The 2017 Merv Leitch Lecture Featuring Nik Nanos

The 2017 Merv Leitch QC Memorial Lecturer is Nik Nanos, who is the Chairman of the Nanos Research Corporation as well as a Global Fellow of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, DC. Mr. Nanos’ discussion focused on the topic of, “Politics in an Age of Voter Rage: How the Tyranny of Small Swings in Opinion Reshape Democratic Outcomes.” During his lecture, Mr. Nanos discussed research and trends, both political, economic and socially that have contributed to the current political phenomena we are seeing internationally. He discussed how several contributing factors as well as new social divisions have created opportunities for anti-establishment leaders to find great popular success.  Mr. Nanos also discussed how technology and media are impacting politics and the democratic process in modern times. 

The Merv Leitch QC Memorial Lecture was established in honour of C. Mervin Leitch, BA, LLB, QC, who passed away in 1990. Mr. Leitch served in the Royal Canadian Navy and was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1971 to 1982, during which he served as Attorney General, Provincial Treasurer, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Outside of his time in politics Mr. Leitch was a partner with Macleod Dixon (now Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP) in Calgary, served as President of the Calgary Bar Association and as a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta. In addition to acting as a director for several Canadian corporations, he was also on the Board of the Canadian Institute of Resources Law at the University of Calgary.

The Merv Leitch QC Memorial Lecture series was established by the late Peter Lougheed and other friends and associates of Mr. Leitch to honour the significant contributions he made while serving his fellow Albertans. This lecture is funded through an endowment established by friends and associates of Mr. Leitch. The endowment allows for lectures to be held on topics of public importance. Since 1991, lectures have been delivered annually by distinguished speakers.