Graphic provided by the CBC.

We live in an era of eroding democracy where polarization is increasingly fracturing our sense of a shared reality. With another federal election approaching, there’s a growing sense that our political system prioritizes short-term gains over the long-term health of our democracy. To address this, the CBC program IDEAS will host a series of cross-Canada discussions that focus on local solutions with the potential to inspire national change.

As part of the series, CBC Ideas will be discussing how housing affordability is reaching a crisis point across Canada. It is stoking conflict and resentment in local communities, especially between younger people and older generations.

What does it mean for society when owning or renting your own home is out of reach for so many? What obligations does a democratic society have to ensure everyone — including new Canadians — has access to safe and stable housing?

Cost: Free, but you need to register in advance. RSVP at the button below.

Moderated by Nahlah Ayed, the discussions will address how the housing crisis affects the Nanaimo community and how local solutions could inspire national change. The event will take place in Nanaimo on April 3 at the Nanaimo Harbourfront Library.  The series is part of CBC Collab fund and in partnership with the Samara Centre for Democracy. All events are free and open to the public, but you need to register in advance.