2:00 – 3:00 pm: Kickoff event

The Charlottetown Forum opening will include an introduction to Confederation and PEI that incorporates both its Indigenous and settler colonial history, contextualizing the conversations, and acknowledging the site’s rich history.

The Forum will also include 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.

3:00 – 4:00 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, and will be moderated by Tech Journalist and Broadcaster, Nora Young.

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.