IDEAS for a Better Canada:a Thought-Provoking Discussion on Democracy and National Identity

【CMHnews post】Tonight, the Stanley A. Milner Library Muttart Theatre was packed to capacity as 250 attendees gathered for IDEAS for a Better Canada, a compelling discussion presented by CBC’s IDEAS program in partnership with the Samara Centre for Democracy. The event, part of a cross-Canada series, explored pressing issues shaping Canada’s democratic future.

   Moderated by IDEAS host Nahlah Ayed, the panel featured local storytellers and thinkers tackling topics such as political polarization, democratic reform, and the evolution of Canada’s national identity. With the next federal election on the horizon, the discussion encouraged attendees to rethink their role in democracy and consider long-term solutions for a more unified Canada.

   The full house at Muttart Theatre reflected the strong interest from Edmonton’s diverse community, including many Chinese Canadians eager to engage in conversations about Canada’s political landscape. The event underscored the growing need for inclusive dialogue and local solutions that can inspire national change.

   Attendees heard thought-provoking perspectives on the importance of political engagement, the role of media in shaping public discourse, and how communities can work together to bridge ideological divides. As one attendee noted, “Events like these are essential for understanding where Canada is headed and how we can contribute as citizens.”

   The discussion featured University of Alberta political science professor Jared Wesley, who examined political polarization in Alberta and Canada. Jared noted that political leaders and candidates have increasingly viewed opponents as enemies rather than rivals, often using warlike rhetoric and invoking threats of violence. He pointed to alarming Alberta polling data suggesting that a significant number of people believe violence is an acceptable means to restore democracy, further deepening social polarization. He explained that a key driver of this division is the perception among certain groups that they have been left behind, a sentiment that politicians sometimes exploit to create further divides.

   To illustrate the role of identity in polarization, Jared shared an exercise where participants were asked to imagine a “typical Albertan.” Most described a middle-aged white male, revealing entrenched stereotypes about who represents Alberta. He argued that these stereotypes not only fuel division but also shape societal perceptions of traditional careers. Understanding these biases, he emphasized, is crucial for bridging political and social gaps.

   Cheryl Whiskeyjack, Chair of the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services and Vice Chair of the Align Association of Community Services, discussed the negative stereotypes Indigenous peoples face and the importance of building connections with newcomer communities to break down these biases. She shared her experiences of organizing cultural celebrations that brought Indigenous peoples and newcomers together, allowing for a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture through shared experiences. Cheryl emphasized that challenging negative narratives requires mutual learning and understanding rather than blame. She highlighted how collaboration between Indigenous and immigrant communities fosters inclusivity and dismantles stereotypes, ultimately strengthening social cohesion.

   The panel also explored the role of social norms and economic frustrations in shaping public attitudes. Jared Wesley noted that both newcomers and long-term residents often feel frustrated by their perceived lack of success despite following societal rules. This frustration, he argued, makes people susceptible to simplistic solutions offered by populist politicians, who blame societal failures on those who supposedly do not adhere to the same rules.

   Further addressing social and political divides, the discussion covered urban-rural, wealth, and ideological disparities in Canada. Cheryl Whiskeyjack shared a personal story of interacting with an elderly man in a hospital, illustrating how human complexity transcends political differences and how empathy can bridge divides.

   Nahlah Ayed concluded by emphasizing the importance of fostering familiarity and strengthening neighborhood connections as a means of addressing division. She noted that direct interpersonal contact—whether between urban and rural communities or across political lines—plays a vital role in fostering understanding and cooperation.

   The conversation also featured Kwame Owusu-Ofori, Co-Manager at the Newcomer Centre, who discussed the challenges immigrants face in integrating into Canadian society. Drawing from his experience at the Edmonton Newcomer Centre, Employment Services, Kwame highlighted key obstacles such as credential recognition, language barriers, and discrimination in the job market. He pointed out that many immigrants struggle with a sense of exclusion, which can discourage them from fully participating in society. He called for changing the narrative around immigration by recognizing immigrants’ contributions rather than focusing solely on their challenges. The discussion underscored the need for greater societal acceptance and a more inclusive approach to immigration discourse.

   Puneeta McBryan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, addressed the pandemic’s effects on local businesses and the worsening homelessness and drug crises in the downtown area. She highlighted key initiatives aimed at revitalizing downtown, such as branding campaigns, de-escalation training, and street patrol programs. Puneeta emphasized the importance of proactive engagement in addressing societal challenges rather than avoiding them. She advocated for a nationwide adoption of inclusive community-driven solutions to strengthen social cohesion and promote long-term recovery.

   During the Q&A session at the end of the event, more than a dozen audience members of different ethnicities and ages actively participated in the discussion, covering topics such as democracy, education, and the environment. Among them, Yanjian Luo, a retired engineer from Shanghai, bravely expressed his concerns and suggestions regarding Canada’s infrastructure development in English, despite not being entirely fluent in the language.

   The IDEAS for a Better Canada series is part of a broader effort to spark conversations across the country, encouraging Canadians to reflect on the challenges facing democracy and take active steps toward positive change. By highlighting local voices, the initiative seeks to inspire innovative approaches that could contribute to a more inclusive and resilient political landscape.

   With democracy at a crossroads and political engagement more critical than ever, events like this serve as a reminder of the power of dialogue in shaping Canada’s future. As discussions continue across the nation, the insights shared in Edmonton will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing conversation about the country’s democratic evolution.

From left, Nahlah Ayed, Jared Wesley, Cheryl Whiskeyjack and Kwame Owusu-Ofori

250 attendees gathered at the Stanley A. Milner Library Muttart Theatre for IDEAS for a Better Canada

Puneeta McBryan, Executive Director of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, was on hand to speak

Journalist：Lynn Wang

Edmonton, AB

 April 1, 2025