The 20th Hurtig Annual Lecture: Canada in a Turbulent World

With Alberta facing a historic separation referendum this fall and trade volatility reshaping global diplomacy, the question of Canada’s future has rarely felt this urgent — or this uncertain. As the Department of Political Science marks the 20th anniversary of the Annual Hurtig Lecture on the Future of Canada, this flagship event returns to the high-stakes conversation sparked by its namesake, legendary Canadian economic nationalist Mel Hurtig.

Set against a backdrop of American trade tensions and deep domestic political strife, this milestone year features Troy Lulashnyk, Global Affairs Canada's Director General of Peace and Security Programs, who will address “Canada in a Turbulent World.”

“We're very excited to have Troy Lulashnyk,” says Dr. Yasmeen Abu-Laban, professor and Canada Research Chair in the Politics of Citizenship and Human Rights. “He's had tremendous experience as a diplomat in different world regions, in the Middle East, in Ukraine, in areas that are on the front pages of the news. He’s at the forefront of thinking about the next direction that Canada is headed.”

For Lulashnyk, delivering the lecture offers a timely opportunity to explore those shifting global dynamics.

“I am very much looking forward to the discussion,” says Lulashnyk from his home in Ottawa. “In particular, the profound and far-reaching changes to the international security environment and the implications for Canada as we protect and promote a myriad of national interests and goals.”

Since 2018, Abu-Laban has led the annual organization of the Hurtig Lecture, building on the foundation established by Distinguished University Professor Emerita Dr. Janine Brodie, who founded and directed the series from 2006 to 2017. Two decades in, the Hurtig Lecture remains an indispensable forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, offering a vital space to take stock of our national identity and examine what it means to defend Canada’s place in an increasingly unstable world.

“There’s an enduring interest in understanding where we are and how we’re living in Canada, whether we’re Canadian citizens or not,” says Abu-Laban. “The world that, for many of us, has felt very stable for decades seems to be in flux, and so for this year’s lecture it makes sense to think on the global level — to reflect on Canada's place in a world that is rapidly unfolding and still unknown.”

Launched in 2006, the Hurtig Lecture series was envisioned as a public forum to address the major political, social, cultural and economic issues facing the nation. As founding director and primary steward for over a decade, Brodie established its reputation for bringing high-profile thinkers and policy experts to Edmonton — building what stands today as a world-class platform for contemporary debate. By hosting distinguished figures, including author Margaret Atwood and former Governor General Mary Simon (who spoke in 2010 on the Inuit in Canada long before taking office) and, more recently, with speakers like former Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, and leading experts Elissa Strome on AI ethics and David Lyon on surveillance, the series continues to bring a cross-section of extraordinary voices to the stage to tackle the defining issues of our time.

As the Hurtig Lecture enters its third decade, the series remains true to what Mel Hurtig did best: pushing past complacency and questioning prevailing assumptions.

“Invariably, these speakers would begin their lecture by expressing their great admiration and debt of gratitude for Mr. Hurtig’s countless contributions to national debates and public life, as well as feeling honoured to contribute to his bold legacy of thoughtful contestation of the status quo,” said Brodie in her tribute to Hurtig following his death in 2016. “He was delighted to attend every lecture, to interact with our students and the broader public, and to challenge our invited speakers on the finer points of their presentations.”

Years after his passing, the lecture remains a vibrant space for democratic debate, drawing both the university community and Hurtig’s own family back to the conversation.

“I’m excited to be attending the lecture this year with my youngest son, says Leslie Hurtig, who has followed in her father’s footsteps as a Canadian literary producer and champion, carrying forward a proud family tradition of discussion and active civic engagement.

A crucial force behind the sustainability of the lecture is Edmonton author, professor, philanthropist and community advocate Dr. Susan Minsos. Along with her husband, Ove, Minsos has played a pivotal role in championing and funding the lecture series, helping secure its long-term financial endowment and ensuring it remained free and accessible to both the university community and the broader public.

As a former coordinator and popular instructor in the Canadian Studies program (then housed within the Department of Political Science), Minsos was equally instrumental in shaping the initiative’s early vision.

“It came to life organically,” she says. “Our students’ classiest move was to find a way to honour an inspirational person, a local publisher, and the prime mover behind The Canadian Encyclopedia, Mel Hurtig. The lecture continues to hold public interest because, like Mel, we — most of us — are eager to learn more about ourselves while contemplating the future of our federation.”

“The series would have been impossible without the support of Sue and Ove Minsos,” reflects Brodie, marveling at the milestone. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years.”

Together, Sue and Ove Minsos provided the initial vision, Canadian Studies connection and philanthropic backing, while founding director Janine Brodie brought the academic stewardship and execution needed to establish the Hurtig Lecture as an enduring success.

By bringing voices like Troy Lulashnyk to Edmonton during a moment of profound local and global transformation, the Department of Political Science ensures that Hurtig’s fearless commitment to the nation’s future continues to thrive.

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Proudly co-sponsored from its inception by the Department of Political Science and the Faculty of Arts, this event continues to thrive thanks to the enduring vision of founding donors Dr. Susan Minsos, Ove Minsos KC and family, alongside the ongoing support of the Hurtig family.

Presented as part of U of A Days from September 17-20, register now for the 20th Annual Hurtig Lecture with Troy Lulashnyk: Canada in a Turbulent World, Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m., Timms Centre for the Arts.

NOTE: The in-person portion of this event has reached capacity. Livestream the event here.