PM Justin Trudeau

April 17, 2027

The world’s longest undefended border has long been a meeting place rather than a dividing line, but that distinction is being tested. Tariffs, climate imperatives, and competing priorities have strained the relationship between the United States and Canada in ways that affect both sides of the 49^th parallel. Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, former Prime Minister of Canada, knows better than anyone that being a good neighbor can be harder than it looks. Having spent a decade at the helm during some of modern history’s most consequential moments, he will offer a candid reflection of what leadership in trying times entails.

Format: Speech with Audience Q&A

Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister coincided with a period of unprecedented global challenge and change.

After leading the third-place Liberal Party of Canada to a historic majority government in 2015, Trudeau set about delivering an ambitious agenda that included appointing Canada’s first gender-balanced cabinet, lifting more than 435,000 children out of poverty through the Canada Child Benefit, launching a national $10-a-day childcare program, advancing Indigenous Reconciliation, and taking robust action to fight climate change, including through policies that attracted investment in clean economic growth and jobs.

Confronted with a series of global economic and security shocks, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic, Trudeau worked to address international and domestic issues through bold, decisive action while continuing to deliver on a progressive vision for Canada. The former Prime Minister has amassed powerful insights into societal resilience, high-stakes international diplomacy, the promotion of shared economic growth, and driving meaningful, lasting change.

Before entering politics, Trudeau studied literature at McGill University, completed the University of British Columbia’s education program, and spent several years teaching in Vancouver. He also served as the Chair of Katimavik, on the board for the Canadian Avalanche Foundation, and as an advocate for youth and the environment, taking part in events and conferences around the country.

Trudeau has received numerous international awards, including the Atlantic Council’s Global Citizen Award, National Geographic’s Planetary Leadership Award, and Rotary International’s Polio Eradication Champion Award. The proud father of three, Trudeau delivers presentations that combine pragmatic governance insight with an inspiring vision for stronger communities.