On Monday, June 20, Margaret Atwood – one of the world’s most renowned writers, and a strong supporter of women’s rights and social and environmental justice – spoke on Centre Stage at Opening Night of the more than 35,000-person Collision conference.

Margaret is the author of more than 50 books of fiction, poetry, critical essays and graphic novels, and has been published in more than 45 countries. Her latest novel, The Testaments, is a co-winner of the 2019 Booker Prize, and the long-awaited sequel to her award-winning novel and TV series The Handmaid’s Tale.

Speaking on the controversial leaked memo from the US Supreme Court, Margaret issued a warning as to where society could be headed if Roe v Wade is overturned. “This leaked opinion on Roe v Wade was based on originalism – that is, it should be the original US constitution. The original US constitution did not include votes for women. So if you’re an originalist, and you’re a female Republican voter, I’d think twice about that,” said Margaret.

Speaking alongside Margaret, Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS Discovery District, echoed Margaret’s optimism on the ability of tech to make a positive environmental impact

He said that “this is a time for small groups of committed people to do special things”.

Watch the full video:

Hosted by Gideon Lichfield – Global Editor-in-chief of Wired.

Video and Speaker Coverage Courtesy of Collision Conference.