Show Notes
In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we sit down with Edmonton City Councillor Andrew Knack to discuss his journey into municipal politics—from an unexpected first run at age 23 to becoming a long-serving advocate for responsive local government. Knack shares his experiences navigating city politics, the challenges of political discourse, and the importance of transparency and accountability among elected officials.
The conversation explores the role of media in shaping public perception, the accessibility of municipal representatives, and the growing disengagement of citizens from politics. We discuss the responsibility of elected officials to serve all constituents, not just those who share their views, and the need for real conversations even when perspectives differ. We also tackle pressing issues like urban planning, political partisanship, and bridging the gap between elected officials and the people they represent—ensuring government remains truly connected to the public it serves.
A key focus of the discussion is the need for respectful dialogue, particularly in moments of political tension, such as the convoy protests and the responses from elected officials. How do we create space for genuine conversations when we strongly disagree? And how can we rebuild trust between citizens and their representatives in an era of increasing division?
Join us for an insightful discussion on the realities of municipal governance, the power of persistence, and why principled leadership matters now more than ever. Tell us what you think—how can we foster meaningful dialogue and rebuild trust between citizens and their representatives?
More from Dialogue Over Division
In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we continue our series on the national interests identified by former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman in his 25-year vision for the country. The sixth national interest, Personal and Community Wellbeing, is foundational to the strength and resilience of our nation. Each national interest matters on its own, but they are deeply interconnected. Without healthy individuals and strong communities, our ability to advance in other areas of national interest is weakened.
In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we continue our series on the national interests identified by former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman in his 25-year vision for the country. The fifth national interest, Economic Prosperity and Growth, is the engine that sustains our national security, unity, and overall wellbeing. Each national interest is important on its own, but they are deeply interconnected. Without a strong and resilient economy, Canada’s ability to achieve progress in other areas is greatly diminished.
In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we continue our series on the national interests identified by former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman in his 25-year vision for the country. The fourth national interest, Rights and Freedoms, is essential to preserving the democratic foundation of Canada. Each national interest stands on its own, but they are deeply connected, and without robust protections for our rights, the stability and unity of the nation are at risk.
In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we continue our series on the national interests identified by former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman in his 25-year vision for the country. The third national interest, Good Governance, is vital to ensuring that Canada’s institutions serve the people with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Each national interest is important on its own, but they are deeply interconnected. Without good governance, our ability to protect and advance the others is diminished.
National Interest 2 - National Security In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we continue our series on the national interests identified by former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman in his 25-year vision for the country. The second national interest, national security, is essential to safeguarding everything we value as a nation. Each national interest is vital on its own, but they are deeply intertwined, and without security, the stability and freedoms that define Canada cannot be sustained.Colonel Redman explains that national security is far more than a military matter, it is an interconnected system that includes intelligence services, border control, the judicial system, and emergency management. Each element plays a role in protecting Canadians from threats, both foreign and domestic. But Redman warns that Canada’s current security framework faces systemic challenges, from insufficient long-term planning to weaknesses in coordination and execution.We examine what it means to have a truly secure nation in today’s rapidly changing world. David stresses the importance of developing and maintaining a cohesive, forward-looking security strategy—one that anticipates emerging threats, leverages strong alliances, and is rooted in transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. Without this, Canada risks being reactive instead of prepared.Our conversation also explores how shifting geopolitical dynamics, technological advances, and evolving global risks demand that Canada adapt. Security, David emphasizes, is not just the responsibility of governments it is a shared responsibility, requiring an informed and engaged public.Join us as we unpack the meaning of national security in a modern, interconnected world, and why a clear, 25-year vision is critical to protecting Canada’s future.Because if we don’t understand how to secure our nation, how can we expect it to endure?To explore these ideas further, read the full paper by Lieutenant Colonel David Redman, Canada 2024: A Confident Resilient Nation or a Fearful Fractured Country, available here: https://fcpp.org/2024/03/21/policy-series-canada-2024-a-confident-resilient-nation-or-a-fearful-fractured-country/Connect with Eva Chipiuk:Website: www.chipiuk.caX/Rumble/YouTube: @echipiuk