Our research is driven by a desire to engage the entire Canadian public in a conversation about their democracy.  This conversation has begun with The Real Outsiders, in which we spoke to people that governments and political parties rarely speak to: politically disengaged Canadians.

A lot of people think that voting isn’t as important as other things, such as social movement activism.  We should also be concerned about people being surveyed.  The people we work with don’t want to simply be surveyed.  These surveys have to be participatory.  I don’t think it is good that we should just send in privileged people to extract knowledge. (Helen Armstrong, St. Stephen’s Community House)

There seems to be a disconnect between ridings and communities.  For example, at the community level, individuals might be concerned about a pool or streetcar.  This is much more focused on “place based” analysis. (Alejandra Bravo, Maytree Foundation)

Urban Aboriginals are too often asked for their perceptions and nothing comes of it.  Need to show them our plans for an outcome because previous ones have not resulted in anything.  Discussions should not be a one-time interview, but more of a conversation and process where they are informed as we go. (Tracey King, Ryerson University)

Partnerships and trust are most important to get traction.  Perhaps people don’t follow Canadian politics, but they do follow American politics.  Why not follow the politics that matters to people’s lives? (Naki Osutei, Pan Am Games)

Our mode of communication [written/speeches] is a certain mode and we may be missing something.  We need to look into the idea that young people aren’t being spoken to in a way they are responsive to. (Karim Bardeesy, Government of Ontario)

The public wants a calibre of politician that can see beyond the constraints of government.  If they always go to the same demographic, they won’t hear the need for change.  Chase the people who aren’t engaged in the system. (Saeed Selvam, Change12)