When the first cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared in Canada in late January 2020, our supply chains were put to the ultimate test in a global melee to stock critical products from sensitive industries such as agri-food, pharmaceuticals, and health and medical supply manufacturing. Canada’s over-reliance on unfettered globalization and an outdated National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure highlighted the ad hoc approach to supply chain resiliency and the circular relationship of national security and economic prosperity. To stimulate the battered economy and prevent further disruptions, Canada should seize the opportunity to create modern and resilient supply chains through further investment in advanced manufacturing.
In light of these policy challenges, the International Security Research and Outreach Programme and the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) have partnered on a four-part webinar series on COVID-19 security policy, based on CIGI’s new digital essay series titled Security, Intelligence and the Global Health Crisis.
The third part of the series, “Controlling the Commercial Security Epidemic: The Lasting Effects on Supply Chains, Economic Security and New Partnerships in the Post-COVID-19 Era,” will be held on Oct. 8 at 8:30 a.m. with speakers Mark Agnew and Bessma Momani.
