Thursday, 17 April 2008 Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Concert Hall 12:00 - 2:00 PM For the first time in 56 years, no incumbent President or Vice President will run in the US Presidential election. This ensures, with near certainty, the next occupant of the world’s most powerful office will usher in a new era of American politics.

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But how will this era be defined, and what will be its key priorities? This has yet to be determined, as both parties remain engaged in intense and competitive races to nominate their Presidential candidate and formulate their platforms.

At an upcoming Empire Club luncheon, former US Ambassadors to Canada, James Blanchard (D) and Paul Cellucci (R), will provide expert analysis on leading candidates, key election themes, potential outcomes and what all this may mean to Canada.

About the Speakers:

James Blanchard was Ambassador to Canada from 1993 to 1996. During this time, he managed a broad range of issues between the United States and Canada, providing support critical to the passage of both NAFTA and the Open Skies Agreement.

Prior to his appointment, he served two terms as Governor of Michigan(1983-1991) and four terms as a member of the United States Congress (1975-1983). Ambassador Blanchard is currently a partner in the office of the global law firm of DLA Piper U.S. (www.dlapiper.com/us). In 1998, he wrote Behind the Embassy Door.

Paul Cellucci was Ambassador to Canada from 2001 to 2005. He wrote Unquiet Diplomacy about his time in Canada, exploring the unique relationship between Canada and America during years immediately following 9/11.

Prior to his diplomatic appointment, Ambassador Cellucci served as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1997 to 2001 and Lieutenant Governor from 1991 to 1997. He currently is Special Counsel at the law firm of McCarter & English, LLP (www.mccarter.com) in Boston.

John Ibbitson has worked as a reporter, columnist and correspondent in Canada and the United States. He currently works for the Globe and Mail as Washington columnist and correspondent. Outside journalism, his writing includes political analysis, with Promised Land: Inside the Mike Harris Revolution and Loyal No More: Ontario's Struggle for a Separate Destiny.