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Dear friends of the Dais,
Reimagining democracy isn’t about restitching the seams, it’s about daring to believe that we can build something better.
Canada has always had the main ingredients: a deep commitment to fairness, a respect for difference, and a quiet courage in the face of change. But in this moment, we need more than pride in our values, we need to live them. Not by drawing hard lines, but by standing on common ground and working together. Because the real power of democracy isn’t in the system itself, it’s in our belief that we can shape it. And if we still believe that, and at the Dais we do, then now is the time to act.
This moment – amid the static, the splitting and the strain – demands more than defending the old systems. It calls for courage, imagination, and above all, belief. Belief that we are not powerless. That people, when given the opportunity and the trust, can build something bigger than any single institution: a democracy that reflects who we are now, and who we still hope to become.
To move from words to action, we’re excited to announce Canadian Democracy @ Work, our Canada-wide initiative bringing civic and digital skills training directly into workplaces. Employers are among the most trusted institutions in our country, which makes the workplace a powerful platform for democratic renewal. In partnership with employers and unions across the country, we’re helping
Canadians strengthen their civic and AI literacy, boost resilience to mis- and disinformation, and feel empowered to engage in democratic life. Get in touch with program lead, Marium Hamid, to make this initiative part of your organization’s impact.
And join us as we build towards something even bigger at the 7th annual DemocracyXChange, which returns to Toronto April 16–18, 2026. Co-hosted with OCAD U and the Open Democracy Project, Canada’s leading democracy summit brings together changemakers from across the country and beyond to tackle the defining issues of our democracy, and shape what’s next. Act now - early bird registration ends soon!
This is your invitation. Whether you're a longtime advocate or newly inspired, there’s a place for you on #TeamDemocracy.
So join us in the work of democracy — because it doesn’t happen without you. And democracy needs all of us.
Shoulder to shoulder,
Tanya Coyle
Director of Communications, The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University
Co-Director, DemocracyXChange
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Latest at the Dais |
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Canadian Democracy @ Work |
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Canadian employers are among the most trusted sources of information, making the workplace a powerful space to build civic skills, counter disinformation, and strengthen democratic resilience.
Canadian Democracy @ Work is a free, non-partisan learning initiative designed to equip employees with the tools they need to navigate today’s digital world.
By championing this program at your workplace, you:
show your organization’s commitment to democratic values, institutions, and renewal
demonstrate your support for workplace professional development
strengthen your team’s resilience to rising threats to democracy
provide professional development opportunities for your team
Join our growing list of partners today. To learn more, contact marium.hamid@torontomu.ca.
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| JOIN TEAM DEMOCRACY
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In Focus |
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DemocracyXChange 2026 |
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DemocracyXChange, Canada’s Democracy Summit, returns to Toronto on April 16–18, 2026.
Mark your calendars and join changemakers from coast to coast in driving bold action to strengthen and protect our democracy. Co-hosted by OCAD University, the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University, and the Open Democracy Project.
Why attend #DXC26?
Hear from bold voices shaping the future of democracy—leading decision-makers, advocates, and innovators from Canada and around the world.
Dive into the most pressing challenges facing democracy today from misinformation and institutional trust to deepening inequality and civic disengagement.
Join a dynamic community of cross-sector leaders, practitioners, policymakers, students, journalists and engaged members of the public, all working together to strengthen democratic resilience and safeguard our rights and freedoms.
We are committed to making DXC26 accessible to all. The first 100 people to register using code DXC26EARLY get 66% off early bird tickets and pay only $25.
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| $25 TICKETS
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Dais Learning
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AI is rapidly changing how communities receive services, access information, and engage with institutions. For nonprofits, the stakes are high: without responsible governance, AI risks deepening inequities and undermining trust.
Essentials of Responsible AI Governance is a three-week virtual course designed for nonprofit leaders who want to navigate these challenges with integrity. By building strong AI governance frameworks, leaders can not only safeguard their organizations but also contribute to a healthier democracy.
Through the program, you will:
gain a deeper understanding of technology governance concepts
develop the practical skills to design specific guidelines for your organization, department, or team
ensure that AI responsibly and effectively serves your mission.
The next cohort begins October 15.
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In the News
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Economy |
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Inside the complicated world of government budgeting (CBC Radio)
An explainer on government budgeting with our manager of economic research, Viet Vu.
As unemployment climbs, the promise of a grocery store job lures hundreds (CBC News)
Our manager of economic research, Viet Vu, comments on the tight Canadian labour market. Listen or watch
Canada hopes Trump’s $100,000 visa fee redirects talent north (Yahoo Finance)
Cites our report Mind the Gap on the pay disparity between U.S. and Canadian tech workers.
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Technology |
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American firms own nearly a third of Canada’s data centres (Investigative Journalism Foundation)
Quotes our interim executive director, André Côté, on Canadian digital sovereignty.
Martin Regg Cohn: Evan Solomon wants to balance innovation and regulation as Canada grapples with artificial intelligence (Toronto Star)
Dais Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn writes about his conversation with Hossein Rahnama and AI Minister Evan Solomon at the TMU Democracy Forum.
Authoritarian states use A.I. & chatbots for foreign interference (CityNews)
Features an interview with our interim executive director, André Côté.
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Democracy |
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Democracy and the Digital Public Square with André Côté (Progress Canada Podcast)
Our interim executive director, André Côté, joined the Progress Canada Podcast to dive into the Dais' work on online harms.
Listen on Spotify
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Education and Skills |
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Editorial: Canada lags globally in protecting youth from social media, screens (Canadian Affairs)
References our 2024 survey brief on phone restrictions in K-12 schools.
Do public servants need to be afraid of artificial intelligence? (Ottawa Sun)
References our report Adoption Ready? on the impact of public sector AI adoption.
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Team Democracy |
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Canada's hub for democracy work.
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The Dais is proud to be a trusted convener and amplifier of initiatives across the Canadian democracy ecosystem. Check out some of the exciting events and opportunities from our pro-democracy partners.
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October 4 | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
North York Central Library
Join the Toronto Public Library for a full-day event with industry leaders and local agencies as they discuss responsible technology use, privacy and online safety, digital citizenship and innovation in the age of AI.
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| REGISTER
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October 18-19 | 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Westin Harbour Castle Hotel
AMO’s second annual Healthy Democracy Forum will explore local leadership through its focus on civility, anti-harassment, and a public affairs campaign to boost voter turnout and council participation.
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| REGISTER
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Apply by October 15 | Virtual and in-person
The Maytree Policy School is a six-month Toronto-based program (January–June 2026) that supports 20–25 senior non-profit policy professionals in strengthening sector policy capacity through immersive learning, strategy development, and consultation with leaders.
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| APPLY
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Apply by October 15 | Virtual and in-person
The Maytree Policy School is a six-month Toronto-based program (January–June 2026) that supports 20–25 senior non-profit policy professionals in strengthening sector policy capacity through immersive learning, strategy development, and consultation with leaders.
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| THE PROPOSAL
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November 5 | The Quay, Toronto
The CSA Policy Pathways Conference: Building a Thriving Canadian Economy will convene leaders, thinkers, and changemakers across government, business, community, and academia to confront the pressing questions shaping our economic future.
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| REGISTER
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