In a world where political discourse often feels more like a battleground than a conversation, the Whistler Institute is offering a refreshing antidote with its latest event, Democracy and Science: Anecdotes, Positive Notes, and a Forward-Thinking Approach. Scheduled for March 27, the event will feature Dr. Kennedy Stewart, a seasoned politician, academic, and former mayor of Vancouver, who will guide attendees through a thoughtful exploration of how to tackle complex issues without falling into the traps of partisanship or entrenched thinking.
Stewart brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as a member of Parliament, mayor, and professor of public policy at Simon Fraser University. His approach to problem-solving is rooted in evidence and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of defining the problem before jumping to solutions.
“People often come to public hearings or discussions with their minds made up, ready to push their own agendas rather than listen,” Stewart said in a pre-event interview. “But if we can all agree on what the problem is, we have a much better chance of solving it.”
The event will blend a structured presentation with real-world examples, including the housing crisis and Canada’s shifting relationship with the United States. Stewart plans to use these examples to illustrate how data and a methodical approach can lead to more effective solutions.
“Take housing, for example,” he said. “When I ask my students what the crisis is, they often talk about homeownership. But when you look at the data, homeownership rates in Canada have remained steady at 65 to 70 per cent for the past 70 years. So, what’s really going on? Who is being hurt, and how can we help them?”
The discussion will also touch on the broader challenges of navigating global political and economic uncertainty, particularly as Canada faces pressures like U.S. tariffs and shifting international alliances. Stewart stressed the importance of stepping back and thinking critically about the problems at hand, especially in times of crisis.
“When times are hard, we don’t have the luxury of making poor decisions,” he said. “We need to approach problems with a clear head and a willingness to listen to different perspectives.”
The event will be highly interactive, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own questions and topics for discussion, whether they relate to local issues or broader national and international challenges.
Stewart's unique perspective—shaped by his experience as an independent mayor and an MP who frequently worked across party lines—means he welcomes all viewpoints.
“I’ve worked with Liberals, Conservatives, and New Democrats,” he said. “This isn’t about partisanship—it’s about finding solutions that work for everyone.”
The Whistler Institute’s Democracy and Science event is a timely opportunity for the community to engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges we face—and how we can tackle them together. Whether you’re a policymaker, a community leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of our society, this is a discussion you won’t want to miss.
Democracy and Science: Anecdotes, Positive Notes, and a Forward-Thinking Approach takes place March 27 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. For more information or to register, visit the Whistler Institute’s website.
