On October 15th, a press conference was successfully held in the International Conference Hall on the North Campus for the publication of the Annual Report on the Development of Canada (2016) and the international academic communication on Canadian studies of Trudeau’s foreign policy. Present at the conference were esteemed professors from both home and abroad, as well as experts and scholars from all sectors.

Prof. TANG Xiaosong presided over the conference

In the context of the election of President Justin Trudeau in November 2015, and increasingly frequent bilateral collaborations bringing China and Canada to numerous opportunities, the importance of a partnership between the two countries in a bid to confront coming challenges is highlighted more than ever. The Annual Report on the development of Canada (2016) is the first blue book that elaborates the national conditions of Canada, projected by CCS under the lead of President ZHONG Weihe. Subsequent to a concise introduction given by Professor TANG Xiaosong, the host, Professor YANG Aimin, cordially greeted all the attendees and stated that GDUFS has always paid close attention to constructions of Canada in all fields and Sino-Canadian friendships, and that the Annual Report on the Development of Canada (2016) plays an important role in reinforcing the cooperation bond and facilitating a deeper understanding between China and Canada.

Ms. Rachael Bedlington, the Consul General in Guangzhou gave a speech

Then Ms. Rachael Bedlington, the Consul General in Guangzhou, conveyed her sincere greetings in both English and Chinese, followed by an overview of the report. The report focused on the status quo of front-burner issues in Canada, including political scenes, diplomatic affairs, economic administration, environment governance and education, which were thoroughly researched by remarkable scholars in accordance with speeches later given by Mr. YANG Qun, the Chief Editor of Social Science Academic Press and Professor WAN Xiaohong, the representative of the Blue Book writer.

The Representative of Social Science Academic Press gave a speech

Distinguished guests, Ms. Susan Hodgett and Professor DU Fachun, subsequently gave a brief introduction to the substantial current achievement under research launched by the Domestic & International Canadian Research Center. Mr. Yeti Quinoa also demonstrated project Plateau Perspective which aims at improving the living standard for people living in the plateau. Shortly afterwards, letters of appointment were awarded. During the keynote address, Professor Jeremy Paltiel, Professor Patrick James and Dr. Serge Granger successively laid track for bilateral relations of Sino-Canada, Canada-Asia and Indo-Canada, which all adhere to the principle of “Striving for common ground while reserving differences” in pursuit of maturer relations.

Prof. Patrick James giving his keynote address

All scholars identify with the crucial practical significance of the blue book and have been dedicated to exerting their specialties in diverse fields to further the growth of the blue book. Through a short pleasant chat with the Consul General Ms. Bedlington during the tea break, she gave applause to the contributors from GDUFS for their conscientious attitude. Yet, there is still a long journey to go before we maximize mutual benefits and achieve a win-win situation between China and Canada, which represents the shared aspirations of all people from the two countries.

Group Photo of the Attendees