Step into the heart of the national conversation at The 2025 Charlottetown Forum, where big ideas meet open dialogue in the birthplace of Canada.

Over two days, artists, thought leaders, and experts will come together to explore today’s most pressing issues—polarization in public discourse, the urgent need for climate action, and the future of Canadian healthcare.

More than just a conference, the Forum integrates artistic and cultural perspectives, turning discussions into experiences that resonate beyond the room. Expect dynamic panels, interactive breakout sessions, and powerful artistic responses that challenge and inspire.

3:00 pm: Kickoff event

The Charlottetown Forum will begin a tour of PEI (or presentation, if weather is inclement) that incorporates both its Indigenous and settler colonial history. This will contextualize the conversations that will take place, as well as acknowledge the rich history of the site of the Forum.

The Forum will also begin with an introduction to its Poetic Respondent, PEI Poet Laureate Tanya Davis. As Poet Laureate, Tanya speaks to local issues and events and advocates for literacy, literature, and the power of words. As Poetic Respondent of the Forum, Tanya will attend the panels and discussions taking place during the Forum, and craft and present a poetic response to the Forum’s themes at the closing reception.

4:00 – 5:00 pm: PANEL #1: Restoring Dialogue in an Age of Polarization

In an era of growing polarization, unreliable information, and the clash between opinions and facts, how can we engage in meaningful discussions on issues that impact us all? Our panelists will explore the diminishing practice of civic discourse and offer insights on how we can rebuild dialogue and foster collaboration in society. Panelists include Sabreena Delhon, CEO of the Samara Centre for Democracy; Owais Lightwala, professor, artistic producer and tech entrepreneur.

10:00 – 11:00 am: PANEL #2: Responding to Climate Change

 As a small island on Canada’s East Coast, Prince Edward Island is uniquely positioned to experience the immediate impacts of climate change. This panel will bring together Islanders to explore the pressing issues of rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and coastal erosion. With a focus on artistic responses, the discussion will highlight how creative practices on PEI are engaging with these environmental challenges, reflecting the island’s climate realities, and inspiring action. Through art, Islanders are not only documenting the changes but also shaping conversations around climate resilience and sustainability, both locally and globally.

Panelists include: Stephanie Arnold, PEI climate specialist for CLIMAtlantic; Kim Griffin, manager of sustainability and corporate communications at Maritime Electric; and Melissa Peter-Paul, award-winning quill artist from Lennox Island. The panel will be moderated by Anna Keenan, sustainable transportation officer for the City of Charlottetown and climate advocate.

3:00 – 4:00 pm: PANEL #3: A Collective Approach to Canadian Healthcare

This panel brings together four doctors from across Canada who will come together to discuss the systemic challenges that affect equitable care, and how the arts can contribute to a more holistic approach to care. Join us for an insightful conversation on how we can improve healthcare access and outcomes for all Canadians by bridging disciplines and thinking beyond
traditional solutions.

Panelists include: Dr. Megan Miller, PEI’s first chief physician recruiter and palliative care physician; Dr. Paula Cashin, a Mi’kmaw physician whose advocacy work looks at systemic barriers that prevent equity-seeking groups from entering the medical profession; and Dr. Eberhard Renner, former head of the liver transplant program at Toronto General, retired professor of medicine at the University of Manitoba, and now a full-time artist .

The panel will be moderated by Dr. Jillian Horton, award winning medical educator, writer, musician and podcaster.

Panel #1 – Newcomers, Immigration, and the Needs of a Rapidly Changing National Community – Discussion

Panel #1 – Newcomers, Immigration, and the Needs of a Rapidly Changing National Community – Q&A

Panel #2 – Economic Reconciliation – Q&A

Panel #3 – Shared Narratives in a Fractured Time – Discussion