Systems Thinking in Action: The Map the System Canadian Final 2024

Linh Bui

*Blog Banner Image: Group picture of all the participants of MTS 2024 on the stage*

Welcome to an exciting recap of the Map the System Canadian Final 2024, a competition that united some of the brightest and most passionate student changemakers from across Canada from May 24 - 27, 2024. This year’s event showcased innovative thinking, highlighting the importance of addressing complex social issues through a systems thinking approach. Each presentation, whether it tackled the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in Canadian prisons, promoted gender-affirming care, analyzed antiLGBTQ sentiment in Indonesia, or revolutionized waste management and renewable energy adoption, reflected the deep research, empathy, and drive of these future changemakers.

Watch the Full Replay of the Competition on YouTube

Highlights of the Top 6 Teams’ Presentation

First Place: Chandra Limiarja from Humber College

Topic: Breaking the Cycle of Hate: The Systems Analysis of AntiLGBTQ Sentiment in Indonesia

Chandra delved into the deep-rooted anti-LGBTQ sentiment in Indonesia using a systems thinking lens. He identified cultural, religious, and political factors that perpetuate discrimination and highlighted its severe impact on the mental health and safety of LGBTQ individuals. His multifaceted leverage points included community-based education programs, advocacy for inclusive policies, and support networks, underscoring the necessity of systemic change to foster a more inclusive society.

*Humber College, Chandra Limiarja’s presentation on “Breaking the Cycle of Hate:The Systems Analysis of AntiLGBTQ Sentiment in Indonesia” at the Canadian Final.*

Second Place: Fiona Li from the University of Waterloo

Topic: Overrepresentation of Indigenous Women in Canadian Prisons

Fiona began her presentation with contrasting stories highlighting disparities in the justice system's treatment of Indigenous and non-Indigenous women. Her research, conducted in partnership with the Mennonite Central Committee in Ontario, revealed how settler colonial policies, intergenerational trauma, and systemic poverty lead to the criminalization of Indigenous women. Fiona advocated for decolonizing legal structures, supporting Indigenous organizations, and pursuing self-governance to address these issues.

*University of Waterloo, Fiona Li’s presentation on “Overrepresentation of Indigenous Women in Canadian Prisons.”*

Third Place: Marie Gontharet and Julie Mansour from Université de Sherbrooke

Topic: Dehumanization of Housing: From a Fundamental Need to a Commodity

Marie and Julie explored the transformation of housing into a market commodity, which causes increased homelessness, housing insecurity, and social inequality. They critiqued market-driven housing policies and advocated for treating housing as a human right. Their proposed solutions included community-based housing initiatives and regulatory measures to control real estate speculation.

*Université de Sherbrooke, Marie Gontharet and Julie Mansour’s presentation on “Dehumanization of Housing: From a Fundamental Need to a Commodity.”*

Fourth Place: Theodore BiggsEngel from the University of Manitoba

Topic: Promoting Access and Acceptance of GenderAffirming Care

Theodore emphasized the mental health benefits and overall wellbeing that gender-affirming care provides for transgender and nonbinary individuals. He discussed barriers like social stigma and limited healthcare resources. He called for comprehensive training for healthcare providers, public education campaigns, and policy changes to ensure accessible and inclusive healthcare services for all gender identities.

*University of Manitoba, Theodore BiggsEngel’s Presentation on “Promoting Access and Acceptance of Gender Affirming Care.”*

RunnerUp: Vincent d'Entremont, Syed Naqvi, and OlympiasSimple Anyahara from University of New Brunswick

Topic: Positive Psychology and the Implementation of Distributed Energy Resources in New Brunswick

This team argued that a positive psychology approach could enhance community engagement and acceptance of renewable energy initiatives. They emphasized the benefits of distributed energy resources in improving energy security and promoting sustainable development and highlighted community education and participatory planning as key factors for success.

University of News Brunswick, Vincent d'Entremont, Syed Naqvi, and OlympiasSimple Anyahara’s presentation on “Positive Psychology and the Implementation of Distributed Energy Resources in New Brunswick”

RunnerUp: Misael Joan Santos, Ayeshwini Lama, and Nivethitha Chivasothy from Centennial College

Topic: Education Employment Discontinuities among International Community College Students in Ontario

This team addressed the employment challenges international community college students face in Ontario. They identified barriers such as visa restrictions and llack of local work experience and proposed career-bridging programs, mentorship opportunities, and policy advocacy to facilitate smoother transitions into the Canadian labour market.

