Canadian International Council Presents
The Red Passport
Named for the special passport carried by Canadian diplomats on official duty abroad, The Red Passport invites listeners inside the world of Canadian foreign policy. Hosts Louise Blais, Jeremy Kinsman, and Peter Donolo – each of whom has held the real Red Passport during defining moments in Canadian history – bring deep experience, sharp insight, and spirited perspectives to the mic.
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Sometimes they disagree, often they debate, but always with respect and conviction. In every episode of this CIC podcast, they hand listeners their own “Red Passport,” offering a front-row seat to how Canadian governments and policymakers navigate an increasingly turbulent world – pursuing our interests abroad while staying true to our values.
Contact us at redpassport@thecic.org with your comments and feedback.
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Meet the Hosts
PETER DONOLO
Peter Donolo holds the record as the longest-serving Director of Communications for a Canadian Prime Minister – under Prime Minister Jean Chretien. As the former Vice Chair of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada and a partner at the Strategic Counsel, he provided strategic communications counsel to CEOs, government departments, and public agencies. With a diverse career including roles as Senior VP of Air Canada, Chief of Staff for Michael Ignatieff, and Canadian Consul General in Milan, Italy, Peter currently holds vice chair positions in three notable not-for-profits and serves on the boards of Journalists for Human Rights, CIVIX, PEN Canada, and Transparency International Canada. Residing in Toronto with his wife Mary Cruden, they have three children.
LOUISE BLAIS
Louise Blais, former Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN (2017-2021), played a pivotal role in the 2030 Agenda and the Security Council campaign. Elected Vice-Chair of the UNICEF Executive Board in 2019, she co-facilitated the resolution for the 31st Special Session on COVID-19. Blais initiated her career as an Art Theft Analyst at Interpol, later excelling in diverse roles such as Program Manager, Director of Public Diplomacy, and Consul General in Atlanta.
JEREMY KINSMAN
Over 40 years in Canada’s Foreign Service, Jeremy Kinsman held key ambassador positions 1992-2006 in Moscow, Rome, London, and Brussels (EU). Prior notable postings included Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York and Minister for Political Affairs in Washington. In Ottawa, he was Chair of Policy Planning, and Political Director over the end of the Cold War. Post-government service, he directed an international project for the Community of Democracies that produced A Diplomat’s Handbook on Democracy Development Support. Kinsman, an influential speaker and media commentator, was Diplomat in Residence at Princeton University, Regents’ Lecturer and Resident International Scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, and Ryerson University’s Diplomatic Visitor. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the CIC.
Latest Episode
Latin America Veers Right with Maxwell Cameron
A political shift is sweeping Latin America as voters turn to right-wing and populist leaders promising security, growth and stronger government. But is this an ideological realignment or another swing of the political pendulum?
All Episodes
Canada’s European Pivot: Now What? with Sir Graham Watson
Canada and Europe have been growing closer for years but after an extraordinary week in Strasbourg, the relationship may be entering entirely new territory.
From Allies to Adversaries 25 Years After 9/11
Twenty-five years after Canada stood with the United States following the attacks of September 11, the relationship looks almost unrecognizable.
Canada’s Trade War, A New Trade World? with Lawrence Herman
Nearly four decades after Canada tied its economic future to closer integration with the United States, is that experiment coming to an end?
Is There a Deal, and How Will It Be Sold?
With a tariff deadline looming, Canada and the United States may be inching toward a deal. But in the coming days, attention will turn to how a possible agreement will be sold to Canadians.
The Year of Living Dangerously
Canada may have to pay a steep price whether it makes a deal with Trump or not. Louise Blais rejoins Jeremy Kinsman and Peter Donolo to debate an aggressive new round of tariffs scheduled to take effect August 19. Drawing on consultations with Québec manufacturers, Louise warns that cancelled orders, shutdowns and thousands of job losses could follow within weeks. Can Mark Carney stabilize the relationship without rewarding coercion? The larger question is how much short-term economic pain Canada is prepared to absorb to protect its sovereignty.
The Long Game with John Manley
The rules of the game with Canada’s most important partner have been tossed aside, and the outcome of the next round is as murky as Donald Trump’s reflecting pool.