News Coverage
Here you will find a list of news and feature articles mentioning the work of Samara with the most recent listings at the top. Our editorial and op-eds can be found here.
The 2018 Member of Parliament Survey
"MPs sick of state of debate in Parliament, but divided on how to fix it: Samara report" by Samantha Wright Allen in The Hill Times. [PDF]
Jane Hilderman appeared on PrimeTime Politics with Peter Van Dusen, interviewed by Dan Fonda for CPAC (interview starts at 50 mins).
"Trudeau pleads for more decorum as debate in House of Commons reaches new lows" by Teresa Wright for National Newswatch (via the Canadian Press). [PDF]
Mike Morden appeared on The Sheldon MacLeod Show, interviewed by Sheldon McLeod for NEWS 957 Halifax.
Mike Morden appeared on The Morning Edition for CBC Radio Kitchener-Waterloo.
Beyond the Barbecue
"MP representation is a complex task" by Royce Koop in the Winnipeg Free Press. [PDF]
“Free overburdened constituency offices from bureaucratic casework, Samara report says” by Beatrice Paez in The Hill Times. [PDF]
“MPs increasingly overwhelmed by mountain of constituency demands, survey finds ” by Bill Curry in The Globe and Mail. [PDF]
“MPs spend too much time on constituents' problems—and they like it just fine ” by Murad Hemmadi for MacLean's. [PDF]
"From BBQs to basketball camp: What MPs have been up to this summer" by Rachel Aiello for CTV News. [PDF]
The Samara Centre appeared on CBC Radio, interviewed by Jennifer Clibbon.
The Samara Centre appeared on the Morning Show, interviewed by James Sebastian-Scott for 570 NEWS Kitchener.
Flip The Script
“Loosen parties’ grip on backbenchers, say former MPs in sweeping, new Samara report” by Beatrice Paez in The Hill Times. [PDF]
“‘Show business for ugly people’: ex-MPs look back at days on Hill” by Sabrina Nanji in The Toronto Star. [PDF]
“Party control on Parliament Hill worsened in final Harper government, former MPs warn” by Bill Curry in The Globe and Mail. [PDF]
“Outgoing MPs say they’re reduced to scripted echoes of leaders’” by Jim Vibert in the Chronicle Herald. [PDF]
“MP exit interviews from Samara - Ottawa Morning with Robyn Bresnahan”, reported by Julia Sisler for CBC Radio Ottawa
“‘Something has to give:’ MPs across party lines push to reform Parliament, loosen party control” by Samantha Wright Allen in The Hill Times. [PDF]
“Reforming Parliament: Time to hear from all the players” by John Milloy in National Newswatch. [PDF]
Jane Hilderman appeared on The Problems with Parliament - The Agenda with Steve Paikin, interviewed by Harrison Lowman.
The Samara Centre on the Danielle Smith Show, reported on by Kristin Fong for Global News Radio 770 CHQR Calgary.
The Samara Centre appeared on The Morning Show, interviewed by Dave Woodard for Global News Radio 640 Toronto.
The Samara Centre appeared on The Morning News with Gord Gillies, interviewed by Andrea Montgomery for Global News Radio 770 CHQR Calgary.
No One Is Listening
"Survey finds most MPs think heckling in the House is a problem — and most MPs are guilty of it" by Sabrina Nanji in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Rookie MPs more likely to want heckling abolished, consider it ‘a form of harassment’: report" by Marie-Danielle Smith in the National Post. (PDF)
"Amid the heckling, question period can sound like so much noise" by Aaron Wherry in CBC News. (PDF)
"The unruliness of Members of Parliament" by Marc Montgomery in Radio Canada International. (PDF)
"How to silence heckling MPs in the animal House" by Vicky Mochama in Metro News. (PDF)
"More than half of MPs surveyed say heckling a problem, two-thirds admit doing it anyway" by Rachel Aiello in CTV News. (PDF)
"What do MPs really think of heckling? Most won't say" by Beatrice Britneff in iPolitics.
"Why heckling during Question Period can get ugly, especially for women MPs" by Sadiya Ansari in Maclean's. (PDF)
"'Shame!': Stamping out heckling in the House of Commons" by Monique Scott in Global News. (PDF)
"'I participate, but I'm not very proud of that': MPs on heckling" by Rachel Aiello in CTV News. (PDF)
"Ten Reasons to Keep Heckling In the House of Commons" by Premila D'Sa in VICE. (PDF)
"Survey says politicians are behaving badly" by Jim Vibert in the Chronicle Herald. (PDF)
Mike Morden was interviewed by Peter Van Dusen on CPAC's PrimeTime Politics on October 24, 2017 (starting at 58:00)
Jane Hilderman was interviewed by Don Martin on CTV's Power Play with Don Martin on October 25, 2017.
Mike Morden was interviewed by Vassy Kapelos on Global TV's The West Block on October 29, 2017.
The hosts of CTV's The Social debated "Heckling in the HOC" on October 25, 2017.
MPs Matthew Dube, Elizabeth May, Steve McKinnon, and Karen Vecchio joined Catherine Cullen to discuss Samara's heckling survey on CBC's Power and Politics on October 27, 2017.
