The Commission for the Second Century of Canada–U.S. Relations (Second Century Commission) will help shape the future strategic partnership between the two North American neighbors. Supported by the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University, the Center for U.S.–Canada Relations at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), the Commission is being struck on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1926.
Over the past century, Canada and the United States have built one of the world’s closest and most durable relationships, grounded in shared interests and values, integrated continental defense and security, strong trade and economic ties, sound environmental practices and robust people-to-people links. As the partnership enters its second century, emerging geopolitical, economic, technological and environmental challenges demand a new bilateral vision for the future.
Under the leadership of co-chairs Lisa Raitt and Jane Harman, the binational Commission will bring together more than a dozen prominent Canadians and Americans to develop a forward-looking agenda for relations between the two countries. It will examine medium- to long-term opportunities for cooperation across key strategic areas including business and trade; defense and security; energy, critical minerals and the environment; and technology. It will foster binational dialogue, generate innovative policy ideas and build networks of leaders and experts committed to charting the next decades of bilateral relations.
The Commission’s work will be supported by three executive directors: Christopher Sands from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Jennifer Welsh from McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy and Paul Samson from the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Its work will also be informed by an advisory body of former ambassadors, a series of expert policy papers and a youth assembly. Four in-person Commission meetings will take place in Ottawa, Baltimore, Montreal and Washington in 2026 and 2027. The Commission will produce a final report with policy recommendations by the end of 2027.
To complement and support the work of the Commission, CIGI and Johns Hopkins University will launch the Second Century Partnership Fund, a grant-making fund designed to support projects that advance cross-border dialogue, research and collaboration.
The Commission will be launched in May 2026 in Washington and Ottawa.
