About Us
The Canadian Global Affairs Institute is Canada’s most credible source of expertise on global affairs. The work of our researchers, fellows and advisors sparks impassioned nation-wide discussions and debates that are designed to help Canadians better understand their role on the world stage. Established in August 2001 and based in Calgary and Ottawa, the Canadian Global Affairs Institute is a registered charity, which comments repeatedly in the media and publishes extensively on defence, diplomacy, trade, resources, and development.
Our Vision
To become the Canadian institute that government, the media, business and civil society, here and abroad, seek out for authoritative ideas on international relations.
Canada will be recognized for its collaborative, international problem-solving ability.
Canadian government related institutions will be international leaders in their fields.
The world will acknowledge Canada for its proactive involvement and leadership on challenging issues.
Our Mission
To identify Canadian global interests and promote more active and effective international involvement through rigorous strategic and policy analysis.
To help inform Canadians on the connection between international affairs and a secure and prosperous Canada.
We take global affairs seriously
Protecting human rights, upholding the rule of law, ensuring the free flow of goods, services and people across borders – these are challenging issues.
Government decision-makers, business and civil society leaders, and the media seek out the Canadian Global Affairs Institute for relevant, well-researched policy analysis and creative, practical and thought-provoking policy recommendations.
The Institute promotes active and effective Canadian global engagement while informing Canadians about the important link between prosperity, globalization and security.
Canada’s best thinkers
The Institute’s policy research and education materials are authored by former practitioners and academics throughout Canada and abroad. Program advice comes from a multi-disciplinary council and governance is provided by an experienced board.
Canadian Global Affairs Institute is consistently ranked amongst the top think tanks in international affairs.*
*University of Pennsylvania’s Global Think Tank Index Report.
Independent, boldly contemporary
We are known and respected for bringing the best viewpoints and perspective to the table. Our author’s opinions are unbiased, objective and nonpartisan. Our programs address current and critical international issues relevant to Canada.
Public engagement
Our work is widely available throughout the public domain. We publish policy papers, policy perspectives, a quarterly magazine, Podcasts, commentary, and other electronic articles and bulletins. We provide interviews and write extensively in the opinion pages and feature sections of major print and electronic media.
We provide opportunities for thoughtful debate and discussion for our key audiences, including Canada’s influential political, business, academic, NGO and civil service leaders.
We host a comprehensive website, robust social media platforms, speaker events, symposia and short courses.
Funding
The Canadian Global Affairs Institute is a federally registered non-profit organization with charitable status. It is funded mainly by corporate, foundation and individual donations and sponsorships. These sources share the belief that an informed electorate will in turn produce an informed polity. Dissemination of information will lead to the drafting, implementation and support of innovative and comprehensive Canadian policy in the areas of foreign affairs, defence, trade, resources, and international development.
For more information about our supporters, please see our Annual Report.
Organization
The Institute is structured for solid oversight and minimum overhead. The intent is to operate with minimum infrastructure so that the maximum percentage of funding will be available for programs.
