Women Talking Democracy

Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne reflects on a lifetime of political engagement, from local school board activism to becoming Ontario’s first woman premier and Canada’s first openly gay premier. Wynne argues that democracy depends on strong public institutions, meaningful civic participation, and a belief that people can shape the decisions that affect their lives. She traces her own political journey to a conviction that education, community engagement, and collective action are essential foundations for democratic society.

Jennifer Hollett, Executive Director of The Walrus and former journalist, political candidate, and digital media leader, explores the relationship between media, civic participation, and democratic health. She reflects on why democracy feels increasingly disconnected from everyday life and why many people are losing faith in traditional institutions. She argues that economic insecurity, declining trust, and the fragmentation of information ecosystems have created fertile ground for democratic dissatisfaction and authoritarian appeals.

Filmmaker Raha Shirazi discusses the creation of her documentary A War on Women, which traces more than four decades of feminist resistance in Iran. Drawing on her own experience as an Iranian-Canadian and the daughter of a women’s rights activist, Shirazi reflects on the power of storytelling, documentation, and film as tools for preserving history and amplifying voices that authoritarian regimes seek to silence.

Ana Serrano, President and Vice-Chancellor of OCAD University and co-founder of the Democracy Exchange, explores the power of creativity and digital technologies in shaping the future of democracy. Ana Serrano’s passion for nurturing the creativity of others led her to become a university president.

Former Ontario Minister of Finance and longtime public servant Janet Ecker reflects on democracy through the lens of political leadership, public accountability, and civic responsibility. She argues that democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by citizens who are willing to participate, stay informed, and engage with differing viewpoints. Throughout the conversation, Ecker emphasizes that democracy is both a privilege and a responsibility – one that requires continual effort to maintain.

Historian and author Marci Shore reflects on the growing challenges facing democracies around the world, drawing on her research on authoritarianism, Eastern Europe, and democratic resistance movements. She explores why democratic erosion is often gradual and difficult to recognize, the role of education and universities in sustaining democratic culture, and the dangers posed by misinformation, inequality, and political scapegoating.

Fae Johnstone, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Queer Momentum, explores the relationship between democracy, human rights, and social movements through the lens of 2SLGBTQIA+ advocacy. Reflecting on her own experiences as a trans woman and activist, she argues that democracy is strongest when it expands dignity, inclusion, and participation to those historically excluded from public life. She also discusses the rise of anti-trans politics in Canada and abroad as part of a broader challenge to democratic norms and institutions.

Ewa Krejewska, constitutional lawyer and partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP, reflects on the institutions that sustain democratic societies and the growing pressures they face. Drawing on her family’s experience fleeing communist Poland and her work on major constitutional cases, she argues that democracy is more than majority rule – it depends on constitutional protections, and an independent judiciary, a free press, independent universities, and a legal profession capable of challenging government power.

Former journalist, diplomat, and Independent Canadian Senator Pamela Wallin reflects on democracy through the lens of a career that has spanned media, public service, and politics. Wallin argues that one of the greatest challenges facing democracies today is the erosion of trust in institutions, governments, and shared sources of information. She explores how technological change, social media, and increasing political polarization have transformed public life and weakened common civic experiences.