On 21 October 2026, the Rio School on Global Governance, Democracy and Human Rights was honored to welcome Prof. Jean-François Gaudreault-DesBiens, professor at the Faculty of Law at the Université de Montréal. The course is held by the FGV Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence, co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme and directed by Prof. Paula Wojcikiewicz Almeida.

In his lecture, moderated by Prof. Paula Wojcikiewicz Almeida, Prof. Gaudreault-DesBiens examined the historical evolution of Canada–United States relations, from the tensions surrounding the founding of the Canadian federation in 1867 to the growing economic, military and political integration between the two countries throughout the 20th century. The discussion highlighted Canada’s increasing dependence on the United States, particularly in the areas of trade and defense, and explored how policy choices over time contributed to this asymmetrical relationship. While Canada has historically maintained a distinct political identity, including through its welfare-state model and independent foreign policy decisions, its reliance on the US market has increasingly constrained its economic autonomy.

The lecture also addressed the profound implications of the Trump administration’s policies for Canada’s economic sovereignty, political autonomy and constitutional framework. Through an examination of US tariff measures, trade agreements and annexation rhetoric, Prof. Gaudreault-DesBiens explored the legal and political challenges confronting the Canadian government. Particular attention was given to the constitutional implications of responding to US protectionism within Canada’s decentralized federal system, including the need for cooperation between federal and provincial governments. The discussion further highlighted the importance of economic diversification, the development of strategic infrastructure and the removal of internal trade barriers as potential avenues for strengthening Canada’s resilience. Finally, the lecture considered Canada’s evolving position in the international order, including opportunities for deeper cooperation with the European Union.

We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Gaudreault-DesBiens for this fruitful exchange. We look forward to further collaboration.