As part of this year\u2019s Law & Public Policy Symposium, three accomplished alumni discussed the evolving dynamics of Canada-U.S. relations. At the same time, they also hoped to inspire the next generation of alumni, as examples of how King\u2019s education can lead to influential careers in policy, diplomacy, and economic strategy on a global stage.<\/p>\n
For the second year in a row, the Symposium, which took place on September 25, 2025, in the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre, was one of the signature events of King\u2019s Homecoming festivities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis symposium brings King\u2019s alumni back not just as guests, but as thought leaders helping to shape the public conversation on one of the most consequential relationships in global politics: Canada\u2013U.S. relations,\u201d says\u00a0Dr. Erin Hannah, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Politics and International Relations, who moderated the panel.<\/p>\n
All three panellists have utilized their King\u2019s education as a starting point to important careers, which have given them the knowledge necessary to provide expert commentary on the evening\u2019s topic.<\/p>\n
Monika Surma, BA \u201997, MA \u201998 (Political Science) – Government of Canada Executive and Senior Policy Consultant<\/p>\n
A seasoned policy leader with 20+ years in global trade and economic strategy, Surma played key roles in CUSMA and Mercosur talks and pioneered the Indigenous Peoples chapter in trade deals. Currently on sabbatical, she advises clients on international policy and operations.<\/p>\n
Peter Wilkinson, BA \u201979 (History) – Most recently: Chief of Staff to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Canada<\/p>\n
Wilkinson\u2019s career spans senior roles in politics, finance, and regulatory affairs, including Chief of Staff to Canada\u2019s Foreign Affairs Minister and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. He\u2019s also held leadership positions at Manulife, Scotiabank, and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.<\/p>\n
Tingting Zhang, BA \u201916 (Economics) – Junior Policy Analyst, C.D. Howe Institute<\/p>\n
Zhang researches labour and health policy, focusing on immigration, women\u2019s workforce development, and primary and senior care. Her work helps shape policy solutions for Canada\u2019s evolving labour market and healthcare system.<\/p>\n
Surma was very excited to return to King’s and speak to many of the same issues she studied as a student. She took a course in American politics while at King’s. “I loved it and it really sparked an interest in Canada-U.S. relations, so it is great to come back and share some of the insights from my career with\u00a0students,” she says.<\/p>\n
Wilkinson said the opportunity to take part in the panel was “fantastic.” He was especially looking forward to the questions from the students. “They will come at (the subject)\u00a0from a different perspective than I\u00a0have, and therefore I will come out of this having learned something and thinking about something that I had not thought of, and from a point of view that I have\u00a0not been exposed to before. That’s the whole point of higher education the dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and to learn,” he says.<\/p>\n
“This is where my dream started,” Zhang says. “I studied Economics and Social Justice & Peace Studies and now I’m coming back as a policy analyst. My dream came true.” She now does research on the pressing issues that Canadians are facing.\u00a0“I want to share these experiences with current students, and I want to encourage and support them in any way I can.”<\/p>\n
The panellists used their experience and knowledge to discuss a wide range of topics impacting Canada and our evolving relations with the United States. The panel acknowledged the challenges of dealing with our next door neighbour and largest trading partner, especially when it is also one of the largest economies in the world.\u00a0They looked at how we got here, the current state of Canada-U.S. relations, and where we will go from here, charting the next decade of the cross-border relationship, including opportunities, flashpoints, and possible areas of collaboration.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At the same time, with many King\u2019s students in attendance, the Symposium was an excellent opportunity for the next generation of King\u2019s alumni to find inspiration for their future career paths.<\/p>\n
Himm Lai, a second year Politics and International Relations student, enjoyed hearing from alumni who had gone through similar experiences at education at King’s as he was now, and believed the conversation was very prevalent.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It was great to see alumni talking about such important issues on\u00a0the stage. I loved learning more about governance, politic science and relations, and diplomacy. It’s not just an experience but also a learning experience about something I hope to do in the future,” he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvents like this create a vital bridge between the classroom and the real world, offering students, alumni, and community members alike a chance to engage directly with the people influencing policy, diplomacy, and economic strategy at the highest levels,\u201d\u00a0says Dr. Hannah.<\/p>\n
The symposium was sponsored by Cohen Highley, LLP., Foyston, Gordon & Payne, and Lerners LLP.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As part of this year\u2019s Law & Public Policy Symposium, three accomplished alumni discussed the evolving dynamics 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