Talking Across Party Lines

^{From left to right, panel moderator and Toronto Star Queen’s Park reporter Kristin Rushowy, former MPP Rev. Cheri DiNovo, former Health Minister and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott and former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.}

By Leslie Shepherd

Three prominent women politicians from different political parties told a Vic One Plenary session that it’s possible to disagree profoundly with one another but still work together to pass legislation that benefits all of their constituents.

The key is listening to people, even if you disagree with them, and talking with them, not at or over them, they said.

Former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne (a Liberal), former Health Minister and Deputy Premier Christine Elliott (a Progressive Conservative) and former MPP Rev. Cheri DiNovo (a New Democrat), took part in a panel discussion at Victoria University on March 5, 2025, on the subject “Talking Across Party Lines in a Time of Polarization.”

“When you get to know other people ... you are much less likely to be yelling at the other side, because you have respect for people you know,” Elliott said. She said the panelists all got along well, even though they did not always agree. “We could talk to one another, not over each other or at each other.”

The three women’s political careers overlapped at Queen’s Park where they quickly learned the value of forging relationships across party lines and listening to people with different views.

It was Wynne, who teaches in the Chambers Stream of the Vic One program as the Hon. Newton W. Rowell Professor, who proposed hosting a dialogue with members of other political parties.

Victoria College Principal Alex Hernandez quickly accepted, hoping the panelists could show how civil discourse remains not only possible, but imperative, in the current political climate at home and abroad.

The panel was part of a broader effort at Victoria University to support difficult conversations in these turbulent times. Victoria University President Dr. Rhonda McEwen has said frequently that civil discourse is foundational to fostering inclusive and engaged communities and that it is important to create spaces—such as the panel—where diverse perspectives can be shared and discussed with mutual respect.

Wynne also spoke about the importance of not turning away from complex issues or conversations, particularly in challenging times. Pointing to declining voter engagement, she emphasized the need to stay informed and involved—especially for young people. Elections Canada data shows that younger voters have consistently lower turnout rates than other ages groups. In the 2021 federal election, 46.7 per cent of eligible voters ages 18-24 cast ballots, while overall voter turnout was 62.6 per cent.

All three panelists spoke about the challenges of being in opposition at Queen’s Park, where they had few opportunities to put forward their own initiatives other than through private members' bills. Elliott had two private members' bills passed with support from other parties.

“In both cases, we reached consensus and wrote reports together rather than just relying on staff,” she said, referring to the MPPs from all parties who sat on the committees studying the bills. “There are many opportunities to work together; you just have to find them.”

Elliott recalled how legislative committees used to travel across Ontario to hold hearings, providing opportunities for MPPs to interact outside of Queen’s Park. Wynne said that traveling together helped her learn from more experienced MPPs. “Listening to how they solved problems was critical to me. When laws pass with cross-party involvement, they become more entrenched and more sustainable.”

“If we believe that all ideas come from one party, then we are sadly mistaken,” Wynne said, but lamented: “That is the belief system now.”

DiNovo, who was in opposition the entire time she was the MPP for Parkdale-High Park from 2006-17, said she passed into law through private members bills more LGBTQ+ legislation than any other Canadian politician.

“I did it by working with people like them,” she said, gesturing to Wynne and Elliott. “The electorate have to see us working together and just getting things done. It can work really well.”

Ultimately, all three panelists agreed that opposition parties play a crucial role in democracy by bringing forward ideas and encouraging governments to listen.

“You need to at least hear the other side, whether you agree with it or not,” Elliott said. “There’s always something that will stay with you, that may be useful later. You can’t get a good view of the 360 if you don’t know all points of view.”