Between 2024 and 2027, the Association for Canadian Studies will organize a series of biannual Canadian Identity Forums designed to bring together policymakers, educators, researchers, and civil society to explore key aspects of Canadian identity. These forums, held alongside the major national Metropolis conferences, foster inclusive and informed dialogue about Canada’s past and present. Organized around timely themes, the forums feature plenary sessions and roundtable discussions that promote cross-sectoral engagement. In addition to the forums, the project includes ongoing publications, public polling research and learning modules that deepen public engagement with Canada’s diverse histories and identities.
This forum’s sessions explore a topics related to identity, inclusion, and social change in Canada and beyond. Discussions include the evolving identity of Hongkonger Canadians, strategies to dismantle anti-Black racism in education, and the impact of digital hate and disinformation. Other sessions focus on addressing systemic racism in government services, rebuilding trust in uncertain times, and understanding the role of diasporas in shaping global migration dynamics. Together, these sessions offer diverse perspectives and practical insights into building a more equitable and informed society.
At the Metropolis Canada conference, the Canadian Heritage-sponsored track offered sessions exploring Canadian identities, racism, and discrimination through panels, workshops, and community initiatives, fostering dialogue and inclusive solutions.
This edition of Canadian Issues examines the sharp turn in Canada-U.S. relations under President Trump, questioning whether a long-standing partnership built on trade, security, and shared values is fundamentally shifting. Framed by the distant memory of the War of 1812, contributors offer reflections on the impact of U.S. tariffs, rising tensions, and the challenges facing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new Liberal government as it seeks to navigate an increasingly uncertain cross-border relationship.
As the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation nears, preserving Holocaust memory is increasingly urgent. This collection offers Canadian perspectives on the challenges of remembrance, featuring contributors from fields such as history, law, and education. Blending scholarly research, advocacy, and personal insights, these reflections highlight the enduring importance of Holocaust memory and its universal lessons.
An April 2025 survey by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies highlights ongoing tensions between English and French speakers in Canada, particularly in Quebec. Quebecers who perceive poor relations between their province and the rest of Canada also tend to view English–French relations negatively. Interestingly, Quebecers rate Indigenous–non-Indigenous relations more positively than English–French relations, a reversal of perceptions found elsewhere in the country, especially on the Prairies. The survey also reveals that young Quebecers are especially skeptical about the state of English–French relations. These insights come at a time when the federal government is placing renewed focus on culture and identity.
To mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Association for Canadian Studies commissioned a March 2025 survey examining patterns of prejudice in Canada. While racial and religious minorities remain the primary targets of negative sentiment, the study challenges the conventional view that prejudice is mainly held by majority groups. Instead, it highlights the demographic diversity of those who hold such views, offering a more nuanced understanding of racism in Canada. The findings emphasize the need for a broader approach to combating discrimination in an increasingly diverse society.
This course explores how immigration has shaped and continues to reshape Canadian identity. Drawing on history, policy, statistics, and lived experience, it examines the evolution of migration patterns, multiculturalism, race, ethnicity, transnationalism, and mixed-race identities. Through expert interviews, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the forces that inform Canada's diverse and dynamic society.
Contact christopher.surtees@acs-aec.ca to register
