Does Automation Threaten Democracy? | On Civil Society | Sept 11, 2019

On September 11, 2019, TPL hosted a discussion on the future of work, automation, and democracy with Gwynne Dyer, Sheila Block, Chuka Ejeckam and Vass Bednar.

-- Event description --

Over the past few years, citizen discontent across the world has led to populist movements and the rise of ethno-nationalist leaders that threaten the liberal democratic order. Many policy analysts and pundits blame this discontent on the combined forces of globalization and automation as inequality widens and workers feel pushed aside and replaced.

For some, the future looks bleak. Self-driving cars, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the entrenchment of the gig economy signal a world of increasing social divisions, where opportunistic politicians can prey on angry voters. But for others we’re merely in a transition period, and automation presents new opportunities to re-shift our economy and provide a dignified life for all.

Come hear a discussion with historian Gwynne Dyer, author of Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work), Sheila Block, labour markets expert and senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, and Chuka Ejeckam, director of research and policy at the BC Federation of Labour.

Moderated by Vass Bednar, head of public policy at Delphia.

[__Mujina__]

Gwynne Dyer's Bits:
3:54 // The Experiment of Human History // Automation
13:25 // Eras of the Wellfare State
18:40 // The Near-Future of Job Losses
30:45 // Supermarkets going like the Factories
35:45 // Experience in the Workforce
40:26 // Income Inequalities: Canada vs USA