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Organized by: V I Branch - Canadian International Council (CIC) — https://www.eventbrite.com/o/89936125643Join Arun Alexander as he shares insights on how the recent U.S. Mid-terms could shape the future of the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Please join us on Wednesday November 25 for a very timely discussion on Canada – US relations. Our speaker, Arun Alexander, former Canadian Deputy Ambassador to the United State – 2022 – 2025, will discuss how the American mid-term elections on November 3 could shape Canadian – US relations going forward.
Drawing on more than 30 years in Canada’s Foreign Service and a distinguished career in trade policy, international trade and investment law, Mr. Alexander will give a behind-the scenes look at how Canada advances its interests in Washington, DC. He will also share his perspective on tariffs affecting Canada, the challenge of bilateral trade negotiations and on what it will take to secure a new – and, hopefully, lasting – trade agreement with our nearest neighbour and largest trading partner.
Mr. Alexander will welcome your questions and comments following his presentation.
Please purchase your tickets early and you are welcome to bring a guest.
Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026 (11:30-2 PM)
Location: Yates Memorial | Doors Open at 11:30 AM
Address: 1000 Allsbrook Road, Parksville, V9P2A9
Cost: Members $30 each | Guests $35 each.
Notice/Disclaimer: The CIC’s Goal is “to promote a broader and deeper understanding of international affairs and of Canada’s role in a changing world by providing interested Canadians with a non-partisan, nation-wide forum for informed discussion, debate and analysis.” To these ends, our speakers are chosen to provide their insights and analyses based upon their experiences and contributions to Canada and the World. The views and opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect those of the CIC.
About our Speaker
Mr. Arun Alexander was Canada’s Deputy Ambassador to the United States in from 2022 to 2025. During a 30+ year career in the Foreign Service, Arun held a number of senior leadership positions both in Ottawa and abroad, mainly focussing on trade policy and international trade and investment law.
In Ottawa, Arun served as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister for Trade Policy and Negotiations, Director General for North American Trade Policy and Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator, and Director General of the Trade Law Bureau. He was also Chief Negotiator for the Canada-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement and Deputy Chief Negotiator for the CUSMA negotiations.
In addition to Washington D.C., Arun was posted as Minister (Commercial) and Head of the Trade Program at the Canadian Embassy to Japan, Counsellor (Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment) at Canada’s Mission to the European Union, and Senior Trade Commissioner to Canada’s High Commission to Singapore.
Arun holds a B.A. (Economics) from the University of Victoria, a B.Sc. (Biology) from the University of British Columbia, and a LL.B. from the University of Alberta. He retired from the Foreign Service in 2026 and now resides with his wife Patricia Ockwell, also a former Foreign Service Officer, in Victoria, British Columbia.
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Event venue
Yates Memorial Services, 1000 Allsbrook Road, Parksville, BC V9P 2A9, CA, Canada
Tickets
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