Why Leadership and Trust Matter for Democracy

How do leaders earn and keep the public’s trust in an era of polarization, misinformation, and political fatigue? In this episode, we share with you the recording of an Acadia University event where Futureproofing Canada host Jennifer Ditchburn moderated a frank discussion on leadership, democracy, and trust with former Nova Scotia premier Daryl Dexter, journalist Steve Murphy, former cabinet minister Kelly Regan, and former Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick. The panel explored what transparency, empathy, and accountability look like in practice, from governing through crises to rebuilding confidence in institutions and the media. The conversation also examined how Canada can strengthen media literacy, counter disinformation, and support local journalism as foundations of a healthy democracy.