Bill Freeman – författare

2015 Speaker''s Book Award — ShortlistedCity planning in the GTHA has been mired in political grandstanding for the past decade, The New Urban Agenda offers a plain language solution to the issues plaguing the GTHA.Politics in the Greater Toronto, Hamilton Area (GTHA) have become increasingly divisive over the past decade, and solutions to the city’s problems have become hot-topic issues debated in council and the press, but never finding resolution.The New Urban Agenda is equal parts history, social science, and call to action to solve the major problems facing the GTHA. Issues such as urban and suburban development, transit, the region’s environmental impact, affordable housing, and the seemingly inherent gridlock of municipal politics are all discussed. Award-winning author Bill Freeman offers a level-headed approach to the problems and lays out an agenda that will lead to an improvement in the quality of life in our neighbourhoods and downtowns and make our cities more economically viable. He encourages individuals and communities to speak up for themselves and get involved in politics at a grassroots level. With no shortage of examples, he shows how this strategy can create the change that is needed to move cities forward in a way that benefits everyone, not just the business and political elite.

2015 Speaker''s Book Award — ShortlistedCity planning in the GTHA has been mired in political grandstanding for the past decade, The New Urban Agenda offers a plain language solution to the issues plaguing the GTHA.Politics in the Greater Toronto, Hamilton Area (GTHA) have become increasingly divisive over the past decade, and solutions to the city’s problems have become hot-topic issues debated in council and the press, but never finding resolution.The New Urban Agenda is equal parts history, social science, and call to action to solve the major problems facing the GTHA. Issues such as urban and suburban development, transit, the region’s environmental impact, affordable housing, and the seemingly inherent gridlock of municipal politics are all discussed. Award-winning author Bill Freeman offers a level-headed approach to the problems and lays out an agenda that will lead to an improvement in the quality of life in our neighbourhoods and downtowns and make our cities more economically viable. He encourages individuals and communities to speak up for themselves and get involved in politics at a grassroots level. With no shortage of examples, he shows how this strategy can create the change that is needed to move cities forward in a way that benefits everyone, not just the business and political elite.

The Hill Times: Best Books of 2017What are the limits of Canadian democracy and how are they being expanded by a revolution in participatory democracy?The Brexit vote in Britain and the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States illustrate that our system of representative democracy is in deep trouble.There are signs of political alienation everywhere. Most believe that government is run by a few big interests. Wealthy corporations receive grants and beneficial regulations. The incomes of middle and lower earners have remained stagnant or decreased.The way to change this imbalance is by strengthening our democracy and encouraging participation in the political process. A powerful grassroots movement of participatory democracy is emerging. Freeman’s message is that democracy is rising in this country, but we must organize to redress the dominance of business interests, and finally fulfil the promise of government by the people.

What are the limits of Canadian democracy and how are they being expanded by a revolution in participatory democracy?Canada is one of the oldest continuous democracies in the world. There has never been a civil war, coup, or dictatorship in this country. Our freedoms are protected by law, and government is determined by regular elections expressing the will of the people. And yet there are serious limitations in the way we practice our public affairs.Canadian history is littered with examples of how they have used their power to deny citizens the ability to organize and establish programs to improve the lives of ordinary people. Democracy Rising describes how elites have used their influence to boost their wealth and resources while working against the political will of the broader populace.Award-winning urban issues writer Bill Freeman argues that this is poised to change. A powerful movement of participatory democracy is emerging in Canada, demanding that the voices of all people be heard by government. This expansion of our democracy is on the cusp of finally fulfilling the dream of government by the people.

What are the limits of Canadian democracy and how are they being expanded by a revolution in participatory democracy?Canada is one of the oldest continuous democracies in the world. There has never been a civil war, coup, or dictatorship in this country. Our freedoms are protected by law, and government is determined by regular elections expressing the will of the people. And yet there are serious limitations in the way we practice our public affairs.Canadian history is littered with examples of how they have used their power to deny citizens the ability to organize and establish programs to improve the lives of ordinary people. Democracy Rising describes how elites have used their influence to boost their wealth and resources while working against the political will of the broader populace.Award-winning urban issues writer Bill Freeman argues that this is poised to change. A powerful movement of participatory democracy is emerging in Canada, demanding that the voices of all people be heard by government. This expansion of our democracy is on the cusp of finally fulfilling the dream of government by the people.