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Dear friends of the Dais,

Canadians are increasingly viewing innovation not only as a driver of economic growth, but also as a foundation for national security and sovereignty. Dual-use technologies, tools that serve both defence needs and everyday societal benefits, are at the heart of this shift. These technologies link Canada’s long-term economic ambitions with its most pressing strategic challenges.

In The Hill Times, Daisies Ayaz Syed and Jake Hirsch-Allen, with Elysa Darling of DIGITAL, argue that too few Canadian organizations are engaging seriously with dual-use innovation. By better aligning Canada’s innovation ecosystem with our diplomatic and security priorities, they suggest, we can build a dual-use model that is both values driven and globally influential. Investments in democratic technologies and processes can count towards our NATO obligations, reinforcing both domestic stability and international commitments. Done right, this moment could help shape a more stable and prosperous global order, with Canada playing a meaningful role.

But sovereignty is not built through security alone; it rests on the foundation of a strong, resilient democracy.

That is why our Canadian Democracy @ Work initiative is focused on strengthening the human infrastructure of democracy. Workplaces are among the most trusted institutions in Canadians’ lives, making them a powerful venue for building civic literacy, resilience to misinformation, and a stronger shared democratic culture.

This Friday, we're pleased to bring that conversation to the Canadian Club Toronto. Promoting Democracy at Work: Why It Matters will feature leaders including Dany Assaf (Torys), Ana Serrano (OCAD University), and Anthony Viel (Deloitte Canada) discussing how employers can help strengthen democracy in a time of rapid technological and social change.

We'll continue this conversation at the next TMU Democracy Forum, Canadian Democracy in Crisis: Andrew Coyne at TMU. Join us on December 3 as Coyne joins Dais Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn and TMU Professor and Jarislowsky Democracy Chair, Sanjay Ruparelia, to reflect on the challenges explored in his latest book The Crisis of Canadian Democracy, and how we might repair them.

As innovation reshapes Canada’s position in the world, our democratic capacity must remain our strongest asset.

Yours,

Marium Hamid, Manager of Partnerships

Jake Hirsch-Allen, Director of Partnerships
The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University

Latest at the Dais

Promoting Democracy at Work: Why It Matters

Workplaces are among the most trusted institutions in people’s lives, making them a powerful space for building civic literacy and resilience to misinformation.

Join us at the Canadian Club Toronto on November 28 for a conversation on how employers can strengthen democracy by fostering informed, engaged teams.

Hear from senior leaders Dany Assaf (Torys LLP), Ana Serrano (OCAD University), and Anthony Viel (Deloitte Canada) as they explore how workplaces can support critical thinking, digital literacy, and constructive dialogue in a fast-changing information environment.

SAVE YOUR SEAT

In Focus

Canada must build on federal budget investments in dual-use innovation

Finance minister François-Philippe Champagne holds a printed copy of the 2025 federal budget, standing beside Prime Minister Mark Carney

Photo credit: Dave Chan/The Globe and Mail

In The Hill Times, our Director of Partnerships Jake Hirsch-Allen, Policy Analyst Ayaz Syed and Elysa Darling argue that Canada’s new investments in AI, quantum, and defence signal a turning point for dual-use innovation.

Canadian companies are already showing how technologies can serve both civilian and security needs, yet Canada lacks a cohesive strategy. Aligning our innovation ecosystem with diplomatic and security priorities is essential for economic growth, sovereignty, and global stability.

THE FULL OPINION

Dais Talks

The Crisis of Canadian Democracy:

Andrew Coyne at TMU

Canadians imagine their democracy to be a model for the world. In his new book, political columnist Andrew Coyne argues that our Parliament is powerless, our voters are disenfranchised and our prime minister reigns virtually unchallenged for years at a time. What is to be done?

Bring your questions to the Democracy Forum on Wednesday, December 3, co-hosted by columnist and TMU Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn and TMU Democracy Chair Sanjay Ruparelia.

Dais Learning

Essentials of Responsible AI Governance

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 and final cohort begins January 14.

In the News

Education

Canada’s international student cap helped lower rents. But will it bring colleges and universities down as well? (The Globe and Mail)

Quotes our Executive Director André Côté on the fault lines in Canada's international education system.

Democracy

Martin Regg Cohn: A Liberal and Conservative show us what politics in Canada could look like (Toronto Star)

Dais Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn reflects on the TMU Democracy Forum: It Takes Two to Talk.

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