What is the Second Century Commission on Canada-U.S. Relations?
The Second Century Commission is a high-level, binational initiative led by McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). It will bring together leading former elected officials, senior policymakers and business leaders from Canada and the United States to develop forward-looking recommendations for the next century of bilateral relations, not just the next political cycle. The Commission will seek to identify policy challenges and opportunities while engaging stakeholders across government, industry, civil society and research to deliver concrete, actionable recommendations by the end of 2027.
Why is the Commission being launched now?
On November 25, 2026, Canada and the United States mark the 100th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations. While the partnership remains one of the closest in the world, it is being reshaped by geopolitical and bilateral tensions, rapid technological advancement, trade upheaval, climate and energy transitions, and evolving security challenges. Rather than focusing on only short-run pressures, the Commission aims to look beyond electoral cycles and near-term disruptions to ensure the relationship is prepared for the medium- to long-term.
What will be the Commission’s main outputs?
The Commission will assess the state of Canada-U.S. relations across its key strategic areas to produce the following deliverables:
What makes this Commission different from other initiatives?
The two distinguishing features of the Commission are its binational composition and forward-looking mandate. Canada and the United States face common challenges, and the Commission will bring together experts from both sides of the border to exchange ideas and forge a path forward. Examining medium- to long-term challenges, the Commission will not focus only on the bilateral issues that are currently facing the Canadian and American governments. Rather, it will look over the horizon to identify emerging challenges and recommend solutions that can help the two countries manage their bilateral relations in the coming decades.
What issues will the Commission focus on?
The Commission will examine Canada-U.S. relations across key strategic domains including:
Who is leading the Commission?
The Commission is co-chaired by Lisa Raitt and Jane Harman:
Lisa Raitt
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, BSc, MSc, LLB, P.C. served 11 years as the Conservative MP for Milton (Halton), during which time she served as Deputy Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, as well as holding various portfolios including Transport, Labour and Natural Resources.
Raitt joined CIBC Capital Markets as Vice-Chair and Managing Director, Global Investment Banking in January 2020.
Jane Harman
Jane Harman is a former nine-term congresswoman from California and former ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, a position she held for four years after 9/11.
Harman is recognized as a national expert at the nexus of security and public policy issues, and has received numerous awards for distinguished service. She has served on advisory boards for the CIA, the Director of National Intelligence, and the departments of Defense, Homeland Security and State. She is currently the chair of the bipartisan, congressionally mandated Commission on the National Defense Strategy.
The Commission will be supported by 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.
Who will participate?
In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Commission will include more than a dozen prominent Canadians and Americans, including former elected officials, senior policymakers and business leaders. It will also draw on a sub-council of former ambassadors and a dedicated youth assembly, designed to bring forward intergenerational perspectives and ensure the Commission’s work reflects the priorities and lived realities of those who will shape the bilateral relationship over the coming decades. The Commission will also benefit from ongoing input from academics, industry leaders and other stakeholders.
How can I get involved or follow the Commission’s work?
Stakeholders can engage through public events, commissioned research and partnership opportunities supported by the Second Century Partnership Fund. Updates and publications will also be made available through the partner institutions.
What are the timelines and key milestones?
May-December 2026 (Launch & Initial Discussions):
January-November 2027 (Deliberation & Drafting):
Late 2027 (Final Report):
Post-2027 (Policy Engagement):
What is the Second Century Partnership Fund?
The Partnership Fund is a complementary grant-making initiative that will support projects that advance cross-border research, dialogue and collaboration aligned with the Commission’s goals.
© 2026