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The Trump tariff war has awoken Canadians to the reality that we must urgently diversify our trade relationships, to break the coercive power that any one foreign state can wield over us. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is our best path forward.

Nature Canada’s public advisory on Akaash Maharaj being named to the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG)

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 02/10/2026

Rob Tinline, British High Commissioner to Canada, kindly hosted a garden party for Canadian alumni of UK universities. I was glad to attend with other members of the @Ox.ac.uk Society in Ottawa. The overcast skies and mild drizzle were ideal, and kindled our nostalgia for our student days.

Alumni of UK universities gathering at the British High Commission in Ottawa

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 01/10/2026

The federal government says its own environmental protection processes are slow, inefficient, and incoherent. Yet, the government has no plans to reform those processes. Instead, it wants to lower environmental standards, and to allow favoured corporations to evade protections altogether.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 30/09/2026

I had an impassioned conversation with Ellis Ross MP, on the federal government’s Bill C-39. Ellis is the Conservative Shadow Environment Minister, and a former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation.

Ellis Ross MP, Conservative Shadow Environment Minister, and Akaash Maharaj, Nature Canada Director of Policy, discussing Bill C-39 on Parliament Hill

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 28/09/2026

I enjoyed spending time with members of Nature Saskatchewan at their autumn gathering. Meadow Lake is nestled in the boreal forest, and we explored the woods between our formal meetings. I was impressed by everyone’s passion for preserving the natural world for future generations. 🌾 naturesask.ca

A panoramic view of the St Cyr Trails, where I spent time with members of Nature Saskatchewan

The members of Nature Saskatchewan, learning about which mushrooms we should put in our pots, and which would put us in our graves

The Pietenpol Air Camper at Saskatoon’s airport is a homebuilt aeroplane, popular with air enthusiasts.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 25/09/2026

The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa will hold its annual Peace Walk to Parliament, tomorrow. Many people in that walk disagree profoundly on the path to peace. But they will join hands in a shared conviction that peace must be our common destination, and that we can only get there together.

The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa Peace Walk, on Saturday 26 September 2026, beginning at 10h00 EDT. Registration at gandhiji.ca/peace-walk-2026

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 15/09/2026

Potash is indispensable to American agriculture. The US government has declared the humble fertiliser as critical to national security. And the US imports 90% of its potash from Canada. I spoke with CKNW Radio, about whether potash could be Canada’s nuclear option in the American tariff war.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 14/09/2026

Trump’s pretext for launching his tariff war, is that the US runs a consistent trade imbalance with Canada. Last year, the US imported $48.3 billion more in goods and services from Canada, than Canada imported from the US.

Yahoo News’ Joy Joshi interviews Akaash Maharaj of the Munk School of Global Affairs, about why Americans may lose more in the trade war than Canadians.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 11/09/2026

The Freemen of the City of London held our annual garden party in August, under glorious summer skies in Toronto. Freedom of the City dates back to the thirteenth century. Today, it is a ceremonial distinction, binding together people who share a connection to London’s civic life and trade guilds.

The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London garden party in Toronto

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 11/09/2026

Canadians and Americans share many superficial similarities, which belie our profound differences. Trump believed that access to US markets is so tantalising, that he could coerce Canada into agreeing to grinding concessions and abject submission.

AOL News article, on the collapse of the Canada-US trade negotiations, by Joy Joshi, speaking with Akaash Maharaj

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/09/2026

The Iran-US war is devastating the Iranian economy, and depleting American munitions. Yet, both states continue to grapple, stab, and spit their dwindling breaths at one another. I spoke with @GlobalNews.ca’s Miranda Anthistle, on whether the war is likely to end through negotiation or exhaustion.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 08/09/2026

I enjoyed speaking with UK High Commissioner to Canada, Rob Tinline, and First Secretary, Giorgia Racis, on public diplomacy. Our countries hold a responsibility to prove that pluralism can succeed: that our societies are better places when we recognise that we all share a common human dignity. 🇨🇦🇬🇧

From left to right: Rob Tinline, UK High Commissioner; Akaash Maharaj, GOPAC Ambassador-at-Large and Nature Canada Director of Policy; Giorgia Racis, UK High Commission First Secretary

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 31/08/2026

Potash could be Canada’s single most devastating countermeasure in the US tariff war. American agriculture is critically dependent on potash to fertilise its fields. Up to 90% comes from Canada; no other country can readily meet that demand.

