Canada’s Broken Democracy: How Do We Fix It?

Chronic minority governments, voter indifference, constitutional crises: Maclean’s columnists Andrew Coyne and Paul Wells go head-to-head on the state of the nation

TORONTO, – Sept. 17 – One thing Maclean’s columnists Paul Wells and Andrew Coyne can agree upon wholeheartedly is that Canadian democracy is in a shambles. Beyond that, opinions – from what is the worst area of dysfunction to what reforms are most urgent – begin to split.In this week’s issue of Maclean’s – and in a special round table discussion in Toronto Sept. 23 – two of Canada’s most astute political journalists square off. Issues include, as Coyne puts it: “Elections about nothing, parties that have been reduced to leadership cults, a permanently deadlocked parliament and record-low voter turnout.” Although Wells declares he has all but abandoned Ottawa as a source of helpful ideas, he has his own thoughts on what it will take to fix Canada’s broken democracy.

Turn to the pages of Maclean’s for more – on newsstands now. Or, attend the “In Conversation With Maclean’s” round table discussion as Coyne and Wells lead a discussion with guests including former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, former prime minister’s chief of staff Eddie Goldenberg and author John Ralston Saul.

What: Our Democracy is Broken – A roundtable discussion
Where: St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Jane Mallett Theatre
27 Front St. East, Toronto
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tickets: $15 to $20. Visit www.macleans.ca/inconversation

Moderator: CPAC’s Peter Van Dusen
Sponsor: CPAC, which will be airing the discussion live

About Maclean’s:

Maclean’s is Canada’s only national weekly current affairs magazine. Maclean’s enlightens, engages and entertains 2.4 million readers with strong investigative reporting and exclusive stories from leading journalists in the fields of international affairs, social issues, national politics, business and culture. Visit www.macleans.ca

For further information: Louise Leger, (416) 764-4125, louise.leger[at]rci.rogers.com