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In the spirit of Philia, this website is intended as a dialogue. This means that within these pages you will find ideas and opinions from a wide range of contributors. Some complement each other, others offer contrasting - even conflicting - perspectives. This is intentional. Dialogue is about bringing together a diversity of perspectives to increase our understanding and deepen our learning. There are many ways of thinking about caring citizenship, and we want to be a haven for all of them.

The Philia website is divided into four main sections: About Us, Nourishing Ideas, Good Conversation, and Inspiring Action. Here's what you'll find in each section:

• In About Us you'll find everything you want to know about the Philia Dialogue - who we are, how we got started, what we believe, who inspires us, who our partners are, and how this website works.
• Nourishing Ideas contains articles, stories and links relating to the core ideas, principles and values that underlie caring citizenship. It also contains examples of the ways in which these themes are played out in various arenas.
• Good Conversation is the heart of dialogue. In this section you'll find the elements and outcomes of good conversations: an introduction to dialogue, links to dialogue resources, and accounts of Philia dialogues that have taken place.
• Inspiring Action. Thought and action are inextricably linked. This section contains tools and resources for translating ideas into action, along with reports on Philia activities and initiatives.

In addition to the main sections, you will find quick links to regular features: What's New, our Events Calendar, links to Philia stories, and a link to our eZine. These areas will be updated regularly, so check them often to stay up-to-date.

For a complete map of the contents of this site, please click here.

Date / Author	Subject Add Your Comment
Dec 22, 2005 07:59 AM	The changing nature of citizenship during this election: What will it mean to be a Canadian after January 23rd?
Leo Deveau	Hi everyone, I can't help but think that there is one massive iceberg of change that is well hidden under the current election debates and media scrums with MP candidates. That change has do to with shifting economic and political forces in our country that has very little to do with our current political parties and the 19th century democratic notions of 'first across the post' voting patterns. Growing economic clout in Western Canada, as well as the continued shadow of Quebec's aspiration for a different relationship with Canada is forcing into play a renewed reflection on the nature of our federation. This is not a bad thing (as some would make it out to be), but it does pose some significant challenges. On our civic horizon there are opportunities and threats about the nature of citizenship and our understanding of Canada in the 21st century. And as Canadians, we cannot leave what we must face just up to the 'experts' and intelligentsia as to what we should do, can do, or will not do in the coming months. Are we as Canadians prepared to look in the mirror and admit our federal electoral system, and for that matter maybe even our provincial systems of government, are all in need of a serious overhaul and realignment? Do we have the courage to envision a new form of Canadian citizenship for the 21st century? Or will we remain stuck in the 19th century, protecting what was, instead of admitting what now is the reality. Maybe it is time to look at a grouping of federated regions, instead of provinces. And with this, a Parliament of proportionally elected MPs, as well as a Senate that represents a cross section of citizens, not just another round of nominated or elected cronies from old rule parties. As citizens, we can either face the changing political and economic landscape in Canada with vision and courage, or we can lose this moment in history - probably sinking more into deep continental integration to the south, and the implications of that are unspeakable. As Canadians we cannot stick our heads in the sand during this election. The iceberg of change is upon us and it will be up to all citizens to engage and name the realities we must face, or be torn asunder by forces beyond our control. History surely demonstrates the tragedies that await such complacence. Season's Greetings from Nova Scotia! Leo J. Deveau