A Fragile Democratic Moment: Risks, Responsibilities, Renewal

Join us at Broad View United for a thought-provoking series of discussions. We'll dive into the challenges facing democracy today, explore our responsibilities, and discuss how we can spark renewal together. It’s a great chance to connect, share ideas, and get inspired in a relaxed, friendly setting. Don’t miss out on this important conversation!

April 6

What Happens to Democracy When There Is No News?

In this session, Richard Stursberg examines the ongoing collapse of traditional news media in Canada and its implications for democratic life. As local journalism declines and digital platforms proliferate, citizens face an environment saturated with misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated deepfakes. What are the consequences for public trust and informed citizenship? And what, if anything, can be done to strengthen the information foundations of democracy?

May 11

Democracy in Danger? Misinformation, Polarization, and Online Toxicity

Dr. Jaigris Hodson explores how misinformation, political polarization, and online toxicity reinforce one another, creating the conditions for online extremism and anti-democratic movements. These forces don’t just spread harassment and abuse, they often even politicize the public good, singling out marginalized publics and sowing division. Drawing on a public health framework, Hodson introduces the concept of information “dis-ease” and a social determinants of information health approach. Addressing these underlying conditions, they argue, is essential to strengthening democratic communication at both local and national levels.

June 15

Canada Is Not Broken — But It Is Under Strain

Canada’s democratic institutions remain intact, yet they are showing signs of stress. Publicconfidence has eroded, economic and social disparities are widening, and political disenchantment is growing. While Canada may not face the immediate threats seen elsewhere, complacency carries its own risks. In this session, Jonathan Manthorpe reflects on what has gone wrong, why confidence in democratic institutions has weakened, and what reforms may be necessary to renew them. The challenge is not only to repair institutions that risk dysfunction, but to prepare them for a rapidly changing global landscape.