The Next Canada, 2007

On May 6, 2007, CES organized a special panel discussion before its annual fundraising dinner. Called “THE NEXT CANADA”, this discussion invited representatives from the four major Canadian parties (Conservatives, Liberal, NDP, and Green) to share their vision about building a better Canada in the 21st century. Representatives from the community, including a youth representative, were also invited to share their views about the future of Canada. The panelists were there not to debate, but to dialogue and learn from one another about what’s possible and desirable for the next Canada.

The panelists talked about a caring Canada, a green Canada, a fair and just Canada, an open Canada, and a sustainable Canada. These are the “core” Canadian values that they want to take further into the 21st century, in the context of global climate change, international conflicts and peacekeeping, globalization and poverty, multiculturalism, and most of all human security.

The event was well attended by community leaders, government officials, and many interested citizens.