This report explores questions about roles for citizens and governments in a good society by examining six Canadian experiences with civic engagement. Each case study involves different sectors of society, key players, goals, processes, and outcomes; touches on long-standing policy issues in Canada; and details how players have come together or failed to engage one another and work toward finding creative solutions to often overwhelming and complex policy situations. Many experiences highlight obstacles to a trusting relationship between government and citizens, while pointing to steps that citizens and governments can take to recreate their relationship and allow for meaningful, mutual engagement. None of the case studies provide a neatly packaged outcome. They involve these three kinds of situations: government-initiated engagement (immigration review, National Forum on Health); citizen-initiated engagement (Sydney Tar Ponds, Nunavut); and citizens in the global arena (Multilateral Agreement on Investment, regulating financial services). Following each case study, questions regarding effective engagement are explored. Action is recommended in these four areas that will contribute to building a culture characterized by mutual, respectful engagement and to creating just, prosperous, and caring societies: building capacity, setting the ground rules, reporting and evaluating results, and making it easier for citizens to engage governments. There are 201 endnotes. (YLB)