This spring, The Walrus brings national conversations to stages across Canada. 

Join us next week in Saskatoon or online for The Walrus Talks Wildfires. Continue the conversation in Toronto with The Walrus Talks Power and Belonging, and then join us in Calgary for a special debate on civility in politics. Wherever you are—in person or online—be part of the ideas shaping how we respond, rebuild, and reconnect.

Max Bell Foundation presents

The Walrus Talks Wildfires

Facing up to a future with more fire

NEXT WEEK: Wednesday, April 1
6 p.m. PDT | 7 p.m. MDT | 7 p.m. CST | 8 p.m. CDT | 9 p.m. EDT | 10 p.m. ADT | 10:30 p.m. NDT

In person in Saskatoon and livestreamed event

At The Walrus Talks Wildfires, expert voices from the health, climate, policy, and emergency management sectors come together to explore the impact of the wildfire crisis. Speakers will break down how fires affect public health outcomes, air quality, and the economy, as well as the challenges of rebuilding communities after catastrophic loss and why Indigenous nations are disproportionately affected. With smoke and other side-effects now crossing provincial and national borders, Canadians are asking not whether this will continue, but how we respond.

Live in Saskatoon and streamed online, this event is an opportunity to hear from leading experts, engage with the latest research and perspectives, and explore promising solutions that can shape Canada’s response. 

FEATURING

Yolanda Clatworthy, Director, Mitigating Wildfire, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University

Dr. Robert Henry, Associate Professor, Department of Indigenous Studies, University of Saskatchewan; Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Justice and Wellbeing

Dr. Courtney Howard, Emergency Physician; Founder, POWER—Planetary Health Organizations for Wellbeing, Equity, and Regeneration; Chair, Global Climate and Health Alliance

Dr. Eric Lamb, Professor, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan

Chief Ken McMullen, President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Lee-Ann Ross, Senior Director, Claims Operations, SGI CANADA

Belonging Forum presents

The Walrus Talks Power and Belonging

Exploring agency, purpose, and belonging in action

Thursday, April 9
4 p.m. PDT | 5 p.m. MDT | 5 p.m. CST | 6 p.m. CDT | 7 p.m. EDT | 8 p.m. ADT | 8:30 p.m. NDT

In person in Toronto and livestreamed event

Every year, new studies show continual erosion in the public trust in institutions and society in Canada. Democracy feels fragile, and many people feel shut out of the systems that shape their lives. Now more than ever, it’s important to question and understand the intersection of power and belonging.

At The Walrus Talks Power and Belonging, speakers from civic life, research institutions, culture work, and community organizing will explore how agency and voice define whether people feel they belong. How can dignity, trust, and participation be rebuilt when polarization is driving us apart? How can communities and individuals reclaim the power to make a difference?

From democracy and civic participation to education, economic systems, and cultural identity, join us live in Toronto or online for fast-paced talks exploring the power to participate, be heard, and connect with others around shared purpose.

FEATURING

Dr. Nadha Hassen, Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Health Emergencies and Pandemics, University of Toronto

Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein, Canada Research Chair of Feminist Political Economy, Founder of the Diverse Solidarity Economies Collective

Amanda Munday, Executive Director, New Majority

Riley Yesno, Scholar, Writer, and Indigenous Politics Expert, University of Toronto/The Yellowhead Institute

Maiwand Rahyab, Founder and CEO, Resilient Societies

And more

Canadian Vote Summit

The Walrus Debate: Can Politics be Civil Again?

Three parties. One debate. 

Wednesday, May 20
5:30 p.m. PDT | 6:30 p.m. MDT | 6:30 p.m. CST | 7:30 p.m. CDT | 8:30 p.m. EDT | 9:30 p.m. ADT | 10:00 p.m. NDT

In person in Calgary and livestreamed event

As political discourse grows sharper and trust erodes, The Walrus Debate asks a timely question: Can Politics Be Civil Again?

Hosted in Calgary at the Canadian Vote Summit, this debate brings together former political leaders and insiders from Canada’s major parties to model respectful disagreement and explore how dialogue can help rebuild public trust in democracy.

Expect a dynamic and thought-provoking discussion that moves beyond partisanship to examine how political culture can shift toward greater accountability, civility, and trust.

FEATURING

Kathleen Wynne, 25th Premier of Ontario

Jagmeet Singh, Former Leader of the New Democratic Party

Ian Brodie, Former Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper

WATCH: The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging

How do we foster belonging across generations? What does it mean to age — and thrive — in a world that often overlooks older adults? At The Walrus Talks at Home: Aging and Belonging, speakers shared their unique perspectives on how aging shapes identity, connection, and community.