Finding Common Ground: A National Townhall Series
An initiative bringing people across Canada together to discuss and share innovative policies, solutions and approaches
We are living in a time of unprecedented polarization.
Divisiveness is pulling at Canada’s social fabric.
Isolation, misinformation and disinformation abound. But spaces where people are able to listen, connect and brainstorm solutions together can redirect us toward constructive outcomes.
Between 2024-2026, the CRRF, in collaboration with Canada’s Globe and Mail, brought together over a thousand community leaders, policymakers, academic experts and other stakeholders across Canada in a series of national townhalls to inform policy and foster community-led solutions.
Part 1: Addressing hate and racism in Canada
Across Canada, communities, governments, workplaces, and institutions are embarking on plans and strategies to tackle racism and discrimination. At a time when geopolitical issues, misinformation, population growth and economic challenges are straining our social fabric and contributing to increases in hate crimes, what policies, solutions and approaches will help find common ground?
Our first event in the series took place in Montreal on November 19, 2024. The town hall focused on social cohesion in polarized times.
Part 2: Addressing hate crimes – Strategies to improve reporting, tracking and response
Police-reported hate crimes in 2023 increased by more than 30 percent from the previous year, according to Statistics Canada. The actual number of hate crimes is even higher given most go unreported by victims, according to federal data. What strategies will support more reporting, investigation, effective response and prevention of hate crimes in Canada?
This second event was hosted online on February 28, 2025. The town hall focused on hate crimes and reporting.
Part 3: Supporting First Nations-Led Policing
Launched in March 2025, one of the directions Canada’s first federal Indigenous Justice Strategy seeks to support is access to culturally responsive policing in First Nations. What strategies, resources, and investments are needed to improve First Nations-led policing and access to justice?
This third event was hosted online on June 5, 2025. The town hall focused on supporting First Nations-led policing.
Part 4: Systemic Racism in Canada – Policy opportunities
Our fourth event in the series took place in Calgary on November 27, 2025. The town hall focused on exploring solutions across immigration, criminal justice, climate response and online safety, with a focus on actionable policies to create a more equitable Canada.
Part 5: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy – Onward to implementation
In 2025 the federal government announced a 10-year plan to implement recommendations in the Black Justice Strategy. Aimed at reducing systemic racism and the over-representation of Black communities in the justice system, the strategy includes 114 recommendations covering areas such as policing, courts, corrections and social supports. This virtual town hall took place on February 25, 2026.