Dialogue Over Division

042: Redefining the Nation: A 25-Year Vision with David Redman | Dialogue Over Division

Dialogue Over Division

Show Notes

In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we sit down with former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman to explore a transformative vision for the nation's future at a critical fork in the road. Drawing from his extensive military and public service experience—and building on the themes of his paper, “Canada 2024: A Confident Resilient Nation or a Fearful Fractured Country,” which poses the essential question: “What do Canadians want Canada to be?”—David outlines a 25-year plan based on six national interests, including: Unity, National Security, Good Governance, Rights and Freedoms, Economic Prosperity and Growth, and Personal and Societal Well-being.

He delves into the historical context behind the challenges Canada faces today, highlighting how helicopter and bulldozer parenting have contributed to a society increasingly reliant on government intervention. This growing dependency has enabled a slow encroachment on rights and freedoms, quietly eroding the foundations of democracy. Colonel Redman offers actionable solutions to help reclaim individual responsibility and reassert the values that strengthen the nation.

At a time of growing distrust, fractured unity, and widespread disillusionment with leadership, many are asking whether our current structures still serve the people they were meant to protect. Trust in public institutions is eroding, while elected officials increasingly neglect their responsibilities and too often disparage the very citizens they were elected to represent. In this episode, we discuss these pressing issues and the question David raises about the future direction of the nation.

Join us for a compelling and timely conversation—one that challenges complacency, encourages civic courage, and reminds us that the strength of a country lies in the hands of its people. Because if we do not define the future of this nation, someone else will, and not everyone has our best interests at heart. What kind of country do you want to leave behind?

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.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ X/Rumble/YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@echipiuk⁠⁠⁠

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Dec 14, 2025

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.

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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.

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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.

Oct 5, 2025

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.

Sep 8, 2025

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

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