The LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium is the ICC's intellectual platform, inviting all Canadians to join the national conversation on citizenship and the public good. Founded in 2000 by ICC Co-Chair, John Ralston Saul, the Symposium has been a signature lecture event hosted across the country showcasing leading Canadian and international thinkers on the issues of democracy, civic engagement and pluralism - the public good. It complements the ICC’s grassroots programs by encouraging participants to think about Canada’s big picture, and invites new citizens to lend their voice to this important topic.

LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium Advisory Board

The following people serve on the LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium Advisory Board, lending their time and expertise to this influential event: Alain Dubuc (advisor and 2001 lecturer); Dr. Margaret Conrad; Dr. Gerald Friesen; Dr. Anne Golden; Le Prof. Jocelyn Létourneau; Michael Levine; Émile Martel; and, John Ralston Saul (Advisory Board Chair, ICC Co-Chair and former lecturer).

Who were LaFontaine and Baldwin?

Louis-Hippolyte LaFontaine and Robert Baldwin are best known in Canadian history as the architects of responsible government. From Montreal and Toronto respectively, they were both influential in early Canadian politics as lawyers and as members of their respective Assemblies. In the wake of the chaotic Rebellions of 1837-1838, LaFontaine and Baldwin came together to oppose the British administration's attempts to assimilate French Canadians and maintain power in the hands of the colonial elite. Their victory in the elections of 1848 brought responsible government to the United Province of Canada. They also had a revolutionary effect on Canada's public administration, the legal system, the creation of municipalities, and the education system.

LaFontaine-Baldwin Speakers

2013: Shawn A-in-chut Atleo

2010: His Highness the Aga Khan

2009: Siila Watt-Cloutier

2007: The Rt Hon. Adrienne Clarkson

2006: George Elliott Clarke

2005: The Hon. Louise Arbour

2004: David Malouf

2003: The Rt Hon. Beverley McLachlin

2002: Georges Erasmus

2001: Alain Dubuc

2000 John Ralston Saul