Canadian prosperity depends upon a prosperous, well-governed world. Over the last 75 years, Canada has played an important—at times critical—global role. However, the world has become more complex and crowded. Canada’s ability to have a global influence cannot be taken for granted.Global Canada believes that it is in Canada’s strategic interest to increase its global impact. Canada’s impact will be enhanced if key Canadian institutions and individuals work together in a coordinated and complementary manner.In an increasingly multistakeholder world, the responsibility for global impact cannot rest with government alone. All stakeholders—including the private sector, universities, social entrepreneurs, and philanthropists—have an important role to play.Global Canada supports Canadian global leadership in three ways:
Global Canada aims to complement, not compete with, existing institutions. A key measure of Global Canada’s success will be its ability to enhance the global performance and reputation of existing Canadian institutions. It will act as a public-policy “smart-grid” linking together the considerable intellectual and implementation power that already exists in the country.
Global Canada envisions a constructive, complementary relationship with government. It is a not-for-profit, multistakeholder organization that does not seek funding from government. It is clearly and consistently non-partisan. While ensuring analytical clarity and intellectual integrity, its tone is respectful and constructive.
Global Canada’s strategic intent is ambitious: catalyzing increased global engagement by all Canadian stakeholders, thereby enhancing Canada’s global impact and reputation.
SVP Bell Canada and President of BCE Nexxia
Executive Chair, Global Canada, and Senior Fellow, CIGI
Senior Consultant, The Boston Consulting Group
President, Elenico
Strongly interested in global issues, Robert Greenhill has combined a career in international business with his commitment to public policy.Robert Greenhill is Executive Chair of the Canada Global Initiative and Professor of Practice at the Institute for the Study of International Development at McGill University.
Previously, he was Director General and Chief Business Officer at the World Economic Forum, Deputy Minister and President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and President and Chief Operating Officer of the International Group of Bombardier Inc. Mr. Greenhill began his career at McKinsey & Company.
He is a member of the Boards of Directors of the KBF Canada Foundation, and the Banff Forum Advisory Council. Mr. Greenhill holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Alberta, a master's degree from LSE (London School of Economics), and a master's degree in administration from INSEAD (European Institute of Business Administration).
Lili-AnnaPereša was President and CEO of the McConnell Foundation from 2020 to 2024.Previously, she served as the President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal for eight years.
Her career has earned her numerous distinctions, including an honorary doctorate awarded by the University of Montreal, the title of Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 2018, the Germaine-Gibara Award from the Mercuriades of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce in 2016, and the title of Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2014.
Lili-Anna has contributed and continues to volunteer with various organizations, including as a member of the Board of Directors of the Roncalli International Foundation, the National Executive Committee of the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference and the Advisory Board of the Future Skills Centre of Canada.
Nathalie Hamel is Community Coordinator, Global Canada Initiative, with over twenty years’ experience in project management and business administration. Her professional background includes work as a teacher and a translator. She has studied and lived abroad for more than 10 years. Nathalie has a BA and an M.Ed. from Université de Montréal.
Global Canada does not accept government funding. Global Canada is financed by support from foundations, corporations and individuals. This support may be for the institution, an initiative, or an event. No supporter has editorial control over Global Canada activities or publications.