Andrew Coyne: The Crisis of Canadian Democracy

The Vancouver Institute Lecture Series is one of Canada’s longest-running public forums for ideas, hosted at the University of British Columbia since 1916. Held on Saturday evenings during the academic year, each event features a distinguished speaker—ranging from leading scholars and scientists to writers, policymakers, and public intellectuals—who presents on topics of broad public interest, including global affairs, science and technology, culture, and public policy. The lectures are free and open to all, reflecting a commitment to accessible, high-quality education beyond the classroom. Each talk is designed to engage a wide audience while maintaining intellectual depth, and is followed by a moderated question-and-answer session that encourages dialogue between speakers and attendees. Drawing a diverse audience from across the community, the series provides a space for critical reflection, informed debate, and the exchange of ideas in an inclusive and welcoming setting.