Crossing the Divide: A Screening
As public debate becomes increasingly polarized in Canada and around the world, the need for stronger civic awareness and healthier democratic engagement has never been clearer. While much attention is placed on youth civic education, it is equally essential to support constructive dialogue among today’s voting-age population. To discuss the implications and offer insights on how to engage with people we disagree with, the Centre hosted a screening and discussion featuring the short documentary “Crossing the Divide”, on January 28.
How to restore dialogue in polarizing times
“Crossing the Divide” follows Amanda Sussman and Kathleen McGill, two Canadians with opposing political views who discover an unexpected friendship while learning how to depolarize themselves and their surroundings. The event featured a screening of the film followed by a discussion with the film’s protagonists and a conversation with cross-partisan political leaders.
After a discussion with Amanda and Kathleen on their experience making the film moderated by Meredith Preston McGhie, Members of Parliament Karim Bardeesy (LPC) and Mike Lake (CPC) sat down with Kevin Rupasinghe, Interim Executive Director at Unlock Democracy Canada, to talk about how dialogue and openness could transform the way people relate to one another in a democracy.
“Crossing the Divide”, directed by Chrisann Hessing, examines some of the most pressing challenges facing Canada’s democracy, including rising polarization. Since the film’s premiere at Hot Docs, the creative team has been eager to bring this conversation to Ottawa, the heart of national decision-making. In a full Dialogue Centre, the participants and panelists could see first-hand that there are others who want to connect with people regardless of political affiliation.