Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on Friday announced her government’s $6.5 million New North America Initiative, a research institute that specializes in Canada-US policy research. The initiative, facilitated by the University of Calgary, includes Albertan and American post-secondary institutions, relevant think tanks, and business associations in Alberta.The element of “change” was highlighted repeatedly at the press conference, with an emphasis on the “new America” since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. .“A strong and collaborative relationship with the United States is essential to Alberta’s long-term success,” said Smith.“It's no secret that our relationship has hit a rocky patch these past few months, and while tensions have been high, this relationship is far from over. We are still neighbors, and for much of our history, we have been the best of friends too.”“Our two nations share a unique, decades-long bond that has delivered mutual benefits for generations.”“Over the years, we've collaborated on everything from missile defense to space exploration, wildfires, Arctic research, and invasive species management.”“The US is by far our biggest trading partner, and Alberta plays a major role in supplying US energy needs. The way we see it, any rift between us is a huge loss for both countries.”“This initiative will deepen academic and policy partnerships, and expand Alberta’s research capacity, to support and develop effective responses to shifts in Canada-US relations.”.The institute will represent Alberta values in a Canadian context, with efforts to establish a new understanding between the two countries, and Mexico too, added Smith.It will “bring together some of the brightest minds in academia, government and the private sector to investigate developments in the relationship between Canada and the United States. This effort will spark collaboration across Alberta's universities and a number of leading American universities to develop policy solutions that respond to the new reality.”“We have everything we need to secure our mutual energy supply indefinitely and achieve North American energy dominance — and if we can get it right, the future of our continent looks very bright indeed, and the new North America initiative will help to bring that future into focus.”.Rajan Sawhney, advanced education minister, added, “The New North America Initiative will help Alberta take strategic and thoughtful action as we navigate relations between Canada and the US.”“This initiative will open new research pathways and help establish strong new connections and partnerships, while also empowering and developing capacity for the next generation of students. There is very little dedicated research directed to the study of Canada-US relations at Canadian universities, and increasing our knowledge on this topic right now is crucial,” said Sawhney.The universities included in the new program are:University of AlbertaUniversity of LethbridgeMount Royal UniversityUniversity of NebraskaUniversity of ColoradoArizona State UniversityRice University
