As of March 2026, the rising tensions between Taiwan and mainland China are arguably a significant cause for international concern, regarded by analysts as a primary flashpoint for potential global conflict. While experts generally stop short of predicting an imminent full-scale invasion, the risk of miscalculation is rising due to increased military activity, “gray-zone” coercion, and strained US-China relations.
The US war with Iran could also significantly increase tensions between Taiwan and mainland China, primarily by creating a strategic diversion that may embolden Beijing. Taipei likely fears that a prolonged Middle East conflict could divert US military resources, creating a potential “window of opportunity” for China to increase pressure on Taiwan through more airspace violations, military exercises, or other coercive measures. The speaker will elaborate on and speculate about how these tensions may eventually affect Canada’s economy, particularly southern Alberta’s.
Speaker: Peter Casurella
Peter Casurella is an economic development consultant and the Executive Director of the SouthGrow Regional Initiative and CEO of Progressive West Consulting . Casurella holds three post secondary degrees, including an Master of Arts in the Philosophy of Science from McMaster University.
Over his career in economic development, he has specialized in piloting enabling technology in the broadband and energy infrastructure spaces in rural Alberta. These projects include piloting the deployment of Terragraph wireless networks with FortisAlberta, funding Alberta’s first EV fast-charging network and piloting Combined Heat and Power on-farm solutions with ATCO, administrating the On-Farm Energy and Solar PV program funded by Growing Forward 2 and the Canadian Agricultural Partnerships, and working with Natural Resources Canada to fund over 200 EV stations in Alberta through the SouthGrow Electric Vehicle Charging Program.
Casurella’s current energy projects involve path-finding innovative energy efficiency upgrades for municipal water and waste water systems, and investment attraction for new energy projects in rural Alberta. Peter grew up in Didsbury, Alberta and now lives in Lethbridge with his wife and children.
Date/Time: Thursday, April 2, 2026. The presentation begins at noon & concludes at 1 p.m. Free to attend. Donations however, are gratefully accepted. Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy its excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room before the session.