Page 12 - 06_July-Aug-2025

PUBLISHER’S NOTE PUBLISHER’S NOTE
THE POWER
OF GOOD
QUESTIONS
The long life of memes, similar to clichés,
is evidence of an underlying, brilliant truth conveyed
with minimal words. Our shared understanding of a
meme connects us. Take, for instance, the popular
meme of the sardonic, yet lovable, character Shrek that
can begin with an infinite number of creative captions,
but ends, always, with the same singular statement:
Good question. The sarcastic wit of the meme is
amplified by the variety of questions that warrant the
same answer.
Answering questions is a big part of my work life.
Around this time every year I need to provide answers
to several questions on a business insurance form. It’s a
challenge to get it done and it’s not because I don’t have
the necessary knowledge or understanding regarding
details of the business. The problem is that some of the
questions aren’t clear. Does it mean this or that? I don’t
want to give an inaccurate answer — it could affect my
insurance coverage — but the answers differ depending
on the interpretation of the question.
It’s also true that the right question is essential. I was
in labour with my first baby, and in the middle of a con-
traction, when the on-call physician asked me if I could
sit down. I was flummoxed. I was sitting down. Granted,
it was the middle of the night and she looked as if she
had just woken up, so the language centre of her brain
was likely still asleep. And for me, well, comprehension
was not exactly my priority. There was, can I say, a preg-
nant pause as I made eye contact with the nurse who
corrected the question: “Can you stand up?” Yes, I can.
12 EDify. JULY•AUGUST.25
In my life as a publisher and volunteer board member
and everything in between, I find that questions and
related answers often start with a different understanding
or a different premise. The starting point doesn’t matter
as long as we seek to understand because that’s how
inspiring questions have a chance to surface and
prompt us to conjure a new idea or a new appreciation.
Edify’s summer issue has long focused on asking read-
ers who make Metro Edmonton their home about their
favourite things. This year the editorial team also asked
what makes a great neighbourhood, or a great neighbour.
These questions focus on what is good, memorable and
worth sharing. It’s the simple authenticity of asking
real questions of real people. It’s not marketing copy, or
tourism advertorial, or bought-and-paid-for influencer
commentary.
As we learn what some residents say about our city,
let’s ask ourselves what we appreciate about Edmonton.
Now that’s a good question.
Trudy Callaghan
Publisher
SUBSCRIBE
Scan here to see bundles. →
Please choose one.
We can make it together.