Dr. Alex Marland (Politics), the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Acadia University, was host and moderator of a friendly yet frank discussion that brought together Independent, NDP, Liberal, and Conservative politicians and advisors - all to talk about the importance of trust in our political systems.

“Canada has arguably the best democracy in the world,” said Dr. Marland. “Yet basic tenets of our political institutions are under threat from disinformation to online harassment. More than ever, we need ethical, accountable politicians who can help restore public trust in government, political parties, and our legislatures.”

The free Leadership and Trust in Canadian Politics event at the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre at Acadia offered the public a special opportunity to take in a fireside chat and a panel discussion with provincial and federal politicos, as well as an open Q&A opportunity. The on-stage guests included Bobbi Ann Brady (Independent MPP, Ontario), Ian Brodie (Conservative strategist, former chief of staff to PM Harper, and professor at University of Calgary), Anne McLellan (former Deputy PM, minister & former Liberal MP), and Peggy Nash (labour activist and former NDP MP).

The discussions illuminated issues in partisan and party politics, what it takes to get elected, and the panelists views of the qualities and standards they believe all politicians need to adhere to, regardless of their positions on specific issues.

The panelists and topic attracted an audience that included elected officials, aspiring politicians, students, professors, and community members - all of whom especially appreciated the accessible nature of the event.

Within the audience and part of the team that pulled the event together was Mae Graham, who in September is starting a Master’s in political science at Acadia with a Jarislowsky studentship. She appreciated the opportunity to meet politicians, academics, and community members from all over the country.

“It was a highlight to hear about their experiences with politics and witness them brainstorm new ways to serve the public that also builds trust,” said Mae. “There’s a group of really dedicated individuals who genuinely want to see Canadians thrive and feel supported by our democracy. I left the event feeling very uplifted by the importance those in attendance place on ensuring trust remains an important aspect in Canadian politics.”

 

 

Sam Richard, a third-year political science student at Acadia was not only excited to be an audience member but also take part behind-the-scenes as one of Dr. Marland’s student research assistants.

“I had the opportunity to go up to these professionals and have enlightening one-on-one discussions where I genuinely felt that my opinion was valued. It was so inspiring," said Sam. "I’ve discovered that moments like this are a big part of the unique experience Acadia offers, where students like me can chart our journeys to match our passions.”

“As an audience member and a young person with an interest in public service, I gained a better grasp from these seasoned experts on when you can allow personal beliefs to guide politics, how to include them in policymaking, and when to leave them aside if need be.”

This panel and the lessons people like Mae and Sam are taking from it feed directly into the work Dr. Marland is championing as the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Acadia University. He and his Network of Jarislowsky Chairs are working together on a mission to shape the next generation of leaders to personify ethical accountability.

Acadia has joined four other Canadian universities in a $20-million project to forge a new standard in Canada's political leadership and ethics education. The chairholders are developing a shared curriculum and certificate program emphasizing political ethics, governance, and public accountability to cultivate principled public sector leaders. The end goal is to enhance the integrity and quality of Canadian political leaders, reinforce a culture of accountability, and foster a vision for a transparent and effective public governance framework.

“This experience would not have been possible without the Jarislowsky Foundation and their creation of the Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership that funded and hosted the event,” said Mae.

 

 

GET THE ACADIA EXPERIENCE WITH DR. MARLAND

Dr. Alex Marland will be teaching Research Methodology (POLS 3033) this fall, Leaders and Cabinets in Canada (POLS 3133) this winter, and he is currently working on a proposal to create a Certificate in Democratic Leadership.