CPAC aired Samara's report launch on Parliament Hill in its entirety on multiple occasions, including PrimeTime Politics on October 25, 2017 (starting at 1:40:30). The event featured Jane Hilderman, Speaker Geoff Regan, Senator Ratna Omidvar, Former Speaker Peter Milliken, MP Greg Fergus, and Equal Voice's Nancy Peckford.
Jane Hilderman and Mike Morden were interviewed on CBC radio programs in 19 cities across Canada on October 25, 2017.
Jane Hilderman was interviewed on Radio Canada International on October 25, 2017.
Jane Hilderman was interviewed by Adam Stirling on Victoria's CFAX 1070 on October 25, 2017.
Mike Morden was interviewed by Sheldon MacLeod on Halifax's News 957 on October 30, 2017.
Vote PopUp B.C.
"B.C. group aims to raise riding turnout with Chinese immigrants" by Xiao Xu in The Globe and Mail. [PDF]
"Vote PopUp simulates the voting experience to make it easier for first-time voters" by Amy Logan in Metro Vancouver. [PDF]
"Ballot box test drive aims to ‘demystify’ democracy" by Jeremy Shepherd in North Shore News. [PDF]
Samara Vote PopUp Coordinator Andrew Phillips was featured in a Global News segment (starting at 1:36) on May 2, 2017.
Samara's 2017 Democracy 360
"Democracy's strong foundation is citizen engagement" by Royce Koop in the Winnipeg Free Press. [PDF]
“Samara Canada holds panel on democracy at Isabel Bader Theatre” by Josie Kao in The Varsity. [PDF]
"Potential parliamentary reforms would strike a blow to democracy: Editorial" by Star Editorial Board in the Toronto Star. [PDF]
"New survey suggests Canadians may avoid a ‘democratic recession' a la the U.S. and U.K." by Terry Haig in Radio Canada International. [PDF]
"Canada's democracy gets a better grade in 2017" by Ryan Tumilty in Metro Ottawa. [PDF]
"Think-tank Samara gives Canadian democracy a higher grade in 2017" by BJ Siekierski in iPolitics. [PDF]
"Canadians’ satisfaction with MPs and political parties on the upswing: new report" by Marie-Danielle Smith in the National Post. [PDF]
"Health of Canadian democracy improving, but concerns remain, poll suggests" by Aaron Wherry in CBC News. [PDF]
Samara Executive Director Jane Hilderman and Managing Director Kendall Anderson were interviewed on several CBC Radio programs across Canada on March 29, 2017.
Samara Executive Director Jane Hilderman discussed the Democracy 360 report on CTV’s Power Play with Don Martin on March 28, 2017.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Electoral Reform
"Five priorities for Trudeau this fall" by John Ibbitson in The Globe and Mail. [PNG]
"Electoral reform: Moving beyond first-past-the-post voting system" on The Current with Robyn Bresnahan.
Cheering or Jeering?
"Let's make the political personal – by getting off social media and talking face-to-face" by Brigitte Pellerin in The Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
"What do you think about heckling in the House? Should there be some, just not the nasty sort?" by Laura Ryckewaert in The Hill Times
"It's time to show you what really happens in the Commons" by Tim Harper in The Toronto Star
CBC At Issue Panel, January 29 2016, with Peter Mansbridge, Chantal Herbet, Rosemary Barton, and Paul Wells. Starts at 6:55
"To reform Parliament, MPs might start by holding their applause" by Aaron Wherry on CBC News
"Conservative MPs heckling despite pledge to set new tone" by Tim Naumetz in The Hill Times
Canadaland Commons Episode #37, Jane Hilderman and Michelle Rempel discuss heckling in the House of Commons.
"Verbal Jabs are one thing, heckling is another" in Peterborough Examiner
“Politics This Morning: Most common hecklers male, veteran MPs who sit on government backbench, says new report” by Bea Vongdouangchanh in The Hill Times
“What if MPs put their money where their mouths are? Question period could make cents” by Ashley Csanady in the National Post
“MPs hate heckling but heckle anyway: report” by Leslie Young on Global News
“Note to returning MPs: Think before you heckle” by Selina Chignall in iPolitics
“How heckling in the House affects women MPs” by Sarah Boesveld in Chatelaine
"MPs return to House, including 197 rookies, promise better tone" by Rachel Aiello in
The Hill Times
"New Parliament a chance to make Hill life more like real life" by Susan Delacourt in
The Toronto Star
"Question Period heckling has greater impact on women MPs: survey" by Aviva West in
Yahoo! News
Samara in Election Coverage
"Perfect political storm sent youth voters to the polls in 2015 election, say experts" profiles Samara and UBC Press's electronic publication.
A mention of Samara's "Election 2015" blog series in the Winnipeg Free Press's "Politics 204".
"Muslim Canadian federal election turnout driven by fact 'so much was at stake'" by Shanifa Nasser on CBC News.
"'Unprecedented' surge in Muslim vote in federal election: poll" by Noor Javed in the Toronto Star
"'Nothing like it has been tried before'" by Jim Coyle in the Toronto Star (PDF)
"Politics This Morning: Election 2015 ushered in 'database,' microtargeting politics" by Bea Vongdouangchang in The Hill Times (PDF)
"Samara, UBC Press bring together 66 thinkers to dissect election in e-book" by Mark Burgess in The Hill Times' "Heard on the Hill" (PDF)
"Voters, it's time to talk turkey" by Vjosa Isai in the National Post (PDF)
"One group's effort to pop (up) the vote" by Vjosa Isai in the National Post
"A Guide for First-Time Voters" by the NCM Mentoring Program on NewCanadianMedia.ca
"Many students confused about Fair Elections Act voter ID requirements" by Kelvin Gawley in The Voice.
