Dennis Pilon, York University
January 23, 2017, 2 pm – 4 pm
Academic South 217

Scholars routinely refer to Canadian democracy but seldom enquire about its origins or development, other than to note the extension of the franchise to women, visible minorities, and indigenous peoples.  Yet there is little doubt that while Canada was not a democracy at its founding it has been considered to be one for some time.  What changed?  When were the decisive moments that contributed to the shift from not-democracy to democracy?  The challenges in taking up this question are simultaneously theoretical, methodological and empirical, involving debate about just what ‘democracy’ is or is not and what counts as evidence in establishing its existence or depth.  This talk will explore these questions with the aid of historian Ian Mackay’s ‘liberal order framework’ to help guide the discussion.

For further information, please contact Zachary Spicer.