Victoria Forum: An Alternative Narrative on Canadian Diversity

As Canadians prepare to mark the first anniversary of the Quebec mosque attack, there is a crucial and pressing need for an alternative narrative highlighting the benefits of diversity, openness and inclusiveness in 21st century Canada. The inaugural Victoria Forum, held on 17-19 November 2017 under the theme "Canada@150: Promoting Diversity & Inclusion,” gathered global and national policy-makers, business leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss national successes and challenges on diversity and inclusion.

By supporting the Forum, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation was an essential partner of the event’s organizers – the University of Victoria and Global Affairs Canada. 2015 fellow Bessma Momani  designed one of the forum’s six tracks, while 2015 scholar Erin Aylward and 2014 scholar Geoffrey Cameron led two of the discussions. 2015 mentor Jillian Stirk spoke on a panel on inclusive socio-economic progress.