Leadership Encounter With Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia

On 29 May, the Montreal Institute for Global Security had the pleasure of hosting Canada’s High Commissioner to Australia, Dr. Julie Sunday, for a timely and insightful discussion on Canada–Australia relations in an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty.

As Indo-Pacific tensions rise, authoritarian regimes grow more assertive, and technology reshapes power dynamics, it is clear that Canada and Australia—two middle powers with shared democratic values—must deepen their collaboration. From economic resilience to security cooperation and defending the international rules-based order, there is much to gain from working more closely together.

A key takeaway from today’s dialogue is the pressing need to strengthen connections between our think tank communities. By fostering more joint research, convening shared dialogues, and exchanging policy ideas, we can help our countries anticipate challenges and shape strategies that advance peace, security, and prosperity.

Many thanks to Dr. Sunday for her candid and forward-looking remarks—and to all the delegates from McGill University, the City of Montreal, UQAM, Global Canada, the private sector, and civil society organizations who joined the conversation. Your engagement is what makes meaningful dialogue possible.