"Vote PopUp: Getting the vote out among non-voters" by Selina Chignall on iPolitics.ca.
"Why the voting selfie is a wonderful thing" by Emma Teitel in the Toronto Star
"A vote for the future" Imagine a City speaks with Retchel Morales, a Vote PopUp participant
"Honing the fine art of voting" by Carl Hnatyshyn in Sarnia This Week
"Voting troubles abound" Wendy Elliott discusses Vote PopUp in the King County News
"Want to engage non-voters? Don't bully them, says civic-action groups" by Andre Mayer on CBC News online
"New ID requirements for voters on Oct. 19" by Charelle Evelyn in the Prince George Citizen
"Public libraries encouraging citizens to get out and vote" by Teresa Workman in South Shore Breaker.
"Courting the 'Ethnic Vote'" by the NCM Election Desk on NewCanadianMedia.ca
"Students are University of Regina encouraged to vote" on CBC News.
"Program encourages voting, democracy" Paul Morden covers Vote PopUp in the Sarnia Observer
"Election 2015: who says young people won't vote?" U of T News on Samara's Vote PopUp
"Mock election used to encourage homeless Calgarians to vote" James Wood writes about Vote PopUp in the Calgary Herald
"Learn How to Vote at Your Local Library" Samara's Vote PopUp on qccrfm.com
"Is Politics Broken?" Samara's Democracy 360 research frames a discussion on CBC's The National
"Have Your Say: How can we encourage more young Canadians to vote?" by Craig and Marc Kielburger in The Globe and Mail
"Let's Use the Syrian Refugee Crisis to Reconnect Politics with Purpose" by Reva Seth on HuffingtonPost.ca
"Here's to the people who make our democracy work" by Ilona Dougherty on iPolitics.ca
"Table holds mock election as part of voter education drive" by Desmond Devoy in the Perth Courier
"How Canada's 42nd federal election all adds up" by Alex Boutilier in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
Samara's own Jane Hilderman and David Campbell wrote about "A chance to change the culture in Ottawa" in the National Post. (PDF)
2015 Everyday Political Citizens
"On the Bright Side - Everyday Political Citizen" hosted by Heather Seaman on CPAC.
"Ramp maker receives Everyday Political Citizen honour" by Sandra Bolan in Stouffville Sun-Tribune.
"Cree man from Saddlelake Cree Nation is having a heck of a year" featuring Cory Nicotine on APTN National News.
"Founder of Stopgap Foundation wins award, talks accessibility gaps in Toronto" by Katrina Clarke in the Toronto Star.
2015 Everyday Political Citizen 30+ winner Luke Anderson on CBC Radio’s As It Happens with Carol Off and Jeff Douglas (starts at 08:10 of part 3).
"Cory Nicotine recognized for youth work with iHuman" by Gareth Hampshire on CBC News online.
"Toronto engineer honoured for building accessible ramps" on by CBC News on CBC Toronto online.
"Samara honours Canadians committed to civic engagement" by Kyle Duggan on iPolitics.ca.
"Canadian activists honoured with awards for civic engagement" by Jennifer Ditchburn for The Canadian Press.
"Three who made a difference honoured with Everyday Political Citizen award" by Douglas Quan in the National Post.
"Aboriginal youth leader wins national award for civic engagement initiative" by Otiena Ellwand in the Edmonton Journal.
"Edmonton community leader nominated for prestigious award" by Gareth Hampshire on CBC News Edmonton.
"Two Regina citizens nominated for the Everyday Political Citizen project" video in the Regina Leader-Post
"Nominee thinks of other first" by Stewart Burnett in Nunavut News.
"A former at risk youth from Botwood has turned her life around for the better" by Samantha Gardiner in the Grand Falls Advertiser.
"Ramps stopping the gap" by Luke Simcoe in Metro News Toronto. (PDF)
"'I want them to be empowered'" by Luke Simcoe in Metro News Toronto. (PDF)
"Ottawa residents shortlisted for Everyday Political Citizen of the Year" by Eric Elliott in the Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
"'People will underestimate you'" by Luke Simcoe in Metro News Toronto (PDF)
"A call to motivate the marginalized" by Luke Simcoe in Metro News Toronto. (PDF)
"National recognition for Botwood native" on The Telegram.
"Former Saskatoon gang member Jorgina Sunn nominated for national award" by CBC News on CBC Saskatoon online.
"Two Regina citizens nominated for The Everyday Political Citizen project" by Alec Salloum in the Regina Leader-Post. (PDF)
"Calgarian among those shortlisted for Everyday Political Citizen Award" by Eva Ferguson in the Calgary Herald. (PDF)
"Samara contest to highlight political engagement of millennials" by Selina Chignall on iPolitics.ca. (PDF)
"Hunt on in Saskatchewan for 'Canada's everyday political citizens'" by CBC News on CBC Saskatchewan online.
