About this Event
On the eve of the referendum, A Referendum Affair brings Edmontonians together for an afternoon of open, non-partisan conversation about some of the issues shaping Alberta, Canada and our communities.
The timing is intentional. On the day before the vote, we want to step outside the campaign noise, headlines and political slogans and create a safe space for something different: thoughtful, human conversations with people who may have different experiences and perspectives from our own.
Already voted? Come anyway. Your ballot may be cast, but the issues behind it won’t disappear when voting ends.
Not eligible to vote? You belong here too. You don’t need a ballot to be affected by the issues being discussed or to have a perspective worth hearing. Civic participation is bigger than voting.
Still deciding? Come curious. This is a chance to ask questions, listen and explore different perspectives without being told what to think.
This is not a panel, debate or political rally. Speakers will rotate among small groups, supported by trained volunteer facilitators, creating space for more personal conversations where people can ask questions, hear different perspectives and talk across differences.
The referendum may happen the next day, but conversations about immigration, Alberta’s place in Canada, the Constitution and separation will continue long after the ballots are counted.
What We’ll Talk About
Our conversations will explore three topics:
- Immigration — with Funke Olokude
- Separation — with Danielle Paradis
- The Constitution — Speaker TBA
Emcee: Joshua Wolchansky
What to Expect
- Small-group conversations rather than speeches or a traditional panel
- Speakers rotating between tables to share insights and engage directly with attendees
- Trained volunteer facilitators helping create space for respectful conversation
- A welcoming, laid-back and safe space for people with different perspectives
- Opportunities to participate, ask questions or simply listen and learn
- A cash bar, plus complimentary popcorn for every guest
- Time to mingle and connect with other Edmontonians
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to arrive with a firmly held position. And you don’t need to be eligible to vote.
Curiosity is enough.
Doors open at 2:00 p.m. Please arrive on time so you don’t miss the start of the event.
Why interVivos Is Hosting This
A Referendum Affair builds on interVivos’ history of non-partisan election and civic engagement events.
We believe civic engagement shouldn't begin and end at the ballot box. Strong communities also need places where people can meet, listen, ask questions and better understand perspectives beyond their own.
interVivos does not advocate for a political party, campaign, candidate or referendum position. Our role is to create space for conversation, not tell anyone what to think.
We also want the room to reflect our community. Alongside paid tickets, interVivos is providing complimentary and discounted community tickets to reduce financial barriers and help bring voices into the conversation that may not always be represented.
Because democracy is about more than who can cast a ballot. It is also about who gets to be part of the conversation.
Tickets
- $10 + Eventbrite fees until October 13 at midnight
- $15 + Eventbrite fees from October 14 to October 18 at noon
- $20 at the door if space permits; debit and credit accepted
Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. If you can’t attend, email [email protected] with the name of the person taking your place.
Need support to attend? Email [email protected] for a discounted or complimentary community ticket. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Creating a Respectful Space
We want people with different experiences and perspectives to feel comfortable participating. By attending, we ask you to:
- Not promote, campaign for or endorse political candidates, parties, referendum campaigns or a particular referendum outcome.
- Listen to understand, not simply to respond.
- Treat everyone in the room with respect.
- Practise patience and compassion for yourself and others.
- Challenge your assumptions.
- Embrace ambiguity.
- Speak honestly and with intention.
- Respect the privacy of conversations shared in the room.
- Expect some conversations to remain unfinished.
Attendees will be asked to acknowledge these expectations when they arrive. Anyone who does not follow them may be asked to leave.
Want to know more before you come? Check out the A Referendum Affair FAQ on the interVivos website.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
- 99ten
- More to come!
Event venue & nearby stays
99ten, 9910 109 Street Northwest, Edmonton, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.