What are you looking for?

TIFA colour divider

Critical Conversations

TIFA’s most provocative discussion series returns for #FestofAuthors22, featuring authors, academics and journalists who examine the culture and politics that shape the world around us. Subjects range from: urban affordability to the future of healthcare; understanding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its impact on the global community; Indigenous reconciliation and continuing change with Black Lives Matter; examining our digital and environmental futures; and questioning what today’s USA means for the world tomorrow.

Events will feature the likes of Timothy Frye, Dr. Brian Goldman, Tajja Isen, Brandi Morin, Debra Thompson and Jacob Ward.

Five of the conversations are sponsored by Baillie Gifford.

All times are in ET.

A building distroyed from war.

Critical Conversation: Russia: Why Now and What Next?

September 22 at 8:00pm

Six flags flying on separate poles

Critical Conversation: The New West: Europe from the Nordic frontier

September 23 at 7:30pm

An image of protesters holding up signs about the Ukraine war. Signs say "Stop Russia. #Stopwar. Stop Putin." and more.

Critical Conversation: Ukraine: National Crisis with a Global Impact

September 24 at 7:00pm

An image of apartment/condos being built in a city. Two large cranes can be seen above the half finished building.

Critical Conversation: The Affordable City: Wealth and Wellbeing

September 25 at 7:00pm

Iceburgs in water with land seen behind them.

Critical Conversation: The Arctic North: Defining the Climate’s Future

September 26 at 7:30pm

Hands are seen holding up a sign that says "Over Worked, Under Valued, Exploited"

Critical Conversation: The New Working Class

September 27 at 7:30pm

A healthcare worker wearing a mask, full body suit and a face protector.

Critical Conversation: Health: Future Care or Future Crises?

September 28 at 7:30pm

People at a Black Lives Matter protest with their arms in the air, holding up a fist.

Critical Conversation: Changing the System, Not the Subject: Black Lives Matter in 2022

September 29 at 7:30pm

An image of the US flag

Critical Conversation: Tomorrow’s USA

September 30 at 7:30pm

A person with a virtual reality headset on.

Critical Conversation: Our Digital Future: AI, Drones and the Metaverse

October 01 at 7:00pm

Shoes on a church steps with signs, toys and flowers to protest the treatment of Indigenous peoples and honour the mass graves being uncovered at residential schools.

Critical Conversation: Continuing to Act: Reconciling, Not Reconciliation

October 02 at 7:00pm