Season 1: Democracy During A Pandemic

The first season of this virtual series answered some of the biggest questions and concerns we have about democracy, political power, and a just and effective response to the challenges posed to democracy by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you missed it find links to video recaps and related resources below.

During this pandemic there is a clear focus on the ability of our healthcare and economic systems to respond to the immediate crisis. Season 1 of Democracy Dialogues unpacked the political dimensions of COVID-19; how decisions are made, the stark power inequalities, how people are organizing their communities, and how we elect leaders.

LIST OF EPISODES

Women Leading Through Crisis with Prof. Tracey Raney & Former NDP MP, Prof. Peggy Nash
Comparing COVID-19 Responses: Asia, Europe and North America with Dr. Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair at TMU
Elections in Uncertain Times with Elections BC & The Institute of Public Administration of Canada
First Nations' Crisis Response Before, During, and Beyond COVID-19 with Dr. Eva Jewell and Dr. Damien Lee of Ryerson University, & Hayden King of the Yellowhead Institute
COVID-19 and the Future of Work with the Workers’ Action Centre and the Future Skills Centre
Hanging on Their Words: Communications in Crises with Dr. Rob Goodman TMU, and Jared Walker
Public Space: Connection. Tension. Building Democracy with Jay Pitter, of Canadian Urban Institute
Together We Rise: Youth-led Democratic Innovation with Samantha Reusch and Sarah Myriam Louis of Apathy is Boring
Broken Telephone Townhall: Elected Representation During a Crisis - with Mike Morden, Samara Centre for Democracy, and MPP Sara Singh
If We Build It Will They Vote? The experience of on-campus voting in the 2019 federal election with Elections Canada and Ryerson Votes

1: WOMEN LEADING THROUGH CRISIS

April 7, 2020 — With Prof. Tracey Raney TMU & Prof. Peggy Nash

This episode explores the role of women’s representation in government and their position in decision making during times of crisis. How do we advocate for inclusion for women? Why is it important that women are represented in politics? Toronto Metropolitan University’s Dr. Tracey Raney and former NDP MP Peggy Nash tackle the issues surrounding inequities, advocacy, and the role of allies. Dr. Tracey and Prof. Peggy Nash explore the barriers that women who seek office face. Discussions include the challenges and opportunities women have once in office and provides suggestions for a path forward, ensuring women have opportunities for political leadership. Dr. Raney and former MP Nash offer valuable insights based on their rich lived experience and scholarship

Watch here

ARTICLES:

This 2020 article focuses on the success of women leaders during the time of COVID-19, Amanda Taub looks at the different styles of leadership of women and men throughout the pandemic .
Analyzing comparative qualities of female leaders, this article by Anna North explores and addresses the difference in leadership styles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Equal Voice is a multi-partisan, member-based organization that advocates for the equal representation of women in Canadian politics. The organization focuses on federal, provincial, band, and municipal levels.
Women in the House is a program at Toronto Metropolitan University that provides upper-level undergraduate students who identify as female the opportunity to have hands-on experience at Parliament Hill.
Women Win Toronto is a vision building organization that trains and prepares women from diverse upbringings on how to run for political office. Workshops and training are led by experts, encouraging those from racialized, Indigenous, queer, disabled, and gender-diverse backgrounds to become women in politics.

2: COMPARING COVID-19 RESPONSES: ASIA, EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA

April 22, 2020 — With Dr. Ruparelia, TMU

In this episode, the role of political regimes is analyzed by the factors that make certain countries successful and investigates the regimes that are struggling to control the virus. Toronto Metropolitan University’s Dr. Sanjay Ruparelia guides a conversation around the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By evaluating the different political regimes, the episode considers political factors and asks questions about the effectiveness of liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes in responding to the crisis. Dr. Ruparelia further considers the role of various welfare regimes by evaluating their control of the pandemic.

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MORE FROM THIS EPISODE’S GUEST:

Understanding India’s New Political Economy: A Great Transformation? (2011) supports a deeper look into the “political, economic and social aspects of India in their current and historical context” (Ruparelia et al., 2011). The analysis aims at filling existing gaps in literature, while expanding the empirical research on India’s multidimensional story on “economic growth, social welfare and democratic deepening”
Dr. Ruparelia’s 2015 Divided We Govern: Coalition Politics in Modern India is an investigative study which includes a look at coalition politics in India, breaking down the rise and fall of three coalitions. Suggested by History and Sociology of South Asia as a great “help to students, researchers, political analysts and the media professionals”.
More information about Dr. Sanjay Ruparelia’s upcoming work and prior accomplishments.

ARTICLES:

A 2019 report by researchers at John Hopkins University has compiled a list of the top 20 countries best prepared to respond to a pandemic. Looking at variables such as political, environmental, and economic risk environments, the Global Health Security Index included many social democratic regimes as top responding countries.
Thomas Pepinsky’s 2020 review examines the decisions of social democratic and developmental states during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pepinsky looks at factors such as a political economy to hypothesize why some countries are handling the pandemic better than other social democratic states.
Rachel Kleinfeld provides a 2020 analysis that looks at if three factors, legitimate political systems, experience with pandemics, and state capability, to determine if social democratic or authoritarian regimes are responding better to the COVID-19 pandemic. .