Centennial College, Misael Joan Santos, Ayeshwini Lama, and Nivethitha Chivasothy’s presentation on “Education - Employment Discontinuities among International Community College Students in Ontario.”

Additional Excellence Awards

Excellence in Systems Collaboration Award: Israt Jahan Lipa from Centre for Social Enterprise, Memorial University, for Risk Perception, Major Factors, and Survivors’ Narratives of Road Accidents in Bangladesh.
Excellence in Systems Research Award: Vincent d'Entremont, Syed Naqvi, and OlympiasSimple Anyahara from University of New Brunswick, for Positive Psychology and the Implementation of Distributed Energy Resources in New Brunswick.
Excellence in Systems Research Award: Samveer Uppal, Sukhmandip Kang, Bhuvi Juneja, and Alessia De Blasio from the University of British Columbia, for Mapping Justice: Disproportionate Rates of Indigenous Incarceration in Canada.
Special Award for Undergraduate Research: Misael Joan Santos, Ayeshwini Lama, and Nivethitha Chivasothy from Centennial College, for Education Employment Discontinuities among International Community College Students in Ontario.
Excellence in Systems Map: Paige Thompson, Julia Brady, and Sam Padron from the University of Calgary, for Systemic Barriers to Higher Education.
Individual Entry Award: Theodore BiggsEngel from the University of Manitoba, for his solo research efforts on Promoting Access and Acceptance of Gender Affirming Care.

View The Top Teams’ Full Reports and Systems Maps

The Map the System Canadian Final 2024 was not just a competition but also a gathering of minds committed to challenging the status quo and forging new paths in addressing societal and environmental issues.

James Stauch, the executive director of the Institute for Community Prosperity which manages Map the System Canada, highlighted the enduring nature of social problems despite our extensive resources and knowledge. His words remind us that true change requires us to look beyond the obvious and tackle root causes from multiple angles.

"Why do such problems persist?" he asked. "We still think asystemically, viewing issues through the narrow scope of our disciplines. This competition challenges students to question not just practices and policies but deeply held cultural assumptions. It bridges students as learners and changemakers."

Nancy Southern, ATCO Visionary and Honorary Chief of the Kainai (Blood Nation), emphasized the value of friendship and networking in the changemaking journey.

"This event is more than a competition. It’s about understanding the threads of the spiderweb in each challenge you seek to solve. Innovators, you dare to challenge the status quo—thank you and never stop. Dream of a better future for all of us. That’s important and comes from the heart."

Chad London, Acting President of Mount Royal University, reflected on the unique role of Map the System in addressing global challenges. His remarks underscore the critical role of education and collaboration in solving the world's most pressing issues.

"The world faces numerous challenges, and Map the System brings students and educators together to create a bedrock of knowledge for solutions to these big problems."

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year's participants, we extend our deepest gratitude to the 20 teams from eight provinces coast to coast, who submitted 183 full entries and participated in judging events held on each campus. We are profoundly thankful to the 55 educators, six judges, and numerous mentors and volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to help these students achieve their goals. A special thanks to our main and sole sponsor, ATCO, whose financial and non-financial support through ATCO Spacelab has been invaluable.

Looking to the future, we call on students and educators to embrace the principles that drive systems thinking and collaborative innovation:

Embrace Systems Thinking: Look beyond surface-level solutions and address the root causes of issues from multiple perspectives.
Foster Collaboration: Build partnerships that leverage diverse insights and strengths. Collaboration amplifies impact.
Persist in Questioning and Innovating: Continuously challenge the status quo and drive innovation. The journey to change is ongoing and requires relentless dedication.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay informed and adaptable to the ever-changing landscape of social issues.

Get Involved

Can you feel the movement for systems change gaining momentum and resonating deeply within our community? Stay connected with the Map the System community and support ongoing efforts to address complex social issues. We can all contribute to meaningful change by embracing systems thinking and collaboration