allies in the process of changing sides?

Peter Donolo, Jeremy Kinsman and Louise Blais examine Trump's apparent shift away from Kyiv, and what it could mean for Ukraine's survival, as well as NATO's integrity and a Europe increasingly on high alert.

They also consider whether political change in the United States could alter the trajectory again, how Ukraine can preserve democracy during a prolonged war and what this new geopolitical divide means for the international order.

A political shift is sweeping Latin America as voters turn to right-wing and populist leaders promising security, growth and stronger government. But is this an ideological realignment or another swing of the political pendulum?

UBC political scientist Maxwell Cameron joins Jeremy Kinsman, Peter Donolo and Louise Blais to examine what is driving the region's rightward turn and how the Donroe Doctrine is reshaping Latin America. They also ask where these changes leave Canada as it tries to defend multilateralism and carve out a distinct role in the Western Hemisphere.

Canada and Europe have been growing closer for years but after an extraordinary week in Strasbourg, the relationship may be entering entirely new territory.

Former European parliamentarian and party leader Sir Graham Watson joins Peter Donolo, Jeremy Kinsman and Louise Blais to unpack the move toward deeper Canada-Europe cooperation. From associate EU membership and student exchanges to defence procurement and Arctic sovereignty, they examine the opportunity, political risks and Watson's provocative idea that Canada is becoming as much a North Atlantic nation as a North American one.

Twenty-five years after Canada stood with the United States following the attacks of September 11, the relationship looks almost unrecognizable.

Louise, Peter and Jeremy reflect on how they experienced 9/11, then fast-forward to the latest in the trade war and the changing politics of the United States. Is the current rupture temporary, or does Canada need to prepare for a fundamentally different relationship with its closest neighbour?

Nearly four decades after Canada tied its economic future to closer integration with the United States, is that experiment coming to an end?

International trade lawyer Lawrence Herman joins Peter and Jeremy to discuss Ottawa's delegation walking out of negotiations with Washington and why he believes the old free-trade relationship is gone. The conversation then turns to how Canada can build a more resilient economy through stronger ties with Europe and Asia, not to mention fewer trade barriers between provinces.

With a tariff deadline looming, Canada and the United States may be inching toward a deal. But in the coming days, attention will turn to how a possible agreement will be sold to Canadians.

The three amigos examine whether a deal can satisfy two very different audiences: Trump, who needs to claim a victory, and Canadians who seem wary of deep concessions. Peter argues that what is being called a negotiation is closer to a shakedown, Jeremy is concerned about what Canada will give up, while Louise, Québec's trade envoy, considers what Canada may need to accept to avoid further economic damage.

Canada may have to pay a steep price whether it makes a deal with Trump or not.

Louise Blais rejoins Jeremy Kinsman and Peter Donolo to debate an aggressive new round of tariffs scheduled to take effect August 19. Drawing on consultations with Québec manufacturers, Louise warns that cancelled orders, shutdowns and thousands of job losses could follow within weeks. Can Mark Carney stabilize the relationship without rewarding coercion? The larger question is how much short-term economic pain Canada is prepared to absorb to protect its sovereignty.

The rules of the game with Canada's most important partner have been tossed aside, and the outcome of the next round is as murky as Donald Trump's reflecting pool.

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Manley joins Peter Donolo and Jeremy Kinsman to discuss Canada's leverage with Trump's America, from trade and Iran to the G7 and the Gordie Howe Bridge. The question remains whether Canada can play the long game without blinking.