3: ELECTIONS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

April 28, 2020 — With Prof. Nicole Goodman, Brock University, Anton Boegman, Elections BC & Zachary Spicer, IPAC

The current pandemic has expanded conversations around elections and the increased use of remote voting in uncertain times. This episode explores a discussion surrounding the option of remote voting, focusing on municipal governments. Dr. Nicole Goodman focuses on the ability of online voting to create a solution to keep electoral democracy moving in uncertain times. Zachary Spicer, of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada also lends his insight on online voting. Speaking to the 2018 Ontario municipal elections, Spicer explains the challenges municipalities faced in reaching voters. CEO of Elections BC, Anton Boegman leads the final section towards vote by mail. Highlighting the constructive and unfavorable aspects of vote by mail, this episode explores progressive recommendations to remote voting in Canada.

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MORE FROM THIS EPISODE’S GUESTS:

This 2018 journal article by Goodman et al., examines the response of eliminating paper ballots based on voters' digital literacy.
Dr. Goodman’s 2016 Internet Voting Project Report surveyed voters, candidates, and election administrators in 47 of the 97 municipalities that offered Internet voting in the October 2014 municipal elections in Ontario.The report provides detailed analysis of the overall findings from each survey group and includes lessons learned for future Internet voting development at the municipal level in Canada and elsewhere..
Learn more about Dr. Goodman’s current research projects, course teachings, and publications.

This 2019 book by Spicer et al., provides multiple evidence-based simulated cases to give readers the opportunity to dive into varied themes. Looking at finance, planning, councils, health policy, and many more sectors, this book provides insight into local governance.

This 2020 article by Albert Van Santvoort features six suggestions from Chief Electoral Officer Anton Boegman regarding transparency and foreign interference.

ARTICLES:

The 2020 article by Eric Geller looks at the risks of online voting being discussed within the United States. Article highlights include concerns surrounding user privacy, security, and outside interference.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems 2020 report on internet voting provides practical insights on the challenges associated with on-line voting.
A comparative assessment by Elections Canada. Focused on the benefits, drawbacks, and risks of online voting.

ORGANIZATIONS:

The Digital Democracy Project is an initiative created by the Public Policy Forum and Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University. The project's goal is “to help build the international evidence base on the impact of these trends with a robust Canadian case study whose methods could be applied in other locations.”
The Institute of Public Administration of Canada is a leading professional organization. IPAC works closely with all levels of government to promote the highest standards of service.

4: FIRST NATIONS' CRISIS RESPONSE BEFORE, DURING, AND BEYOND COVID-19

May 5, 2020 — With Eva Jewell, TMU, Damien Lee, TMU, & Hayden King, Yellowhead Institute

This episode looks at the response of First Nations communities to crisis including the current COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation was led by Hayden King of the Yellowhead Institute. Hayden King, joined by Eva Jewell and Damien Lee, consider the the challenges posed for First Nations communities by crisis, the impact of the Indian Act on responses to crisis and how democratic principles intersect with these issues.

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ORGANIZATIONS:

Yellowhead Institute is a research-based centre out of Toronto Metropolitan University which focuses on critical policy perspective support of First Nation jurisdiction.

Indigenous Services Canada has a complete resource page that provides updated COVID-19 numbers, contact information, support resources, and suggestions to protect one’s health.

5: COVID-19 AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

May 19, 2020 — with Deena Ladd, Workers’ Action Centre and Pedro Barata, Future Skills Centre

Pedro Barata and Deena Ladd lead a conversation considering COVID-19’s effect on workers and there ability to advocate for themselves. Reflecting on the impact of the crisis on migrant workers and other workers facing precarious employment now deemed “essential”, this episode’s conversation considers the consequences of power imbalances within our economic and political systems and the challenge of addressing these imbalances. Pedro Barata and Deena Ladd offer their suggestions on how the government should move forward in recognizing and protecting those in precarious positions.

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ARTICLES:

Danny Vincent’s 2020 article explores the fear of domestic workers in the UK during COVID-19.

Bethany Hastle looks at the importance of migrant workers in the Canadian labour market, but highlights the risks they face during COVID-19 in this 2020 article.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Future Skills Centre is a pan-Canadian initiative which connects innovative ideas across Canada in order to create success for employees and employers in the labour market.

Worker’s Action Centre is a worker-based organization that is committed to advocating for precarious workers.

6: HANGING ON THEIR WORDS: COMMUNICATIONS IN CRISES

May 21, 2020 — With Dr. Rob Goodman, TMU, and Jared Walker

This episode focuses on the relationship between rhetoric and times of crisis. Dr. Rob Goodman speaks to traditional rhetoric within Western democracies, discussing how shifts in routine have shifted government approaches to communication. Jared Walker continues the conversation by analyzing the relationship between reassurance and reinforcement and the role of galvanization and innovation. Walker offers both positive and negative examples of past responses to moments of crisis and disruptions in routine.

