Last week, Carleton University hosted a panel discussion titled “Protecting Democracy in the Modern Age,” organized by the Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management in collaboration with the DCL Foundation. The event took place at Richcraft Hall, drawing an engaged audience eager to explore the pressing challenges facing modern democracies.
The lecture featured a distinguished panel of former Parliamentarians who shared their insights on the evolving landscape of political discourse and the critical issue of declining public trust in democratic institutions. The speakers included:
Jean Charest, former Premier of Québec and Deputy Prime Minister of Canada
Megan Leslie, former Deputy Leader of the NDP and current President & CEO of World Wildlife Fund Canada
Maryam Monsef, former Minister for Rural Economic Development and Minister for Women and Gender Equality
Jonathan Malloy, Associate Dean at Carleton University and former Chair of the Department of Political Science
The discussion, moderated by Adrian Harewood, an Associate Professor in Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication and former anchor for CBC Ottawa News at Six, covered several key topics:
– The evolution of civility in political discourse
– Changes in political practices that affect citizen engagement
– Strategies to restore faith in democratic institutions
Panelists emphasized the importance of fostering a respectful political environment to rebuild trust among citizens. They highlighted that addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring the health and longevity of democratic systems.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—politicians, citizens, and institutions—to work collaboratively towards strengthening democracy. For those who missed it, a recording of the lecture is available on the DCL Foundation’s YouTube channel, allowing a wider audience to benefit from this vital conversation about democracy’s future.
This is the first collaborative event between MPM and the DCL Foundation. Stay tuned for next year’s event and many more to come!