"Meet the Young Urbanists League, the Toronto Facebook group growing grassroots civic engagement" by Luke Simcoe in Metro News.
"CitizenSparks: Postmedia partners with Samara Canada and Twitter to engage public in political debate" by Postmedia in the National Post.
"Senate scandals may reaffirm Canadian distrust in political leaders" by Laura Beaulne-Stuebing for Yahoo! News. (PDF)
2014 Everyday Political Citizens
"AJOI co-founder recognized for civic engagement" by Anthony Abbondanza in The West Island Chronicle. (PDF)
"AJOI CEO places second on EPCitizen award roster" by Kathryn Greenaway in the Montreal Gazette. (PDF)
"An Everyday Political Citizen" is a profile of youth runner-up Wes Prankard by Alison Langley in the St. Catharines Standard
MPP Michael Mantha stands in the Ontario Legislature to talk about the Everyday Political Citizen project.
"Politically engaged residents say giving Torontonians a voice is key" by Alex Ballingall in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Dartmouth teacher garners Everyday Political Citizen of the Year award" in the Halifax Chronicle Herald. (PDF)
"Edmonton youth wins national award for political engagement" by Ryan Tumilty in Metro Edmonton. (PDF)
"Edmonton teacher among 12 finalists for Everyday Political Citizen award" by Gordon Kent in the Edmonton Journal (PDF)
Vancouver Shortlisted Everyday Political Citizen Eddie Tang is featured on Vancouver CBC's On the Coast. Listen here.
"Calgarian nominated for national citizen award" by Reid Southwick in the Calgary Herald. (PDF)
"Pierrefonds man nominated for national award for citizen engagement" by Kathryn Greenaway in the Montreal Gazette. (PDF)
"Sydney teacher nominated for national award" in The Chronicle Herald and Cape Breton Post. (PDF)
"Finding the good news in Canadian Politics" by Ashley Csanady on Canada.com. (PDF)
"Guelph's Tia Carey, 12, up for political citizen award" by Jackie Sharkey on cbc.ca. (PDF)
EPCitizen Neeta Kumar-Britten on CBC Radio's Mainstreet Cape Breton
"Wanted: Engaged 'everyday' political citizens" by Gordon Kent in the
Edmonton Journal.
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Edmonton wants you to nominate an Everyday Political Citizen" by Dave Lazzarino in the
Edmonton Sun. (
PDF)
"
Michael MacMillan wants your nomination" by Judy Gerstel on EverythingZoomer.com. (
PDF)
Tragedy in the Commons
"Jim Hillyer's death underscores health challenges other MPs face" by Tonda Macharles in Toronto Star.
"Why MPs can't wait to get out of Ottawa" by Paul Wells in Maclean's. (PDF)
"A must-read this summer" by Randy Simms in The Telegram. (PDF)
"Candidate, educate thyself" by Dale Smith in the Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
"Why parties matter" by Dale Smith on LooniePolitics.com. (PDF)
"The case for abolishing political parties" by Susan Delacourt in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
An excerpt of Tragedy in the Commons in Policy Options.
"Tragedy in the Commons" a review in The Canadian Taxpayer (starts on page 7)
"Canada's Politicians Don't Want Us to Know They're Politicians" Alison Loat sits down with Michael Bolen at Huffington Post Canada.
"Heather Menzies: Reclaiming the commons in Canadian Politics" in the Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
"Politicians should reclaim themselves, say authors of new book Tragedy in the Commons" by Kate Malloy in the Hill Times.
"How do MPs really feel about their job and the work they do?" Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan on CanadaAM (video).
"When MPs hate politics, it's time for change" by Liz Renzetti in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
"5 Reasons You Should Read Tragedy in the Commons" by Terry Fallis on Retreat by Random House. (PDF)
"MPs speak out in Tragedy in the Commons" Alison and Michael speak on the CBC Radio show, Q
Kevin Newman said "I learned a lot from this book and I've been covering politics my whole life." See Alison on CTV's Kevin Newman Live (interview was from April 15th's episode and starts at 29:20).
"The tragedy of the House of Commons: A new book explores the lives and frustrations of our MPs" by Aaron Wherry in Maclean's. (PDF)
"Former MPs look back at House in 'exit interviews'" by Mark McNeil in the Hamilton Spectator. (PDF)
Alison and Michael shared some great stories on an hour-long call-in show with Bill Good on CKNW in Vancouver.
Michael shares some of his reactions to the exit interviews on Dale Goldhawk's AM740 show and on CBC's Ontario Today with Rita Celli.
Alison talks about open nominations and other lessons from the interviews with Tencer and Grose on CHED AM 630 in Edmonton .
For a longer conversation check out these podcasts with Mark Blevis and this one with Joseph Planta.
Alison sat down with Calgary’s Breakfast Television to talk about nominations processes and the state of Question Period.
Alison talks about the “surprising truths” of the book on Global Calgary’s Morning News Edition.
Alison and Michael on CPAC’s Primetime Politics. To watch, search for April 28th (interview starts at 40:00).
Tragedy in the Commons: through the eyes of MPs. Alison discusses the book on The West Block. (PDF)
“Why have members of Parliament allowed their power to be siphoned away as they have?” Get a sneak peek at the book from this excerpt in the Ottawa Citizen.
