Canadian governments face growing tensions in policy debate resulting from polarization or fragmentation of views. 

In our second Driving Dialogue and Debate Series we will introduce participants to a methodology for building shared narratives. Built around the notion of mutual accommodation, a shared narrative is a story that opponents develop together to help them solve difficult policy disputes. It frames or reframes issues in ways that the parties can agree on, despite their differences, and establishes the common ground they need to start a meaningful dialogue and work toward finding an acceptable policy solution. 

This series will analyze four topics that are timely and important to the government, where getting agreement on a path forward is a challenge. With each topic, you will explore how the key narratives in play affect policy development, social cohesion and polarization. We will introduce a methodology to develop shared narratives, and provide participants with the concepts and skills they need to begin putting the methodology into practice.


Four topics that are timely and important to government

  • What Happens after the COVID-19 Vaccine? 
  • Affordable Housing: The Path to a National Housing Strategy 
  • The Canadian Story of “Canada in the World” 
  • Systemic Racism – Building a Shared Understanding  

 Session dates are coming soon 

Through this approach you will learn how to: 

  • frame an issue to identify common ground 
  • start a meaningful dialogue to work toward solutions 
  • build this understanding into the policy development process 
  • employ new tools for consultations and communications 

If you followed our 2020 Driving Dialogue and Debate series, you can read the discussion paper here.


 Contact us and learn more about this project 

 Contact Brad Graham by email at bgraham@iog.ca or by phone at 416 300-6083.