2024 CN Forum Recap

The MSU Canadian Studies Center held its 2024 CN Forum, "Beyond the Gordie Howe Bridge: Reimagining Trade and Commerce for a New Age," on Friday, September 27, at the MSU Henry Center for Executive Development. Initiated in 2005 through an endowment provided by Canadian National Railway (CN), the CN Forum provides a venue for academic, business, advocacy, and governmental leaders to share information, discuss matters of common concern to those in the US and Canada, and identify opportunities for mutual cooperation to enhance social and economic growth. This year's Forum focused on the importance of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, set to open in 2025, which will connect Detroit and Windsor and is expected to revolutionize the North American supply chain and further connect Michigan's economy with Canada. The Forum also sought to provide a broader view of the importance of US-Canada and Michigan-Canada relations with a particular focus on the role of educational and sub-national bodies, including universities and state- and provincial-level governments,  in fostering mutually beneficial, bi-national connections. 

This year's CN Forum began with opening remarks from Dr. Rebecca Malouin, Professor and Director of the Canadian Studies Center, and Saskia Thompson, Director of Industrial Development at CN. Dr. Malouin and Ms. Thompson reiterated the importance of the partnership between CN and the Canadian Studies Center and the CN Forum as an incubator for insights related to Canada-US trade, policy, and research.   

Following opening remarks, Heather Grondin, Chief Relations Officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), provided context about the Gordie Howe International Bridge, including its inception, construction, functionality, and expected completion. Ms. Grondin highlighted the bridge's importance to the Detroit-Windsor region and its importance for the North American supply chain and US-Canada trade. An informative video provided by WDBA also helped explain the bridge project and its significance to forum attendees.

After attendees were well informed about the logistics of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, they learned more about what the project foretells for the future of US-Canada trade and economic relations during the morning's fireside chat, "What's Next? Beyond the Gordie Howe International Bridge." Specifically, panelists discussed what else is needed beyond the bridge to further mutually beneficial trade and economic development for both countries and potential opportunities or impediments to productive and sustainable trade relations. This morning session was moderated by Dr. Steven Melnyk, Professor of Supply Chain Management at the MSU Broad College of Business, and included Val Kucherenko, Director of Railway Education at the MSU Broad College of Business's Center for Railway Research and Education; Amy O'Leary, Executive Director of SEMCOG; Earl Provost, Ontario-Agent General in Chicago; and Laurie Tannous, President of the Canada-United States Business Association.

Following lunch, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist delivered a rousing keynote address on the importance of the Michigan-Canada relationship. The Lt. Governor was introduced by former governor and former US ambassador to Canada James Blanchard, the honorary chair of the Canadian Studies Center's external advisory council. Both Mr. Blanchard and the Lt. Governor spoke about the importance of Canada to Michigan, and vice versa, and the Lt. Governor spoke in specific detail about the Detroit-Windsor relationship and how the bi-national Great Lakes region is poised to be a 21st-century hub of technological and trade innovation. Lt. Governor Gilchrist argued that the Gordie Howe International Bridge is proof of this burgeoning development and should be capitalized on by state, provincial, and national governments as well as community and industry stakeholders.

The afternoon fireside chat followed the Lt. Governor's address. Titled "Lessons Learned in Canada-US Relations," the panel sought to delve deeper into US-Canada relations beyond the Gordie Howe International Bridge, including the threats and opportunities facing our two countries, our shared goals, and the role of educational institutions and other sub-national bodies in promoting mutually beneficial programs and initiatives that will further our unique bi-national relationship. The panel was moderated by Professor Eric Freedman, Knight Chair in Environmental Journalism at the MSU School of Journalism, and included Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit; Dr. Stephen Brooks, Professor of Political Science at the University of Windsor; Jean-Francois Hould, Quebec Delegate in Chicago; Representative Amos O'Neal of Michigan's 94th House District; and Senator Roger Victory of Michigan's 21st Senate District. The panelists reinforced the importance of a bipartisan and coalitional approach to US-Canada relations and how our two countries can best succeed when we work together on shared goals and priorities. 

Finally, following the afternoon panel discussion, Dr. Malouin acknowledged two retiring CN Forum planning committee members: Dr. Steven Melnyk and Nicholas Little, outgoing director of the MSU Center for Railway Research and Education. Both Dr. Melynk and Mr. Little have been longtime friends of the Canadian Studies Center and have been immensely helpful in ensuring a successful 2024 CN Forum. Accepting his award, Dr. Melynk reflected on his time at MSU and with the Center. Val Kucherenko accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Little. Following their reflections, Dr. Malouin provided closing remarks thanking attendees for attending and encouraging them to stay connected with the center for future events. 

Thank you to all attendees for making the 2024 CN Forum such a success! The Canadian Studies Center also wishes to extend a thank-you to our planning committee for helping to ensure this sold-out event was a success: Colin Bird, Consul General of Canada in Detroit; James Blanchard, Senior Counsel and Chair Emeritus for Government Affairs, DLA Piper; Kevin Donahue, State and Local Affairs Manager, CN; Jean-Francois Hould, Quebec Delegate in Chicago; Bin Lau, Director, US. Midwest, Government of Alberta in Chicago; Nicholas Little, Director of Railway Education, MSU Center for Railway Education and Research; Steven Melnyk, Professor of Supply Chain Management, MSU Broad College of Business; Earl Provost, Ontario Agent-General in Chicago; and Arnold Weinfeld, Associate Director, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR), MSU College of Social Science.