Anthony Furey reports in Sun News that Tragedy in the Commons holds an optimistic message for Canadian politics (we think so too). (PDF)
“The truth is that we have a system designed to be controlled by the centre.” Great interview with Alison and Michael in The Tyee. (PDF) The Tyee also ran an excerpt from the book.
Samara in the society pages. If you missed our Ottawa book launch, check out these great pictures from iPolitics.
Aaron Wherry referred to Tragedy in the Commons in this moving article on the humanity of politicians. (PDF)
Two great op-eds on the experiences of women in Parliament cite Tragedy in the Commons:
Parliament is still Mad Men territory for women, and that’s bad news for democracy. (PDF)
Respect for women in the House of Commons matters. (PDF)
“Disillusioned with party politics,” Alison speaks to David Gray on The Calgary Eye Opener.
An appearance on the Michael and Dave Taylor show, on 770 AM in Calgary.
Other News and Features
"Tougher workplace harassment rules would help protect political staffers: Hajdu" by Joanna Smith in The National Post. (PDF)
"Comedy Reveals Challenges of Canadian Democracy" by Danica Samuel in New Canadian Media. (PDF)
Samara's Executive Director Jane Hilderman was interviewed for a report by Global News on bringing youth into the political process. (PDF)
Jane also joined CBC's Cross Country Checkup to talk about the Federal Election, MP Exit Interviews and Everyday Political Citizen.
"Parliament: Does it get any worse than it just got?" by Aaron Wherry in Maclean's
"The Right Dose of Party Discipline" The Hon. Stèphane Dion mentions Samara's research in his address to the Quebec National Assembly
"Ontario imams urging muslims to vote in federal election" by Shanifa Nasser on CBC News online. (PDF)
"Feature Interview: Alison Loat of Samara on Leadership + Technology" with Groundforce Digital on medium.com. (PDF)
"CBC Asks: Is politics broken? Yes, say's Alison Loat" (PDF)
Samara's Michael MacMillan on Global Halifax's Morning Show
"Devoted to Democracy: A Q&A with Alison Loat about her book Tragedy in the Commons and Canadian politics" by Emily Miller in Queen's University's The Journal. (PDF)
Research Manager and Acting Director Jane Hilderman joins a panel on CBC's The 180 to discuss the highlights from their Democracy Hacks series
For an overview of Samara's work, along with that of other organizations working to strengthen citizen engagement with democracy, check out this feature by Piali Roy in Yonge Street Media. (PDF)
Samara's work was also featured in CPAC's "The Bright Side."
"Engaging citizens by talking about democracy" by Carl Hnatyshyn on sarniathisweek.com
"Harvard Kenney School Alumni named Young Global Leaders" by Mari Megias in HKS Alumni stories (featuring Alison Loat). (PDF)
Alison Loat on Metro Morning talking about voter engagement in the 2014 Ontario Election as it kicked off in May. And again the day after Election Day.
"Ontario electoral dysfunction: Award for most apathetic riding goes to..." by Erica Vella on globalnews.ca. (PDF)
"GUEST COLUMNIST: Don't let democracy slip away" by Samara volunteer Bob Sutton in The Sarnia Journal. (PDF)
"Would a Merger with Canada Save U.S. from Ourselves," by Rick Cohen on Nonprofit Quarterly. (PDF)
"Balance of power: MP Michael Chong on fixing the relationship between MPs and their leaders" by Andrew Coyne on Canada.com. (PDF)
"Time and cash strapped Gen X and Y? Join the club" by Misty Harris (Samara's work mentioned). (PDF)
"MPs need authority, yes. And clear responsibilities" by David McLaughlin in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
"The young will inherit and future they see as a sham" by Michael Valpy in The Toronto Star. (PDF)
"The merits and drawbacks of heckling," Alison Loat joined a panel to discuss heckling on CBC Radio's The Current with Anna Maria Tremonti.
"Rathgeber challenges party dominance of MPs" by Samara Executive Director Alison Loat in the Ottawa Citizen and on Canada.com. (PDF)
"Considering the scandals plaguing multiple levels of government, it seems accountability as a virtue is on the wane," Samara Executive Director, Alison Loat, is quoted by Joseph Brean in the National Post. (PDF)
"Democracy Talks comes to Nelson," The Nelson Star reports on our Democracy Talks program paying a visit to the local library in April 2013. (PDF)
Samara's Jane Hilderman was on NewsTalk Radio in Saskatchewan talking about why citizens are not more engaged with politics.
Samara's work recently spurred a question for CBC National's At Issue Panel, regarding Canada's electoral system.
"Polling and journalism: the future is in the details", Susan Delacourt discusses the polling-journalism relationship with Sasha Issenberg, American journalist and author. (PDF)
"Turning a non-voter into a voter", Adam Radwanski sits down with recent guest of Samara and author of the Victory Lab, Sasha Issenberg for a Q&A. (PDF)
"Fixing the way we 'do democracy'", by Sharon Aschaiek, a profile on Samara and founders, Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan in Queen's University alumni review. (PDF)
"Is democracy in decline?" by Jim Coyle in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Harper's cynical assault on democracy", an editorial by Bob Hepburn in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Appears we get the Parliament we deserve" by Tom Ford in the Winnipeg Free Press
An article in The Tyee mentioning Samara's work. (PDF)
An article by John Ibbitson in the Globe and Mail, which quotes Samara's work on The Real Outsiders. (PDF)
An article in the Hill Times mentioning the work of Samara.
