At one time deemed too dangerous, the utilization of nuclear energy is a prospect increasingly discussed by North American and world leaders. In recognition of global warming and the need to replace coal and oil-based energy sources, the Canadian and American governments have recently breathed new life into their clean energy agendas with spending commitments that will see the continuation and increase of nuclear energy projects on both sides of the border.

In response to the Speech from the Throne and the recent federal budget which were announced in the House of Commons on March 3 and 4, 2010 respectively, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be answering questions submitted by Canadians in a live YouTube interview on Tuesday March 16, 2010 at 7 pm EST. Questions will be selected from the top-voted submissions from across the country. Submissions can be made and votes can be cast until Sunday March 14, 2010 at 1 pm EST. This interview will be the second live-streamed YouTube event featuring the Prime Minister.

Nearly twenty years have passed since the end of the Cold War - a period in which the greatest increases in nuclear weapons stockpiles were amassed. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both continued to expand nuclear targets and the readiness to utilize pre-emptive strikes in the face of rising threats of chemical and biological attacks.

Sponsored in part by the Centre for International Governance Innovation, The North America Works Conference in Kansas City took place from November 4-6, 2009. Bringing together well known academics and practitioners in the field, several sessions were held on topics such as borders, trade, transportation and other pressing issues involving Canada, the US, and Mexico. The conference featured Dr. Stephen Blank, Co-Chair of the North American Transportation Competitiveness Research Council who is also a CIGI Senior Fellow and a member of the Portal for North America's Steering Committee.

On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, the Governor-General of Canada will open the Third Session of the 40th Parliament with a Speech from the Throne. In doing so, Michaelle Jean will bring to an end just over two months of prorogation initiated by Prime Minister Stephen Harper on December 30, 2009. This is the second time in a year that the Harper government has requested the prorogation of parliament, with the last suspension taking place in 2008 when the Conservative government was faced with a non-confidence vote.