The LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium is a joint effort of John Ralston Saul, The Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Dominion Institute.  Its purpose is to create an annual venue to stimulate debate about the historical antecedents and future shape of our democracy and honour two of Canada's great political reformers.

Hosted in a different city each year, previous speakers include The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour, George Erasmus, President of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

Use this website to explore in text and video all seven years of LaFontaine-Baldwin lectures, read associated articles and post your views on our message board.

The lead sponsor for the LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium is TD Bank Financial Group.

2007 Symposium - The Society of Difference

Canadians have come to believe that the diversity we enjoy in our country is familiar and reassuring.  But, what about the future of a Canada which lives with difference but does not understand it?  Is it necessary to prepare for a future in which contrasting values and expectations could clash? In The Society of Difference, Adrienne Clarkson reflected in a provocative and original manner on the challenges we must face individually and as part of the community we have created around us.

Adrienne Clarkson delivered the LaFontaine-Baldwin Lecture at the Fairmont Hotel in Vancouver on Friday March 2, 2007, where she presented a vital discussion on citizenship and democracy entitled The Society of Difference. The next morning, Saturday March 3, Symposium Chair John Ralston Saul led a free Public Town Hall discussion at the Vancouver Public Library.

Read the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson’s lecture delivered as part of the 8th Annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium here.