"Underrepresented", a feature article by Isabel Bassett, published in the magazine Women of Influence.
A feature on "How to fix our politics" by Aaron Wherry in Maclean's. (PDF)
A profile on Alison Loat by Andrew Potter and Victoria Salvas in This Magazine. (PDF)
An article on Michael MacMillan by Emily Davies, in the Queen's Journal. (PDF)
A feature on Samara by Piali Roy, on yongestreetmedia.ca. (PDF)
By Invitation Only
"Political parties failing Canadians: survey" by Don Butler in The Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
"Canadian poltical parties not doing their job: survey" by Susan Delacourt in The Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Samara survey: Canadians give political parties failing grades" by Laura Beaulne-Stuebing on iPolitics.ca
"Canadians give political parties failing grades", Jane Hilderman on RCI Radio
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Being likeable is nasty business" Straight Talk by John Robson on Sun News Network. (
PDF)
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Mandryck: Poll shows Tories driving cynicism" by Murray Mandryck in the Leader-Post
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The real reason political parties are failing: Delacourt" by Susan Delacourt in The Toronto Star. (
PDF)
"
Parties Failed", Alison Loat on CBC Metro Morning
2013 Everyday Political Citizens
"Samara announces Everyday Political Citizen winners" by Laura Beaulne-Stuebing
"National recognition keeps fight alive for Nunavut food activist" by David Murphy on nunatsiaqonline.ca. (PDF)
"Saskatoon activist nominated for political citizen award" on News Talk 650. (PDF)
"Edith Perry humbled by nomination for community activism" by Luke Arbuckle on peicanada.com
"Marc Laferriere nominated for Everyday Political Citizen Project" by Victoria Gray in Brant News. (PDF)
"Everyday Political Citizen project recognizes Canada's unsung heroes" by Rachel Aiello and Brad Fougere on Canada.com and originally in the Ottawa Citizen, The Montreal Gazette and The Vancouver Sun. (PDF)
"Rob Ford scandal may lead to better democracy" by Bob Hepburn in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Local Woman Makes Shortlist for 'Everyday Political Citizen'" by EFN Staff in the Eagle Feather News. (PDF)
Alison Loat and Jane Hilderman spoke about cynicism in the wake of political scandals and Samara’s antidote - Everyday Political Citizens - on 22 CBC morning shows. Recordings are available fromToronto’s Metro Morning, Ontario Morning and Radio Canada International
"Cognitive Surplus and Appreciation in Civic Life" by Jane Purvis in Spacing Magazine. (PDF)
"FTW Friday: Everyday Political Citizen" by Joe Thomson in this magazine, this.org. (PDF)
"Are you being served?" Samara Executive Director Alison Loat on The Agenda
(April 11, 2013)
Lightweights?
"Canadians aren't apathetic, we're just sick of the political status quo" by Adam Kingsmith on rabble.ca. (PDF)
"Why Canadians have no time for politics" by Alex Himelfarb in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"Why you should get involved in politics" an op-ed by Catherine McKenna in the Ottawa Citizen and on Canada.com. (PDF)
"Don't worry, politics could make you happy" by Douglas Todd in The Vancouver Sun. (PDF)
"Is there ever an excuse for not voting?" by Liz Renzetti in The Globe and Mail. (PDF)
"Canadians not that politically active, study finds" by Susan Delacourt in The Toronto Star. (PDF)
"
Politics ‘a dirty word’ for Canadians, finds new study of engagement between elections" by Misty Harris in OCanada.com (also appeared in Leader Post, The Province, The Vancouver Sun, The Star Pheonix, The Calgary Herald, and The Edmonton Journal). (
PDF)
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How politically engaged are you? Take the quiz." A web extra by Misty Harris in The Calgary Herald,
The Edmonton Journal and
The Montreal Gazette. (
PDF)
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Are Canadians Political lightweights?" by Andrew Dreschel in The Hamilton Spectator. (
PDF)
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Not even twitter can save us now" by Dan Lett in The Winnipeg Free Press.
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Don’t blame the young" by Chris Selley in The National Post. (
PDF)
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The hunt for an honest man lands candidate" by Pete McMartin in The Vancouver Sun.
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Canadians civic minded but not political: study" by Maryse Zeidler in The Tyee. (
PDF)
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The Unengaged Majority" by Greg Fingas on his blog, “Accidental Deliberations”. (
PDF)
"Measuring Political Engagement" on Thought Undermined. (PDF)
Samara's Executive Director spoke on CBC's Metro Morning.
"Study Shows Canadians Least Interested in Politics" by Sam Dixon in the Oye!Times. (PDF)
"Woeful participation in party politics" by Greg Fingas in The Leader-Post.
