Wednesday, February 24, 2016
2:30-4:30 pm
Plaza 600F
Erin Tolley
Department of Political Science
University of Toronto

Canada prides itself on its multiculturalism and acceptance of diversity, but Erin Tolley argues that race still matters in Canadian politics. In this presentation, she will present findings from her new book, Framed, which reveals the racialized assumptions and narratives underpinning electoral news coverage. Her analysis shows that visible minority politicians receive more negative and less prominent media coverage, and their portrayal pigeon-holes them as less politically serious than their white counterparts. In-depth interviews with journalists, former candidates, and elected officials pinpoint the connections between race, media and politics in Canada and provide insights into the institutional biases that influence visible minorities’ experiences in politics. The prognosis is grim and one that calls into question Canada’s commitment to a robust and inclusive democracy.

Erin Tolley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto. Her research interests include: Canadian politics; public policy; media and politics; race and politics; gender and politics; and immigration, multiculturalism and citizenship. She is the co-editor of Diverse Nations, Diverse Responses: Approaches to Social Cohesion in Immigrant Societies (MQUP 2012), Immigration, Integration and Inclusion in Ontario Cities (MQUP 2012), Immigrant Settlement Policy in Canadian Municipalities(MQUP 2011), Integration and Inclusion of Newcomers and Minorities Across Canada (MQUP 2011), and Electing a Diverse Canada: The Representation of Immigrants, Minorities and Women (UBC Press 2008). Her article, “Do Women ‘Do Better’ in Municipal Politics? Representation Across Three Levels of Government” appeared in the Canadian Journal of Political Science and was short-listed for the John McMenemy Prize in 2012.

For further information, please contact Zachary Spicer.