The clearest answer I’ve found is this: positive change needs a strong democracy—and strong democracies require real, in-person connection. Research from political scientist Robert Putnam has shown a powerful link between healthy communities and the everyday relationships that build trust over time—through simple things like sports teams, volunteering, neighbourhood groups, and professional associations.

If our democracy is going to continue to thrive, we need to bring people together in new ways that fit modern life. But in today’s world, connecting in person is harder than it should be. Technology has accelerated disconnection in some ways—but in my experience, people still want to come together, build trust, and work on things that matter.

That’s what The Real Influencers of Canada is about: highlighting people who are doing exactly that, and sharing the stories and practical ideas that others can use too.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.