Why Us/Why Now?
Why has a respected cadre of former politicians and respected academics launched BC’s Strengthening Democracy Foundation?
The answer is glaringly obvious. Across the political spectrum in Canada – federally, provincially, locally – our systems of governance are under assault:
o There is an erosion of trust in democratic institutions and our once-respected political leaders.
o Rancor and hate-mongering are replacing good intentions, making respectful debate and non-partisan consensus harder and harder to sustain.
o Political malcontents are seeking to undermine and discredit democratic processes through disinformation and conspiracy theories.
o The erosion of political civility is discouraging public service engagement and participation.
o Political radicalization and polarization are fostering a climate of fear even at the city council and school board levels.
o Political extremists are weaponizing social media.
o Cybercriminals – including state-sponsored cyber manipulators – are impacting our ability to have fair and free elections.
All of this is taking place under a global canopy of rising national populism and political tribalism.
Founding Directors
President – Former MLA and cabinet minister Graham Bruce served as Mayor of North Cowichan, was elected as a Social Credit MLA from 1986 to 1991 in the riding of Cowichan-Malahat and was re-elected as a BC Liberal representing Cowichan-Ladysmith from 2001 to 2005.
Vice-president – Mike Harcourt served as the 34th Mayor of Vancouver from 1980 to 1986 and BC’s 30th premier from 1991 to 1996.
Vice-president – UBC Professor Max Cameron specializes in comparative politics (Latin America), constitutionalism, democracy, and political ethics. He is the author or editor of a dozen academic books and over sixty peer-reviewed articles.
Director – Gordon Hogg was the Mayor of White Rock from 1984 to 1993, represented Surrey-White Rock as an MLA and cabinet minister from 1997 to 2017, and served as the MP for South Surrey – White Rock from 2017 to 2019.