Cultural Affairs collaborates with the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) to coordinate and execute speaker programs throughout the year.  Our goal is to engage Canadian audiences on issues of interest such as foreign policy, environment, trade, society and values to foster an environment of mutual understanding. 

There are different ways in which IIP speakers connect with Canadian audiences:

• Travelling Speakers – An American expert travels on a five-day speaking tour to two or more of the eight posts located in Canada (the Embassy in Ottawa and the Consulates in Halifax, Québec, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver). 
• Digital Video Conferences (DVCs) - An American expert speaks to posts across the country via a live, interactive video conference.  Audience members are generally invited to the Embassy or Consulate or in partnership with a local university or institution to participate in the discussion.
• Interactive Electronic Speaker Programs- This includes webchats, blogs, podcasts, and social media outlets.