Dialogue Over Division

In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, public speaker and political consultant Ryan Painter shares his experience growing up with a cleft lip and being bullied, which made it difficult for him to speak confidently. Later in life, the political arena he found himself in sought to silence his voice, but Ryan refused to back down. Recognizing the critical role that conversation plays in fostering a thriving society, he highlights the challenges of navigating political environments and emphasizes that trust between public officials and institutions is fundamental to a functioning society. Ryan also discusses the importance of compromise in governance, believing that success in the political arena requires adaptability and growth. He encourages leaders and citizens alike to remain open to changing perspectives, stressing that growth and flexibility are essential strengths for effective public service. Throughout the conversation, Ryan underscores the need for civic engagement and the importance of ensuring one's voice is not silenced, no matter the pressure or opposition. He believes that dialogue is the cornerstone of democracy, and open, respectful conversations are key to bridging divides and creating a more inclusive society. After listening to this episode, take a step toward engaging more directly in civic dialogue—whether by attending a town hall, writing to your elected representatives, or participating in community discussions. Every voice matters, and by actively engaging in the conversation, you help build a society where trust, compromise, and progress can thrive. #politics #municipal #civilservices #bcpoli Connect with Eva Chipiuk: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chipiuk.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X/Rumble/YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@echipiuk⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Doug Main, Vice President of Communications for PACE ( Principled, Accountable Coalition for Edmonton), joins us to discuss the crucial role of municipal governance in shaping our communities. Doug highlights the importance of common sense, fiscally responsible, and accountable decision-making at the local level, emphasizing how municipalities provide essential services that directly impact our daily lives.   From the cost-effectiveness of net-zero buildings to the practicality of electric buses, Doug addresses concerns about whether certain initiatives are truly serving the public interest. He emphasizes the need for greater transparency and public engagement, noting that informed and active citizens are key to holding local governments accountable.   Doug introduces the concept of political parties at the municipal level, a role PACE hopes to fulfill by offering voters more clarity and choice. While the regulatory framework for municipal parties is still evolving, he explains how these parties could be established in a way similar to provincial regulations. Doug also shares PACE’s plans for organizing, calling for "pace setters" in each ward to take leadership roles and build strong local associations.   He stresses the importance of civic involvement, encouraging people to attend PACE’s information meetings to learn how they can help drive change. His message is clear: if you want to see meaningful improvements in your community, you need to get involved and make your voice heard.   As you listen, ask yourself: When was the last time you reached out to your local representative or attended a City Council meeting? Civic engagement doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can start with a simple conversation, a question, or an idea. Everyday citizens, just like you, can make a lasting impact on their communities. And remember, the first step toward change is getting involved!

Welcome to another episode of Dialogue over Division with Kelly Donovan, a former police officer and the author of Police Line: Do Not Cross: Silencing a Canadian Police Whistleblower. Kelly's remarkable story is a testament to standing up against entrenched, broken systems that often prioritize self-preservation over public welfare. Her experiences highlight the secrecy and fear within policing culture, that should be concerning to all citizens. Despite reaching out to various government officials for help, Kelly faced retaliation as a whistleblower, with many in power choosing to turn a blind eye.   Yet, in the face of injustice, Kelly didn't back down; she took action. Witnessing systemic issues in how police handled internal matters, she joined the force to get involved and gain insight. When confronted with legal injustices, she equipped herself with knowledge and successfully challenged high-powered lawyers in court. Kelly didn’t just stand her ground—she leveled up.   Kelly’s experiences underscore a critical lesson: when we ignore injustice and fail to act, problems become entrenched, and real progress stalls. To keep our democratic system strong and effective, we must confront power head-on and demand accountability. Kelly’s story is a powerful reminder that each of us has the capacity to effect change, and it is our collective responsibility to do so.   To learn more about Kelly’s story, you can purchase her book here: Police Line: Do Not Cross: Silencing a Canadian Police Whistleblower: Donovan, Kelly: 9781999245528: Books - Amazon.ca.   Join us as Kelly shares her inspiring journey and insights on how we can all contribute to a healthier, more accountable democracy.

On this episode of Dialogue over Division, we are excited to welcome Adrian Brown, Executive Director of the Centre for Public Impact. With over 20 years of experience in government performance and transformation, Adrian holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Master of Arts in Management Studies from the University of Cambridge. He brings a deep understanding of the complexities of governance and a passion for fostering innovation and resilience in government through strategic long-term thinking. In our conversation, Adrian shares his vision for better governance, emphasizing the need to foster an informed and engaged citizenry. We explore how addressing social issues requires acknowledging their complexity and striving for resolution rather than perfection, recognizing that each of us plays a part in the solution. We also discuss the difficulties of being a public figure in today’s polarized environment, where leaders often face intense scrutiny. While this scrutiny is necessary, it can sometimes hinder innovation and bold decision-making in government. Adrian believes that through strategic long-term thinking and learning from failures, we can build a more resilient public sector that not only withstands these pressures but thrives under them. As we navigate these ideas, it’s essential to consider: How can we, as citizens, contribute to a governance system that is not just reactive but proactive in addressing the needs of all? What role do we play in ensuring that our government remains accountable and responsive to the evolving challenges of our time? Adrian’s insights challenge us to embrace our shared responsibility in shaping the future of governance, emphasizing that while the path may not always be easy, it is one we must commit to together. Join us as we delve into these critical topics and discuss how we can collectively work towards a more effective, transparent, and resilient government. Find out more about Adrian and his organization at: https://www.centreforpublicimpact.org/ This podcast series is your guide to becoming a more informed and engaged citizen. It's a call to action for you to take an active role in maintaining the vitality of our democracy. Connect with Eva Chipiuk: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.chipiuk.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X/Rumble/YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@echipiuk⁠⁠⁠ Eva Chipiuk is not your typical lawyer. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Science, a Law Degree and a Masters of Law in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Eva has made a career representing David in the fight against Goliath. She has represented clients against large energy companies and the government. Her unique education and work experience has empowered her to represent clients and protect their rights in a unique and a more holistic way. Eva believes that in order for Canadians to be familiar with their legal rights and political systems, they must become active members in the democratic process. On this podcast, “Dialogue Over Division”, the goal is to empower Canadians to learn and engage in meaningful conversations about democracy and how we can come together as a nation to make a difference. Together we can work towards a brighter and more united Canada.