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
In Munich, Did Rubio Reframe or Rephrase?
Did Marco Rubio present a gentler view of transatlantic relations than JD Vance did a year ago, or the same vision, in more diplomatic language? Louise, Peter and Jeremy also unpack another busy couple of weeks for Mark Carney who is countering Davos critics with plans for an alliance to preserve rules-based open markets.
Davos Ripples or Aftershocks?
Did the Prime Minister’s Davos speech really shift Canada’s place in the world, or just poke the bear? Jeremy, Louise and Peter unpack the Trump Administration’s backlash, Mexico’s alternate strategy and what a post‑USMCA Plan B could look like for Canada.
Carney’s China Breakthrough… Trump’s Greenland Grab
What are the implications of Mark Carney’s surprising success in China? Will it make Canada more independent and resilient? Will it provoke the wrath of the Don? Peter, Louise and Jeremy also discuss Trump’s Greenland obsession and whether there is light at the end of the tunnel in Iran.
Trump’s Venezuela Raid: What Does It Mean for Canada and the World?
A special edition Red Passport on Donald Trump’s surprise raid on Venezuela. Louise, Jeremy and Peter discuss what the implications are for international law and global stability. They examine the why, the how and what might be next – for Canada and the rest of the world.