SFU to launch Centre for Public Opinion and Political Representation
Steven Weldon, 778.782.4995; sweldon@sfu.ca
Richard Overgaard, FASS communication, 778.782.8985; richard_overgaard@sfu.ca
Simon Fraser University’s department of Political Science is launching its new Centre for Public Opinion and Political Representation, and will mark the occasion with a panel and reception on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Segal Graduate School of Business in Vancouver.
The launch event will be an opportunity for faculty, students, industry experts, media and the broader community to engage on a topic of growing importance to Canada’s political landscape.
Director Steven Weldon says the centre will serve as “an interdisciplinary unit for research and education on the impact of public opinion and political representation on governance in Canada and abroad.”
Weldon adds that the acute attention public opinion research and polling receive during policy debates and elections must be examined. “Whether it is an election, gun control, or the HST, more and more emphasis is being placed on polling by the media and the public. One of the key questions we need to examine is; what are the actual impacts of public opinion on electoral outcomes, political representation, and policy decisions?”
The launch event will feature a panel of the Centre’s diverse experts:
SFU political science instructor François Pétry will discuss the impact of election poll inaccuracies in media coverage.
Professor Mark Pickup will present his work on the influence of public opinion on Canadian federal governments.
The panel will also feature Catherine Murray, Chair of the Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies as well as Tamir Moustafa of the Department of International Studies.
Event details:
Location: Segal Graduate School of Business (Room 1300 – Main Floor), 500 Granville Street, Vancouver.
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 12th, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
The panel presentation will be followed by a wine-and-cheese reception.
Please contact Steven Weldon (sweldon@sfu.ca) for more information or to RSVP.