Changing the Conversation
The Solutions Agenda

The Issues

There was remarkable convergence between the participants on the key issues facing Canadian communities: there are serious asymmetries between communities in access to resources—knowledge, research and funding, not the least of which is moving from knowledge to action. There are huge implementation gaps between national policies and local action, overwhelming infrastructure deficits, and challenges with accessing the big data (r)evolution. Specific issues identified by the learning exchange, in no particular order of priority, include:

  1. climate change adaptation and mitigation

  2. lack of strong government legislation and regulations to incentivize local innovation

  3. community planning that emphasizes vehicle transportation over walking, cycling or transit

  4. access to sustainable energy choices

  5. access to local, resilient food system

  6. reducing the infrastructure deficit and implementing sustainable infrastructure

  1. lack of policy coherence and congruence by governments

  2. failure to value aesthetics, beauty and culture

  3. negative framing of public policy issues issues for political ends

  4. decreased civic engagement, low voter turnout, and behavioural inertia

  5. entrenched economic paradigm of growth and consumption and inadequacy of GDP measurement

  6. lack of civility and outdated government systems not reflective of modern society values