Inside US-Canada Trade Negotiations from Obama to Trump

Join CSUS for a dynamic conversation between Brian Clow, a seasoned political advisor with deep experience in Canada–U.S. relations, and Will Riddell, a professor of American Studies and History. Together, they will explore the current state and future trajectory of the Canada–U.S. partnership, reflecting on key moments in bilateral diplomacy, trade negotiations, and cross-border collaboration.

 

Drawing from Clow’s firsthand experience in shaping Canada’s approach to U.S. relations from within the Prime Minister’s Office, and Riddell’s analytical lens on policy and public discourse, this event will offer unique insights into how the relationship has evolved and where it might be headed.

 

This event will provide attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at how Canada has navigated turbulent diplomatic waters, and what strategies may define the next chapter in its relationship with the United States.

 

Brian Clow is a Canadian political advisor, most recently serving as the Deputy Chief of Staff to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In this role, he played a crucial part in shaping and managing the Prime Minister’s policy agenda, providing strategic advice, and overseeing various facets of governmental operations. As Deputy Chief of Staff, Clow oversaw the Policy, Global Affairs, Communications, Issues Management, and Parliamentary Affairs teams in the Prime Minister’s Office. Clow was the Prime Minister’s lead on Canada-U.S. Relations following the election of President Donald Trump in 2017. He played a pivotal role in the renegotiation of NAFTA, diplomatic relations between Canada and the United States, and most recently the handling of Canada’s response to President Trump’s threats against the country’s sovereignty and economy. Clow is also a seasoned political campaigner, holding senior roles in Justin Trudeau’s three winning election campaigns. Clow’s earlier career includes serving as Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of International Trade from 2015 to 2017, and senior roles in the Ontario Government.  His extensive experience across both federal and provincial levels of government has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of Canada’s political landscape, enabling him to effectively navigate complex policy environments and contribute to the development and implementation of governmental strategies. Throughout his career, Brian Clow has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to public service and governance, consistently contributing to the effective functioning of Canada’s political institutions.

 

 

 

Will’s research and teaching interests include Post-Civil War to mid-twentieth century U.S. history, Labor and Working-Class history, the history of capitalism, and the history of empire. He is the author of On the Waves of Empire: U.S. Imperialism and Merchant Sailors, 1872-1924, which examines how class conflict, formation, and experience influenced the shape and trajectory of U.S. imperial expansion. His latest article, “Does Exclusion Follow the Flag: Merchant Sailors and U.S. Imperial Expansion, 1895-1906,” was published in The International Review of Social History. His next project is a social and labor history of Lend Lease. Will’s work has been presented in Canada, the United States, and India.