THE SECOND REPORT CARD ON HOW CANADIANS COMMUNICATE, PARTICIPATE AND LEAD IN POLITICS
Samara Canada’s second edition of the Democracy 360 is a made-in-Canada report card on the state of Canada’s democracy. Built on the understanding that democracy is about more than just casting a ballot every four years, the report card examines the complex relationship between citizens and political leadership and how they interact, especially between elections. It measures three areas essential to a healthy democracy: communication, participation and political leadership.
The year 2017 is Canada’s sesquicentennial year. This is a moment that encourages reflection about Canada’s past, present and future—and what legacy from 2017 should shape the next 150 years. In 1967, as the country turned 100 years old, the federal government invested heavily in physical infrastructure—such as theatres and arenas—for the public’s benefit. Samara believes 2017 calls for a different type of investment: in our democratic infrastructure.
While the 360 doesn’t show failing grades, there are signs from abroad that democracy is fragile, with the number of “full democracies” in decline. With that in mind, Canadians should consider investing in education and an improved political culture in order to strengthen our democracy. More importantly, a country as rich in resources and people should be striving for “exceeds expectations” rather than the “meets expectations” of a B-. How might Canadian democracy receive its first A?
A country as rich in resources and people should be striving for “exceeds expectations” rather than “meets expectations.”
Samara Canada’s five ideas for strengthening democratic infrastructure:
Watch Samara Canada’s Executive Director, Jane Hilderman, discuss these ideas in front of a live audience:
Which of these “investments” in our democratic infrastructure do you think is most critical? Share your answer on Twitter or Facebook!
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