The National Post’s Ellie Hutchings interviews Akaash Maharaj on the role of potash in the US tariff war against Canada.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 28/08/2026

Diplomacy has always involved bravado and political actors playing to the crowd. It has rarely involved such a steady torrent of juvenile insults. I spoke with @YahooNews.com about why the battle of words has become the most active front in the US tariff war against Canada. 📰 per.maharaj.org/wrd

Joy Joshi of Yahoo! News speaks with Akaash Maharaj, about the escalating war of words in the broader US trade war against Canada.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 27/08/2026

I spoke with the @CalgaryHerald.com, about Danielle Smith’s hesitant response to the Canada-US trade war. As a provincial premier, she has a right to be cautious about any retaliatory measures that would affect her province. However, she has a responsibility to say what measures she would accept.

An excerpt from an article in the Calgary Herald, written by Hiren Mansukhian, quoting Akaash Maharaj

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 24/08/2026

Flags fly over Parliament Hill for only a few days, before being retired and distributed to Canadians. The waiting list is utterly vast, and I joined it on a lark. But thirteen years later, my flag has arrived. It now flutters over my farm, a less august but no less patriotic home for it. 🇨🇦

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 18/08/2026

Is a secular state one that is indifferent to the beliefs of its citizens, and treats no faith with favour or disfavour? Or is it one that expunges all overt forms of religious expression from the public sphere? What should societies do if “freedom of religion” and “freedom from religion” collide?

Left to Right: Ani Ghazaryan Drissi of the World Council of Churches; me; Nazila Isgandarova of Emmanuel College; Bruce Clemenger of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

Attendees at the North America-Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute, co-hosted by the Canadian Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 17/08/2026

Some 90% of the construction costs for the West Coast Oil Pipeline are to be met by taxpayers, and not by the oil companies that will profit from it. It is set to become the single largest act of corporate welfare in Canadian history.

Article in the Calgary Herald by Akaash Maharaj and Emily McMillan, on practical ways of ensuring that major projects in Canada are both economically and ecologically sustainable

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 31/07/2026

Wildfires in Canada are becoming more intense, more expansive, and more frequent, because of climate change. The Trump administration’s attempt to blame Canadian forestry practices is nonsense. That claim is a poor pretext to justify otherwise-impermissible presidential tariffs against Canada.

Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy at Nature Canada, quoted in a Hill Times article, written by Riddhi Kachhela, about Canada’s wildfires

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 29/07/2026

I spoke with @GlobalNews.ca’s Jaden Lee-Lincoln, about Mark Carney’s decision to embrace closer ties with Saudi Arabia. Canadians need to ask not only what we might obtain from Saudi Arabia, but also, what Saudi Arabia hopes to obtain from us.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 27/07/2026

My colleagues Jamie Hagar and Priscilla Santos and I enjoyed speaking with Ombeline Lecuyer and Quentin Gautier from France’s embassy to Canada. We met at @NatureCanada.bsky.social’s offices. We discussed cooperation between our countries on protection of nature, the environment, and biodiversity.

From left to right:
Ombeline Lecuyer, Ottawa Regional Economic Service, France’s Embassy to Canada;
Quentin Gautier, Sustainable Development Adviser, France’s Embassy to Canada;
Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy, Nature Canada;
Priscilla Costa dos Santos, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Nature Canada;
(photographer) Jamie Hagar, Intern, Nature Canada.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 21/07/2026

I thank Ambassador Michel Miraillet for inviting me to join the Bastille Day celebrations at the French embassy. These are dispiriting times in international affairs, so it was a great solace to chat with him about our ongoing, unfinished work, to build a world of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.

