Laurier Chancellor hosts alumni event examining Canada’s evolving role on the world stage

March 27, 2025

Wilfrid Laurier University alumni and friends joined Chancellor Nadir Patel (BA ‘93) and journalist Melanie Ng (BA ‘05) at the Manulife Financial Headquarters in Toronto on March 25 for a compelling discussion on tariffs, global affairs, and Canada’s evolving role on the world stage.

The evening began with a welcome from Laurier President and Vice-Chancellor Deborah MacLatchy, who emphasized the importance of fostering thought leadership at the university.

“Canada’s universities have a critical role to play as our country faces profound challenges that will require innovation, resilience and deep insight,” she said. “Laurier, with our exceptional scholars, students, and alumni, is a hub of knowledge and hope during these uncertain times.”

During the fireside chat, Patel, who is the former High Commissioner to India, reflected on his experiences in international diplomacy, trade negotiations, and navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.

“The world order is changing dramatically,” said Patel. “What we’re seeing right now is a renewed desire for a vision for Canada – something that brings the country together.”

He also shared insights into Canada’s economic relationships and the impact of shifting global power dynamics.

“This is a huge opportunity for us to have a renewed foreign policy and renewed trade policies. I think Canada is going to emerge much, much stronger as we navigate through our current challenges.”

Ng, an award-winning journalist and co-host of The Big Story podcast, shared her own experiences in media and the challenges of reporting in an increasingly fast-paced news cycle where misinformation and disinformation spreads quickly on social media.

“The job of journalists has become much more difficult. We see what’s happening in the world and on social media, and question, ‘what source can we trust?’,” she said.

“It’s very difficult to navigate, but we always question the source of information, so that we can get the most unbiased information to the viewer.”

The audience engaged with the speakers through a Q&A session, which covered topics from trade, to recruiting global talent to Canada, and encouraging young people to engage more in politics.

In the upcoming weeks, Laurier faculty and alumni are offering further events that examine Canada’s role on the global stage.

On April 3, members of the Laurier and wider community are invited to Inspiring Conversations - This Means (Trade) War: How Will U.S. Tariffs Impact Canadians?, a virtual event featuring a panel of Laurier experts on economics, supply chains and political science.

On April 8, the Balsillie School of International Affairs will host Battle for the Truth: How to Protect Canada from Dis- and Misinformation in the CIGI Auditorium in Waterloo.

On May 27, Chancellor Nadir Patel will be in conversation with Sport Chek president Scott Dowding (BBA ‘99) in Calgary, discussing Canada’s role in the world’s interconnected economy.

For more information about Laurier events and experts on these topics, visit Laurier's Trade, Tariffs and Canada-U.S. Relations page.