Person climbing on rock wall.

Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy

Strengthening democratic resilience.

The Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy at the 伊人直播 is cultivating a new generation of leaders by equipping students, policymakers and the public with the critical skills to bridge divides, champion pluralism and navigate the political landscape.

With the launch of this new initiative, the Peter Lougheed Leadership College will be aptly renamed the Peter Lougheed School of Leadership (PLSL), and these two schools will sit alongside one another under the umbrella of The Lougheed Schools. Together, the Lougheed Schools will seek to synergize expertise in the arts, social sciences, education, business, and law to cultivate the next generation of engaged citizens and principled leaders for Alberta, Canada, and beyond.

Students will have access to a variety of educational opportunities designed to deepen their understanding of democracy. These learning pathways include specialized micro-credentials, comprehensive courses, and enriching public programming. Through these diverse formats, future leaders engage with vital topics and develop the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in civic life. By emphasizing ethical leadership and collaborative problem-solving, these opportunities directly prepare students to engage in constructive political discourse and uphold the values of a pluralistic society.

In gathering diverse voices and challenging conventional thinking, the school transforms society by building civic literacy and fostering the trust essential for collective action. It empowers students and leaders to confront pressing societal challenges, amplifying what works while driving change where it is needed most.

Advisory Board

  • Hon. Anne McLellan - Co-chair
  • Hon. John Baird - Co-chair
  • Hon. Janet Ecker
  • Chantal Hébert
  • Hon. Gary Mar
  • Hon. James Moore
  • Hon. Wade McLauchlan
  • Hon. Rachel Notley
  • Hon. Bob Rae
  • Brian Topp

Pillars

Ignite Understanding

Build awareness of pressing democratic challenges through courses, guest speakers, research and public dialogue.

Confront Complex Societal Challenges

Equipping students and professionals to solve problems collaboratively, with hands-on, community-engaged learning.

Cultivate a Broad Community of Change

Creating an informed, engaged citizenry on campus, across Canada and beyond through accessible applied learning and collaboration.

Embrace Pluralism

Fostering dialogue and collaboration across identities, perspectives and beliefs through events, roundtables and interdisciplinary engagement.

Honouring a Legacy

The school is built on the enduring legacy of Peter Lougheed, a respected 伊人直播 graduate, Alberta’s 10th Premier, and one of Canada’s most influential political figures.

Throughout his career, Lougheed was committed to strengthening democratic processes, transcending partisanship and promoting diverse ideas through robust democratic institutions, civil society and public service. His transformative leadership reshaped Alberta by driving diversification and growth and solidifying the province’s pivotal role on the national and global stage.

Mandate

  • Strengthen democracy and civil engagement
  • Encourage public debate and dialogue
  • Offer accessible micro-credentials, courses and programs that address real-world policy changes
  • Engage stakeholders and partners to work collaboratively in pursuit of transformational societal impact.

Join us for the President’s Speaker Series

Featuring the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy's Academic Leads, Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya

Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya

Power in Pluralism: The U of A and Democracy — October 15

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role higher education plays in sustaining democracy. Professors Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya will explore how universities have advanced pluralism and civic life—while also confronting moments when their democratic influence has been challenged. Don’t miss this timely and important dialogue.

Get Tickets Today!

Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya

Power in Pluralism: The U of A and Democracy

October 15

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the role higher education plays in sustaining democracy. Professors Jared Wesley and Moin Yahya will explore how universities have advanced pluralism and civic life—while also confronting moments when their democratic influence has been challenged. Don’t miss this timely and important dialogue.

Get Tickets Today