A live band at the Bastille Day celebrations

The Bastille Day celebrations ended with fireworks.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 21/07/2026

In its darkest days, the French Revolution infamously “devoured its children”. But in Ottawa, the descendants of the Revolution fed their guests bountifully.

Ambassador Michel Miraillet and Madame Geneviève Quenum-Miraillet, leading the Bastille Day celebrations at the French embassy in Ottawa

In the gardens at the French embassy in Ottawa

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/07/2026

He is about to embark on a solo, 2'200km journey across Canada’s Northwest Passage, on a standing paddle boat. My friend and colleague Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Spain’s Ambassador to Canada, presented Antonio with an expeditionary flag for the voyage.

Spain’s Ambassador to Canada Alfredo Martínez Serrano, presents an expeditionary flag to Antonio de la Rosa, who will be making a solo crossing of Canada’s Northwest Passage.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/07/2026

I was delighted to represent the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (@rcgssgrc.bsky.social) at the Spanish Embassy (@embespcanada.bsky.social) dinner to honour Antonio de la Rosa. Antonio is an ultra-endurance athlete, and a former Captain of the Red Bull Adventure Racing Team.

Spain’s embassy to Canada hosts a dinner in honour of ultra-endurance athlete Antonio de la Rosa.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/07/2026

I spoke with @CTVYourMorning.bsky.social, on Mark Carney’s trip to Saudi Arabia. His embrace of the Saudis breaks with Trudeau’s rhetoric, but continues its substance. Carney deserves credit for being candid about his policies, but whether Canadians find his policies creditable remains to be seen.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 14/07/2026

#EveryoneOutdoorsTogether is a new movement, to strengthen our connection to the natural world and one another. On Saturday 18 July, my @NatureCanada.bsky.social colleagues and I will participate in #EOT’s moment, when people across Canada will pause, step outside, and experience nature together.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/07/2026

All these years later, Harry Forbes’ theme song has lost none of its power. Hearing it washes away the decades, and I see a childhood version of myself watching @weareTVO.bsky.social’s Magic Shadows with my grandfather. Elwy Yost’s love of cinema was joyous, infectious, and untouched by cynicism.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 06/07/2026

I am grateful to Seniors for Climate Action Now (@SeniorsfCAN.bsky.social), for inviting me to speak for Nature Canada (@NatureCanada.bsky.social) at this webinar. The event is open to all and free, with registration. 🎟️ per.maharaj.org/scan

On Wednesday 08 July 2026, Seniors for Climate Action Now (SCAN) will hold a webinar on “Climate Change and the Protection of International Order, Security, and Human Welfare”, with Akaash Maharaj, Nature Canada’s Director of Policy.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 30/06/2026

I have been speaking with my colleagues at the @coe.int, about the prospects of Canada signing the “Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law”. It criminalises ecocide: wanton acts that inflict long-term destruction across large areas of nature. 🌱 per.maharaj.org/ecocide

The oil fields of Kuwait burn, after being intentionally set alight by retreating Iraqi forces, during the First Gulf War.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 26/06/2026

Canada has never been defined by a single language, ethnicity, or faith. We are bound together by shared values and mutual responsibilities. The escalating incidents of antisemitism in Canada are attacks not only against every Canadian Jew, but also against all Canadians and against Canada itself.

Statement from the Canadian Interfaith Conversation against antisemitism in Canada

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 24/06/2026

The interim peace agreement between Iran and the US is astonishingly brittle. It declares an end to combat in Lebanon, where Hezbollah and Israel are locked in a pitiless war. Yet, neither Hezbollah nor Israel has signed the agreement. I spoke with Chris Glover on @CBCradioCanada.bsky.social.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 22/06/2026

Anita Anand (@anitaoakvilleeast.bsky.social) joined us at the Munk School, to discuss her objectives as Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. She focussed on expanding our web of trade partners, especially as Canada, Mexico, and the US continue renegotiation of the #CUSMA free trade agreement.

Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Janice Gross Stein, Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 18/06/2026

I thank Space Canada for inviting me to their evening with the crew of the Artemis II. The Canadian Museum of History was an apt venue: the crew had travelled further from Earth than any other human beings. They project a sense of personal humility and public pride. 🚀 per.maharaj.org/artemisii

Left to Right: Space Canada CEO Brian Gallant; Commander Reid Wiseman; Pilot Victor Glover; Mission Specialist Christina Koch; Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen; Artemis Capcom Jenni Gibbons

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 15/06/2026

I enjoyed speaking with Nathalie Seddon of @biology.ox.ac.uk, on her role leading the People’s Assembly for Nature in the UK. I am considering whether a Canadian assembly could generate the momentum to sweep Canada’s political leaders into acting on the wisdom of Canada’s people. 🌱 bit.ly/4vcXZTJ

A video call between Nathalie Seddon, Professor of Biodiversity at Oxford University, and Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy at Nature Canada

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 12/06/2026

There may come a day when I will be able to drive past the Big Apple in Colborne, without stopping for an apple pie or to visit the animals. That day is not today. Tomorrow seems unlikely as well. As do all the succeeding days. 🍎 thebigapple.ca

The Big Apple pie shop in Colborne, Ontario, off Highway 401

Llamas and sheep at the Big Apple petting zoo

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/06/2026

I spent three days at with my colleagues on the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group, in deliberations with our EU @eesc.bsky.social counterparts. Our mandate is to advise our governments on implementing CETA, in ways that will increase prosperity for all and lift environmental standards.

In the main chamber at Global Affairs Canada, with representatives from Canada and the European Union

A sign outside the main chamber at Global Affairs Canada, for the deliberations on the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/06/2026

The US tariff wars make it imperative that Canada diversify our trade partnerships. Negotiating new agreements is important, but they will take years to come fully into force. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is in place now. We must realise its full potential, urgently.

Representatives from the Canadian and European Domestic Advisory Groups and our respective secretariats

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 08/06/2026

My @rcgssgrc.bsky.social colleagues and I cheered on James Cameron, one of our Fellows, as he was inducted into France’s Legion of Honour. I enjoyed our conversation on his work as a filmmaker, to rouse people everywhere to the defence of nature, and to sustain our hope that our cause will prevail.

Filmmaker James Cameron, receiving the insignia of an Officer of the Legion of Honour, from France’s Ambassador to Canada, Michel Miraillet, at France’s embassy in Ottawa.

At the induction ceremony for James Cameron to the Legion of Honour, at France’s embassy in Ottawa. Left to Right: Suzy Amis Cameron; James Cameron; Akaash Maharaj.

James Cameron speaking at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, before his induction ceremony to the Legion of Honour.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 04/06/2026

Torontonians would be horrified to fall into a fever dream where I served as their Mayor. But I was happy to respond to the @thestar.com’s question of what I would do in that role. I would change land use rules, so everyone would have fair access to parks and green space, irrespective of wealth.

I contributed to the Toronto Star’s “If I Were Mayor” series, during Toronto’s 2026 mayoral campaign.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 25/05/2026

New federal proposals would allow Ministers to exempt industrial projects from environmental protection laws, without legislative oversight. My @NatureCanada.bsky.social colleagues & I thank @StevenGuilbeault.bsky.social for our conversation on defending parliamentary democracy & local communities.

A video call between: Steven Guilbeault; Priscilla Santos; Akaash Maharaj; Julia Laforge

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 09/05/2026

Everywhere, we see the war of all against all. The common power that can draw us together is not the might of governments, but our determination as people to offer others the same compassion that we hope to receive from them. 📆 Sat, 23 May 2026 ⏰ 15h00 EDT 📍 3500 Cambrian Rd, #Ottawa 🎟️ gandhiji.ca

Panellists on “Healing Divisions in a Diverse Community”, hosted by the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa: Paul Adeye; Manjit Basi; Akaash Maharaj; Monique Newton; Khatera Akbari.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 04/05/2026

We are living through multiple, concurrent, urgent crises. At the Ottawa DemocracyXChange #DXC26, we discussed how Canadians can insist on public policies that are not only fast, but also effective, efficient, just, and legitimate. I was impressed by the shared spirit of defiant optimism.

