Jared Wesley

In this discussion, Jared Wesley, a political science professor, explores Canada's growing political polarization. Cheryl Whiskeyjack, from the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Centre, shares insights on building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Melanie Hoffman introduces deep canvassing as a technique for fostering understanding across ideological divides. Together, they highlight local initiatives in Edmonton, emphasizing the power of community and empathy in transforming political dialogue and encouraging cooperation across differences.

Jared Wesley, a political science professor at the University of Alberta and an expert in Canadian constitutional politics, dives into the controversial notwithstanding clause. He explains its original intent as a safeguard against federal overreach and the recent surge in its invocation by politicians. The discussion reveals how this trend exposes tensions in Canadian democracy, especially given its use to bypass judicial checks on contentious laws. Jared also contrasts historical usage, like that of Quebec, with recent provincial examples, questioning the implications for minority rights.

Gary Mar, President of the Canada West Foundation and a former Alberta cabinet minister, teams up with Jared Wesley, a political science professor specializing in Alberta's political culture. They discuss Alberta's hypothetical independence from Canada and the complex negotiations that would follow, from treaty rewrites with Indigenous peoples to geopolitical challenges. They also explore the emotional impact of referendums, Alberta's quest for respect within Confederation, and the balancing act of maintaining its identity amid growing separatist sentiments.