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ARTICLES:

Michael Gerson’s 2020 opinion piece highlights the rhetoric difference between US Presidents during times of crisis. The article focuses on the current pandemic and President Donald Trump’s approach to unfiltered rhetoric.
A 2020 article by Andy Brehm focuses on different periods of crisis and the speeches given by leaders. Focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic, Brehm analyzes Trump’s response to the crisis in comparison to past leaders.
George Parker’s 2019 article in The Atlantic distinguishes Trump’s populist rhetoric from rhetoric of both conservatives and liberals and compares its appeal to the appeal of rhetoric used by Nazi’s during World War II.

7: PUBLIC SPACE: CONNECTION, TENSION AND BUILDING DEMOCRACY

May 26, 2020 — With Jay Pitter, Canadian Urban Institute

This episode, led by Jay Pitter, discusses what the pandemic teaches us about public access to space + a future where the commons are inclusive, a place for civic action & strengthening community.

8: TOGETHER WE RISE: YOUTH-LED DEMOCRATIC INNOVATION

June 2, 2020 — With Samantha Reusch, Apathy is Boring, and Sarah Myriam Louis, Apathy is Boring

This episode focuses on youth civic engagement. Breaking down the myth that youth have limited political power, Sam Reustch and Sarah Myriam Louis from Apathy is Boring discuss the importance of the new model of engagement and the role of participatory activity in creating political power. Breaking down the historical approach of formal institutions, Sam focuses on the power of leading movements, while Sarah shares her RISE e

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ARTICLES:

Youth Power, an international non-government organizations focused on strengthening the role of youth in society, has a curated selection of articles and resources highlighting youth engagement, civic engagement, and political participation.
The Samara Centre for Democracy’s 2019 report “You Have Our Attention” demonstrates that young Canadians are more politically engaged than older Canadians across a wide range of formal and informal political activities.

ORGANIZATIONS:

Apathy is Boring is a non partisan organization which focuses on supporting and educating Canadian youth on becoming active democratic citizens.
RISE is an initiative created by Apathy is Boring that focuses on civic and democratic community projects across Canadian cities.
The Samara Centre for Democracy is a non partisan charity that focuses on strengthening Canada’s democracy.

9: BROKEN TELEPHONE TOWNHALL: ELECTED REPRESENTATION DURING A CRISIS

June 9, 2020 — with Mike Morden, Samara Centre for Democracy, and MPP Sara Singh

This episode focuses on the changing nature of contact between Canadians and their elected officials during COVID-19. From the Samara Centre for Democracy, Mike Morden explains some of the challenges that elected officials have faced, as well as looks into the steps elected officials are making to fill the gaps that COVID-19 has created. MPP Sara Singh specific steps she has taken to remain connected with her constituents and ensure that their voices continue to be heard.

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ARTICLES:

CBC looks at the difficulties within Nova Scotia’s municipal government during COVID-19. This 2020 article analyzes the difficulties of remaining transparent through internet meetings.
A 2020 article by Brian Beacon highlights the role of MP Jenica Atwin and her ability to connect with her constituents on virtual platforms.

ORGANIZATIONS:

The Samara Centre for Democracy is a non partisan charity that focuses on strengthening Canada’s democracy.

10: IF WE BUILD IT WILL THEY VOTE? THE EXPERIENCE OF ON-CAMPUS VOTING IN THE 2019 FEDERAL ELECTION

June 23, 2020 — With Miriam Lapp, Kaitilin Mackenzie & Taylor Deasley

While young people are more politically engaged than older people in many indicators, they participate in elections at a lower rate than older Canadians. This episode looks at the turnout of young people in the 2019 federal election, highlighting the incredible boost in voter turnout at campus polls at Ryerson University. Miriam Lapp and Kaitlin Mackenzie from Elections Canada provide statistics from Vote On Campus during the 2019 federal election, highlighting the increases of awareness and the gaps voters had on campus. Taylor Deasley, creator of Ryerson Votes, talks about the 55% voter increase at Ryerson University. Deasley emphasizes the importance of collaboration, location, staff, and a non partisanship approach.

ARTICLES:

Molly Hayes reports on voter turnout of the 2019 federal election and discusses possible reasons for changes.
Rachel Aiello reports on the increase of young voter turnout due to the on campus voting initiative.
From University Affairs, Salma Mahgoub reports on student engagement efforts during the 2019 federal election. The article highlights the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations efforts.

ORGANIZATIONS:

RyersonVOTES is a campus run initiative focused on increasing young voter turnout on campuses. The initiative is highlighted in this 2019 article by Nicole Colozza.
Amplify is a student group which is a part of the Ryerson’s Liberal Arts Society that focuses on creating accessible pathways to decision making. Follow Amplify on Instagram @AmplifyRyerson!