The Panel at the 2026 Ottawa DemocracyXChange. Left to Right: Jane Porter; Brian Gallant; Anoush Terjanian; Skylee-Storm Hogan-Stacey; Jon Lomow; Akaash Maharaj.

The attendees at the 2026 Ottawa DemocracyXChange engage in peer-to-peer conversations.

The Global Centre for Pluralism, which served as the venue for the 2026 Ottawa DemocracyXChange.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 27/04/2026

This year’s @DXCsummit.bsky.social drew a sold-out crowd. I especially enjoyed @PeterMacLeod.bsky.social’s discussion of his book, Democracy’s Second Act: Why Politics Needs the Public. He made a compelling case that politics are far too important to be left entirely in the hands of politicians.

At the 2026 DemocracyXChange, Peter MacLeod speaks about his book, _ Democracy's Second Act: Why Politics Needs the Public_.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 20/04/2026

I am delighted to welcome my friend @BobbyRae48.bsky.social as the new Visitor of @MasseyCollege.bsky.social. The Visitor is our ceremonial head. My colleagues at Massey’s Governing Board and I were unanimous, that his eminence in public service would bring honour to the role and to @UToronto.ca.

At Massey College. Left to Right: Akaash Maharaj, Governor; Bob Rae, Visitor.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 15/04/2026

Canada is beset by many urgent crises. Can our institutions respond with speed, without compromising accountability or oversight? 📆 30 April 2026 ⏰ 14h45 EDT 📍 330 Sussex Dr, Ottawa 🎟️ democracyxchange.org/ottawa I look forward to being a panellist at the @DXCsummit.bsky.social Ottawa gathering.

The DemocracyXChange Ottawa gathering will be on 30 April 2026, at 14h45 EDT, at the Global Pluralism Centre.
https://democracyxchange.org/ottawa

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 13/04/2026

Anyone who claims that the Iranian-Canadian diaspora is of one mind on the Iran war is deceived, dishonest, or both. The community is large, diverse, and politically fractious. It harbours commensurately broad views. I spoke with Miranda Anthistle of @GlobalNews.ca on the balance of opinions.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/04/2026

The @ox.ac.uk alumni in Ottawa are delighted that the Rt Hon Joe Clark will be the guest of honour at our annual dinner, open to all. 📆 Tue 12 May 2026 ⏰ 18h00 ET 📍 Canadian Forces Officers’ Mess 🎟️ via.maharaj.org/oxjc He will discuss how Canada can make a positive difference in a turbulent world.

The Rt Hon Joe Clark will be part of a fireside chat, at the Oxford University Society in Ottawa annual dinner, on Tuesday 12 May 2026, beginning 18h00 EDT, at the Canadian Forces Officers’ Mess.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 08/04/2026

The Iran war is lurching between frenzied threats of a nuclear apocalypse and fragile offerings of a temporary truce. All the while, Yemen’s civil war bubbles at the edges, and the Houthis threaten to pour into the conflict. I spoke with CTV’s @ctvYourMorning.bsky.social on Yemen and the Iran war.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 06/04/2026

I enjoyed speaking with Anna Suzuki, Japan’s diplomat for nature and environment, at her embassy in Ottawa. My @NatureCanada.bsky.social colleagues and I look forward to working with the populace and government of Japan, to protect nature as the shared heritage of the world’s peoples.

Akaash Maharaj, Nature Canada’s Director of Policy, and Anna Suzuki, Japan’s Secretary for Nature and the Environment, at the Japanese embassy in Ottawa

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