A Soirée for Curious Minds - Lecture #1

A Soirée for Curious Minds

A series of evenings full of insight, conversation, and connection!

Brought to you in partnership by:

Glendon College, York University & The Rosedale Centre

Populism in Canada: How Different Are We, Really?

- Prof. Rémi Vivès

Populism is often seen as something that happens elsewhere, but is Canada really immune? This talk offers a fresh look at populism in Canadian politics and everyday life. It explains what populism is, how it appears in public debate and political parties, and why it matters today. Challenging common misconceptions, the talk shows that populism is not new or marginal in Canada, but a recurring and evolving feature of the country’s political landscape. Participants will come away with a clearer understanding of populism and the main debates surrounding one of the most discussed and misunderstood concepts in contemporary politics.

Program:

A Soirée for Curious Minds brings the richness of university-level thinking directly into the community. Designed for inquisitive spirits, the series offers a rare opportunity to engage with exceptional scholars in an intimate, welcoming setting.

Each evening begins with doors opening early, inviting neighbours and friends to gather in our art gallery. Enjoy a glass of wine or sparkling water while a live pianist fills the room with a captivating soundtrack – the perfect prelude to an evening of ideas.

What follows is a thoughtfully curated academic experience, led by esteemed professors from Glendon College, York University, whose teaching and research span literature, psychology, cultural studies, and contemporary political thought.

The series explores big ideas across time and disciplines, from Shakespearean history and the psychology of memory to cultural mythologies and modern populism, offering intellectual depth without pretense. It’s an invitation to learn, be inspired, and to savor conversations that linger, echoing the brilliance of the ideas shared.

Rémi Vivès is an Associate Professor at York University’s Glendon Campus. His research focuses on populism, political economy, and Canadian politics, with particular attention to political discourse and digital media. He has published in leading academic journals across economics, political science, and sociology, and is a co-founder of the Observatory of Populism in Canada.

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