043: Unity: Defining What Binds Us with David Redman | Dialogue Over Division

About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of unity in Canada and how shared values and identity are essential for a cohesive society.

In this episode of Dialogue Over Division, we begin our six-part series on the national interests identified by former Lieutenant Colonel David Redman in his 25-year vision for the country. Each national interest is vital on its own, but they are deeply intertwined—and we start with unity because it underpins how we live, work, and govern together. Colonel Redman emphasizes that while Canada welcomes people from a wide range of backgrounds, lasting unity requires more than coexistence. It requires that citizens share a common set of values, ethics, and beliefs—a foundation shaped by our history, geography, and collective evolution. These shared principles don’t eliminate diversity, but they create the conditions for it to thrive in a cohesive and functioning society. We explore how national identity is formed and sustained, and why it’s critical to clearly define what it means to be Canadian. Without that clarity, Redman warns, we risk eroding the very fabric that holds us together. He also outlines the responsibility of leaders to not only understand what unites the country, but to take deliberate and ongoing action to strengthen that unity. Join us as we unpack what unity…

People in this episode

Host: Eva Chipiuk

Guest: David Redman

Topics covered

• unity
• national identity
• shared values
• diversity
• leadership
• Canadian history

Keywords

• unity
• Canada
• national interests
• diversity
• leadership
• values
• identity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Dialogue Over Division

Places: Canada

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• 046 | National Interest #4 – Rights and Freedoms: Safeguarding Canada’s Democratic Foundation · November 2, 2025 · 1h 24m
• 045 National Interest #3 – Good Governance: Strengthening Trust Between Citizens and Government · October 5, 2025 · 1h 45m
• 044 National Security: David Redman’s Roadmap for a Resilient Nation | Dialogue Over Divison · September 8, 2025 · 1h 23m
• 042: Redefining the Nation: A 25-Year Vision with David Redman | Dialogue Over Division · July 27, 2025 · 1h 37m