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Dear friends,
Are we entering an 'enshittification' era where platform services become deliberately worse as some companies squeeze more value from their users? Across the digital landscape, once-useful platforms are eroding in usability and integrity, undermining public trust, online safety, and the quality of our interactions. But this decline isn’t a natural outcome of technology. It’s a design choice. And it can be reversed.
At the Dais, we’re focused on cultivating the next generation of changemakers and bold ideas capable of pushing systems in the opposite direction -- toward transparency, fairness, and meaningful innovation. But responsible technology doesn’t emerge on its own; it’s shaped by leaders who understand how policy, power, and design interact. Real change happens when we recognize our agency within democratic systems, and have the imagination and courage to build a future that serves everyone.
That’s why we’re excited to announce that Cory Doctorow will headline opening night at DemocracyXChange (DXC) 2026. His work illuminates the structural forces that cause digital platforms to decay, and shows how Canada can rebuild digital systems that are open, resilient, and genuinely accountable to the public. From digital sovereignty to the future of innovation, DXC will explore how we can build greater prosperity for people in an economy that truly serves democracy.
Explore how you can plug into the conversations shaping Canada:
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Learn: Strengthen your policy and tech governance chops with our upcoming courses, Leading Through Policy Change and Essentials of Responsible AI Governance
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Listen: Catch the latest TMU Democracy Forum conversation with Andrew Coyne on the state of Canadian democracy, and explore Canadian Democracy @ Work, launched at Canadian Club Toronto
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Lean in: Join Canada’s premier gathering of #TeamDemocracy at DXC26. Now until December 31, give the gift of democracy with 20% off tickets using code HOLIDAIS
Yours in active citizenship,
Tanya Coyle
Director of Communications
The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University
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Latest at the Dais |
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DemocracyXChange 2026 Headliner: Cory Doctorow |
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Author, activist and journalist Cory Doctorow will headline DemocracyXChange 2026 to discuss how Canada can seize the Trump moment to revitalise its tech sector, secure its digital sovereignty, and become a global tech powerhouse.
Canada spent the first quarter of the new millennium as a branch plant of the US, terrified of the tariffs we were threatened with if we shaped our policy to benefit Canadians and Canadian innovation. A new, global opportunity is upon us, and it's ours to seize -- or lose.
Canada’s democracy summit returns to Toronto April 16–18, 2026. Early bird tickets are on sale now!
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| SIGN ME UP |
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In Focus |
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Leading Through Policy Change |
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Big change starts with knowing how the system works.
Leading Through Policy Change microcredential will unpack public policy and equip you with the levers you can use to influence change.
Designed for advocates, nonprofit leaders, and anyone driven to make their community better, you’ll learn practical tools to mobilize others and meaningfully shape decisions.
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| MAKE A CHANGE |
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Dais Learning |
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RAISE your AI skills |
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In 2026, resolve to level up your AI literacy and governance skills.
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.
The next and final cohort begins January 14.
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| I’M READY |
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Dais Talks |
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ICYMI: Andrew Coyne at TMU |
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Photo: Mariana Rodrigues/the Dais
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The Crisis of Canadian Democracy author and political columnist Andrew Coyne joined the TMU Democracy Forum with Dais Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn and TMU Jarislowsky Democracy Chair Sanjay Ruparelia to assess the state of Canadian democracy—and what’s to be done.
Missed the conversation? No problem! Tune in at the link below.
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| CATCH THE REPLAY |
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ICYMI: Promoting Democracy at Work |
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Photo: Mike Hagarty/Canadian Club Toronto
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On November 28, we partnered with the Canadian Club Toronto for a candid conversation with Canadian leaders on why civic engagement is good for business - and for society.
The lively conversation with Dany Assaf (Torys LLP), Anthony Viel (Deloitte) and Ana Serrano (OCAD University) examined the role that organizations can play in supporting critical thinking, digital literacy, and constructive dialogue among employees — essential tools for navigating our fast-changing information environment.
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| CATCH THE REPLAY |
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Community Goings On |
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Canadian Club: The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs |
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Join Canadian Club Toronto on December 12 when The Honourable Anita Anand, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, discusses Canada’s role on the global stage and the diplomatic, security, and economic priorities shaping our international engagement.
Following her remarks, Minister Anand will be joined in conversation by Janice Stein, Founding Director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy.
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| GET TICKETS |
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