Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy
Strengthening democratic resilience.
The Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy at the University of Alberta is cultivating a new generation of leaders by equipping students, policymakers and the public with the critical skills to bridge divides, champion pluralism and navigate the political landscape.
Take Your Learning Further
Ready to deepen your knowledge and take a more active role in challenges facing our society? Explore our certificates designed to build your skills, insight and confidence.
Undergraduate Certificate in Politics and Democracy
An embedded certificate that supplements your undergraduate degree with the knowledge and skills to understand democratic systems and build their capacity for active, informed civic engagement.
Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership (Coming Soon)
Designed for professionals in Canada’s policy environment, this graduate certificate builds practical leadership, communication and analytical skills for navigating complex organizations across sectors.
Students will have access to a variety of educational opportunities designed to deepen their understanding of democracy. These learning pathways include specialized micro-credentials, comprehensive courses, and enriching public programming. Through these diverse formats, future leaders engage with vital topics and develop the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in civic life. By emphasizing ethical leadership and collaborative problem-solving, these opportunities directly prepare students to engage in constructive political discourse and uphold the values of a pluralistic society.
In gathering diverse voices and challenging conventional thinking, the school transforms society by building civic literacy and fostering the trust essential for collective action. It empowers students and leaders to confront pressing societal challenges, amplifying what works while driving change where it is needed most.
Advisory Board
- Hon. Anne McLellan - Co-chair
- Hon. John Baird - Co-chair
- Hon. Janet Ecker
- Chantal Hébert
- Hon. Gary Mar
- Hon. James Moore
- Hon. Wade MacLauchlan
- Hon. Rachel Notley
- Hon. Bob Rae
- Brian Topp
Pillars
Ignite Understanding
Build awareness of pressing democratic challenges through courses, guest speakers, research and public dialogue.
Confront Complex Societal Challenges
Equipping students and professionals to solve problems collaboratively, with hands-on, community-engaged learning.
Cultivate a Broad Community of Change
Creating an informed, engaged citizenry on campus, across Canada and beyond through accessible applied learning and collaboration.
Embrace Pluralism
Fostering dialogue and collaboration across identities, perspectives and beliefs through events, roundtables and interdisciplinary engagement.
University of Alberta–Banff Centre Partnership: The Lougheed Leadership Initiative
The University of Alberta and Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity are proud to advance a shared commitment to leadership, public service and the strengthening of democratic society through the Lougheed Leadership Initiative. Rooted in the legacy of Premier Peter Lougheed—whose vision emphasized ethical leadership, civic responsibility and the power of education—the Initiative brings together the strengths of two leading Alberta institutions to cultivate the next generation of public-minded leaders.
This partnership most recently came to life through “What Universities Owe Democracy in Increasingly Polarized Times,” a two-day, invitation-only convening co-hosted by the University of Alberta and the Banff Centre. The gathering brought together leading thinkers in politics, academia and public policy to examine the role of universities in supporting democratic resilience. Through keynote addresses and panel discussions, participants explored how higher education can foster civic engagement, protect academic freedom and help bridge ideological divides.
The convening also marked the launch of the University of Alberta’s new Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy (PLSPD)—a signature investment in civic education, democratic literacy and leadership development. The School reflects the Lougheed Leadership Initiative’s long-standing mandate to support bold ideas, prepare future leaders and enrich public discourse in Alberta and beyond.
Looking forward, the U of A and the Banff Centre will continue to expand this collaboration. Through the Lougheed Leadership Initiative, both institutions remain committed to advancing Peter Lougheed’s enduring legacy: a belief in strong democratic institutions, principled leadership and the responsibility of education to serve the public good.
Gitane De Silva
Executive Director
Gitane De Silva is the inaugural Executive Director of the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy at the University of Alberta. A distinguished public policy leader with experience across government, diplomacy, energy regulation and Canada-U.S. relations, she has served as CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator, Alberta’s Deputy Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, D.C. and Canada’s Consul General in Chicago. Founder and President of GDStrategic, De Silva brings decades of leadership in public policy, consensus-building and international affairs to the School’s mission of strengthening democratic literacy, civic engagement and leadership.
Honouring a Legacy
The school is built on the enduring legacy of Peter Lougheed, a respected U of A graduate, Alberta’s 10th Premier, and one of Canada’s most influential political figures.
Throughout his career, Lougheed was committed to strengthening democratic processes, transcending partisanship and promoting diverse ideas through robust democratic institutions, civil society and public service. His transformative leadership reshaped Alberta by driving diversification and growth and solidifying the province’s pivotal role on the national and global stage.
Mandate
- Strengthen democracy and civil engagement
- Encourage public debate and dialogue
- Champion accessible micro-credentials, courses and programs that address real-world policy changes
- Engage stakeholders and partners to work collaboratively in pursuit of transformational societal impact.
The President’s Speaker Series
Power in Pluralism: The U of A and Democracy — October 15
Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role higher education plays in sustaining democracy. Professors Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya will explore how universities have advanced pluralism and civic life—while also confronting moments when their democratic influence has been challenged. Don’t miss this timely and important dialogue.
Power in Pluralism: The U of A and Democracy
Hear a thought-provoking discussion on the role higher education plays in sustaining democracy. Professors Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya will explore how universities have advanced pluralism and civic life—while also confronting moments when their democratic influence has been challenged. Don’t miss this timely and important dialogue.