Lost in Translation or Just Lost? Canadians' Priorities and the House of Commons (Published February 2013)
"Watching the Watchdog: What Should Democracy Look Like?" by Tim Knight on HuffingtonPost.ca. (PDF)
"Backbenchers point to less party discipline as a fix for Parliament" by Rebecca Lindell, on Global News. (PDF)
"Don't disparage democracy if you're not doing your part" by Daniel D. Veniez, on HuffingtonPost.ca. (PDF)
"Democracy the big loser in Canada's Parliament: Hepburn" by Bob Hepburn, in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
"We don't need politicians in charge. With technology, it's time to put citizens first" by John Ibbitson in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
"Parliament is broken. How do we fix it?" Sarama's op-ed on iPolitics.ca
"Tom's take: the sad state of Parliament" by Tom Clark on globalnews.ca
"MPs fail to represent issues important to Canadians: report", Alison on the West Block with Tom Clark
"Are Canadians and Parliamentarians speaking the same language?" by Colin Horgan on iPolitics.ca
"Do MPs talk about your priorities in Parliament? Turns out, they do" by Chris Hannay in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
"Parliament needs a democracy check-up, says new report" by Bea Vongdouangchanh in the Hill Times
"Ignatieff: Too much executive power is harming democracy" John Ibbitson sits down with Michael Ignatieff to discuss whether it's time to Redesign Parliament. Featured in the Globe and Mail Focus section. (PDF)
"MPs reflect voter priorities more often than expected" by Laura Payton on cbc.ca. (PDF)
"Watching the Watchdog: Democracy Is Lost in Translation" by Tim Knight on The Huffington Post. (PDF)
"House out of balance?", Alison spoke on CTV News
Grassroots Online video podcast discussion of MP Websites Analysis (begins at around 8 minutes)
Occupiers and Legislators
"Bias? What mainstream bias?" by Michael Valpy on his blog, Origins of Politics
"Politics and the media" by Paul Berton in The Hamilton Spectator. (PDF)
"A snapshot on Canadian political journalism" by Alex Veeneman on Uloop student news network. (PDF)
"Canadian news get mixed reviews" by Mia Rabson in the Winnipeg Free Press. (PDF)
"Sharp contrast in tone of TV, newspaper political reporting: study" by Elizabeth Thompson in iPolitics.ca
"Political news usually fair, but not always informative, study finds" by Don Butler in theOttawa Citizen and the Victoria Times Colonist
"On studying the media: Samara and the 'news' we want" by Colin Horgan in iPolitics.ca
"Watching the Watchdog: Stats Don't Lie, Political News Falls Short" by Tim Knight in theHuffington Post Canada. (PDF)
"Samara's Occupiers and Legislators debunks some criticisms of the media" by Belinda Alzner in J-Source.ca. (PDF)
"Canadian MSM political news coverage leaves much to be desired: report" by Ben Christopher in The Tyee. (PDF)
"Questioning the press gallery" by Aaron Wherry in Maclean's online. (PDF)
"Les «idées reçues» revues et corrigées" by Geneviève Tremblay in Le Devoir. (PDF)
An appearance on The Rutherford Show.
CBC Nova Scotia - Mainstream Cape Breton with Wendy Bergfeldt featured Samara.
The Real Outsiders
"Understanding the limits of government" by Nicholas Gafuik in the Calgary Herald
"Must Politicians Be Phonies?" by Maxwell Cameron in The Mark. (PDF)
"Deadlines and Democracy" by Rebecca Lindell on Global News Online. (PDF)
"Voter Turnout: thinking outside the ballot box" by Clifton van der Linden and Kelly Hinton inThe Mark. (PDF)
"Oversight key for oilsands," an Op-Ed in the Star Phoenix mentioning The Real Outsiders
“What gives? Samara study looks at Canadians’ reasons for turning away from politics” by Chris Plecash in The Hill Times
"If they don't vote, don't worry" by Iain Hunter in the Times Colonist
"Ibbitson responds: How to re-engage citizens in democracy" by John Ibbitson in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
“In an age without mediators, many feel left out of the political process” by John Ibbitson in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
"Political re-engagement should focus on public services" by Don Lenihan on iPolitics.ca
"Alienated from What? By Whom?" by Andrew Potter on Canada.com, originally in the Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
"The welfare state isn't pleasing anyone" by Tasha Kheiriddin in the National Post. (PDF)
"Where Have All the Voters Gone?" by Ben Christopher in The Tyee. (PDF)
"They know what they don't like" by Aaron Wherry in Maclean's online. (PDF)
"Who engages young voters?" by Jonathan Migneault in OpenFile Ottawa
Interview with Alison Loat on Global TV's "The Morning Show."
Interview with Alison Loat on CTV National News.
"Who are Toronto's "real outsiders", and why are they turned off by politics?" by John Michael McGrath in OpenFile Toronto
"Canada's Political Outsiders" by Nick Ruderman in The Mark. (PDF)
"The democracy gap - how did not voting become preferred option?" by Craig McInnes in the Vancouver Sun. (PDF)
"Non-voting Canadians consider themselves outsiders: study" by Don Butler in the Ottawa Citizen
"Does not voting make you an indifferent citizen — or an idealist?" by Susan Delacourt in theToronto Star. (PDF)
"La politique du désabusement" by Manon Cornellier in Le Devoir. (PDF)
"Non-voters see political engagement as futile: study" by Rebecca Lindell on Global News online
"Politicians to blame for voter apathy" by Joseph Chin on Mississauga.com. (PDF)
"Why doesn't 40 per cent of the population vote?" by Andy Radia on Yahoo News Canada. (PDF)
"Politically disengaged Canadians not apathetic or uninformed, study finds" by Colin Horgan oniPolitics.ca
"Outsiders" a blog post on CalgaryGrit. (PDF)
Interview with André Turcotte on Radio-Canada's Maisonneuve en direct
Alison Loat was featured on 14 drive-home CBC radio shows and on Dave Rutherford’s #1 call-in radio show in Alberta.
