Imagine BC

About > Objectives

Imagine BC seeks to connect and expand inquiry in an inter-sectoral and interdisciplinary manner. The central purpose of Imagine BC is to create opportunities for broad-based, non-government, non-advocacy citizens to think together about what matters most in BC, what kind of future we want, what kind of economy and public institutions are required to sustain the population, and what imaginative responses are possible.

The multiple aims of Imagine BC are:

To create a network of interdisciplinary innovators who will generate provocative and constructive ideas about the kind of future we want for British Columbia;
To engage British Columbians in a meaningful public dialogue, transcending partisan politics, about our province's possible futures;
To influence public policy discussions and raise awareness about emerging economic, social, cultural and environmental issues and opportunities affecting our province;
To produce an exciting collection of publications, op-ed pieces and other media reporting out on the central ideas emerging form the dialogue;
To cultivate a culture of dialogue for exploring the roots of intractable social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges that offers constructive ways forward.

Imagine BC seeks to find connection and convergence rather than polarities and polemics, following in the tradition of the Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs founded in Pugwash, Nova Scotia in 1957 and the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs, whose mandate is to engage Canadians from all walks of life in public affairs debate.