51ÉçÇøºÚÁÏ

Both nationally and globally, Fergus has designed and led engagement processes, convened and contributed to expert roundtables on AI and society, and facilitated conversations across government, academia, civil society, and industry. He previously co-founded the Centre’s Cities and Climate Initiative, supporting multi-level climate governance in Canada and contributing to international processes including COP. He is most fascinated by 'in-between' spaces - particularly at the intersection of nature and politics, and technology and society - and much of his work and studies have been focused on exploring and driving change in these areas.

Fergus is also a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University, where he leads work on participatory AI governance. He holds a BA from SFU's School of International Studies and an MSc from the University of Oxford, and has recently been a Fellow of both Action Canada and the International Strategy Forum. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, making and listening to music, and exploring the world with his friends and family.

What does dialogue mean to you?

Dialogue, slightly counterintuitively, is first and foremost about listening. By holding a space for stakeholders of any kind to come together and listen to one another, and leaving room for the complexity, friction, empathy, and motivation for change that can emerge (sometimes all at once!), it can be truly wonderful to watch the results unfold.

What is a common assumption you'd like to de-mistify?

I think a lot of young Canadians feel like their voices don’t matter – that politics simply isn’t going to be influenced by our participation. While I really understand that feeling, I want to demystify the assumption that youth engagement doesn't make a difference.

History is filled with examples of young activists and voters driving significant change. From civil rights movements to climate action, young voices have been instrumental in shaping policies and pushing for progress. So, whether it’s at the voting booth or through programs and events of the kind put on by the Centre, Public Square, CityHive and more, by actively participating in our democracy, young people can help shape a better future for ourselves and generations to come.