Outsiders' Manifesto
An interview with Alison Loat by Steve Paikin on TVO's "The Agenda."
An interview with Alison Loat about constituent services on CBC Radio's "The Current."
"The cult of the political outsider", an article by Andrew Potter on Canada.com, originally in the Ottawa Citizen. (PDF)
An article by national columnist Chantal Hébert in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
An article on MPs' recommendations for improving the practice of politics on iPolitics.ca
A piece on CBC News online. (PDF)
A piece in the Toronto Star by Susan Delacourt. (PDF)
Mia Rabson's take on the report, from the Winnipeg Free Press. (PDF)
From Global News online, an article by Rebecca Lindell highlighting the report's "outsider narrative"
A blog from former MP Glen Pearson
A piece by Donald Lenihan in The Huffington Post Canada. (PDF)
The highlights of this report's local and national media coverage are available here, on the Samara blog.
"It's My Party"
An interview with Alison Loat by Steve Paikin on TVO's "The Agenda."
A post-election interview with Alison Loat by Matt Galloway on CBC Radio's "Metro Morning" (the segments begins at the 14:15 mark).
The highlights of this report's national and local coverage is available here, including editorials and other commentary generated by the findings.
Welcome to Parliament
"An MP’s changing world of work" by John Milloy in Policy Options. (PDF)
An interview with Alison Loat by Steve Paikin on TVO's "The Agenda."
An
interview with Alison Loat by Carol Off on CBC Radio's "As It Happens" (the segment begins at the 7:00 mark).
An
interview with Alison Loat by Rosemary Barton on CBC TV's "Power and Politics" (the segment begins at the 33:15 mark).
A survey
article on partisanship in the House which features an interview with Alison Loat in
The Hill Times.
An
article illuminating the report by Bea Vongdouangchanh in
The Hill Times.
An
op-ed by Joe Jordan in
The Hill Times
An
article by Elizabeth Thompson in
iPolitics.ca, which also ran in newspapers across Canada, including the
National Post,
Vancouver Sun,
Calgary Herald,
Windsor Star,
Ottawa Citizen and on
Canada.com.
An
excerpt, "What are we doing here," by Aaron Wherry , from
Maclean's. (
PDF)
An
excerpt from an op-ed by Alison Loat in the
Globe and Mail, "What do we want from them?", by Aaron Wherry, from
Maclean's. (
PDF)
An
excerpt from Hill Times survey featuring Alison Loat, "Somebody should do something," by Aaron Wherry, from
Maclean's. (
PDF)
"
Democracy in Danger?! Not really," by Andrew Potter, from the
Ottawa Citizen. (
PDF)
A
piece reflecting on the findings for Alberta's Legislative Assembly, by Dave Cournoyer. (
PDF)
The Accidental Citizen?
"Liberals should reform the candidate nomination process," an article by Kyle Harrietha in iPolitics.ca
An interview with Alison Loat on TVO's "The Agenda" with Steve Paikin.
An interview with Alison Loat, followed by a discussion with former MPs John Godfrey, Jean Augustine and Monte Solberg by Anna Maria Tremonti, on CBC Radio's "The Current".
An editorial "MPs: our inside outsiders," by the Globe and Mail's editorial board. (PDF)
Another interview, this time on TV, with Alison Loat by Rosemary Barton on CBC's "Power and Politics" (the segment begins at the 1:47 mark).
A blog by Andrew Potter, from Maclean's. (PDF)
An excerpt, entitled "A House of Outsiders and Idealists," by Aaron Wherry, from Maclean's. (PDF)
Another excerpt, entitled "Hide Your Ambitions," by Aaron Wherry, from Maclean's. (PDF)
An Extra, Extra mention by David Topping, in the Torontoist. (PDF)
An article, "Study undercuts the stereotypes about politicians," by David Beers in the Tyee.com. (PDF)
A view on the report's implications for potential female candidates, from the Equal Voice blog. (PDF)
A reflection on the report's implications on policy change, "The World's Older Profession," by Al Etmanski on his blog. (PDF)
Another reflection on the report, "Silly Monkeys," by Max Fawcett, on his blog.
Best Political Books of the Last 25 Years contest
A blog, by Susan Delacourt, from the Toronto Star
An
addition to our books list, by John Geddes from
Maclean's. (
PDF)
Journalism seminars
A round-up of television, print, radio and online coverage on the visit of Birgitta Jonsdottir
A column on the State of the News Media report by Kathy English, in the Toronto Star. (PDF)
A Q&A with Tom Rosenstiel by Susan Krashinsky, in the Globe and Mail. (PDF)
A radio interview with Tom Rosenstiel by Anna Maria Tremonti, on CBC Radio's "The Current."
An interview with Paul Steiger by Joseph Brean, in the National Post