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Dear friends,
“The question is whether we adapt by simply building higher walls - or whether we can do something more ambitious.”
Prime Minister Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week spoke in stark terms to our new reality, which forces us to sweep away long-held assumptions about the world and Canada’s place in it. This quote jumped out as the big question in front of us as Canadians: do we duck into a defensive crouch to protect what we have, or do we boldly seek to build something better that responds to new circumstances.
At the Dais, this question sits at the heart of our work. It is also guiding the design of DemocracyXChange (DXC) 2026, Canada’s democracy summit, a three-day immersive event we co-host with OCAD University and the Open Democracy Project. At DXC26, we’re asking whether people believe the economy works for them, how that belief drives democratic engagement, and what bold action it demands to renew democracy.
That’s why we’re delighted to share that Peter MacLeod, founder of MASS LBP and one of Canada’s leading thinkers on deliberative democracy, will take the stage at DXC26. Drawing on his work and his book Democracy’s Second Act, MacLeod will explore how more deliberate, participatory forms of democracy can help rebuild public trust and unlock shared prosperity in Canada and around the world.
As DXC grows, we’re exploring opportunities to bring the summit to communities across Canada. Get in touch if you’re interested in hosting in your city.
Also in this newsletter:
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Join us at our upcoming TMU Democracy Forum events with former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty (today!) and BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet (January 30)
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Learn how to influence public policy change with our Leading Through Policy Change - a six-week microcredential course, sponsored by Deloitte (sliding scale registration options available!)
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Refer a young changemaker in your network to apply to our national 2026 Youth Champions program, a paid learning and leadership development opportunity for students in Grades 9–11 to advocate for positive change on phone policies in schools
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Read our newly republished report on international students and work-integrated learning, examining who gets a real foothold in our economy and how.
Democracy works best when people can see a future for themselves in it, and have the skills and opportunities to help shape it. We hope you’ll join us in the conversation and learning ahead.
André Côté
Executive Director
The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University
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DXC26 to Present Peter MacLeod—Founder and principal of MASS LBP |
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Peter MacLeod brings a clear-eyed and hopeful challenge to the future of democratic life. Founder and principal of MASS LBP—and one of Canada’s leading experts in public engagement and deliberative democracy—MacLeod draws on nearly two decades of work with governments and public agencies across the country to argue that democracy isn’t broken, but stuck.
Join MacLeod as he outlines what comes next: a renewed democratic model that centres citizens, expands public imagination, and re-engages people as active partners in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.
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| GET TICKETS |
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TMU Democracy Forum: Can civil society be civil when politics is polarized? |
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Join us at the Dais this afternoon (January 22), from 12-1 p.m. for our next TMU Democracy Forum with former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty.
Drawing on his experience winning three elections and shaping Ontario’s education system, McGuinty will reflect on leadership, public service, and the lessons in his new book, Be a Good One – Words to Lead By.
Bring your questions and join the conversation about leading with integrity in challenging times.
Tickets are free, with advance registration required.
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| REGISTER |
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Yours to Discover |
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International students significantly contribute to Canada’s economy, but unlocking their full potential requires clearer pathways, stronger support, and better alignment with labour market needs.
Drawing on focus groups with international students and analysis of employment data, our latest report, Yours to Discover, Learn, and Earn, found that:
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Work-integrated learning strengthens professional networks and career prospects
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Work restrictions and immigration uncertainty create instability
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Systemic barriers, confusing policies, and limited supports make access to work-integrated learning challenging for international students
This work was produced in partnership with Medow Consulting with funding from the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.
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| THE FULL REPORT |
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Leading Through Policy Change |
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Let 2026 be the year you step up and make change.
Designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals, Leading Through Policy Change introduces the fundamentals of Canadian public policy and changemaking, with no prerequisites required.
In just six weeks, you will build practical skills to influence decisions that shape our communities, and earn a LinkedIn-shareable microcredential along the way.
We are committed to making this course financially accessible. For sliding-scale enrollment, please email Fahmida Kamali at famida.kamali@torontomu.ca. |
| MAKE CHANGE |
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Youth Champions |
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Do you know a motivated young changemaker? We’re looking for students in Grades 9–11 from across Canada to join our national Youth Champion program as part of our Heads Up campaign for phone-free schools.
Youth Champions work with other students to lead conversations about phone use at school and building healthier digital habits.
The perks:
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Paid leadership experience with a $1,000 honorarium upon program completion
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Training in leadership, facilitation, and public speaking
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Mentorship from educators and program leaders
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A national network of peers committed to making positive change
The details:
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Currently in Grades 9-11
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Curious about technology, mental health, education, or policy
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Can commit to about 6-8 hours per month from March to November 2026.
Learn more and apply by February 20!
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| APPLY NOW |
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BBC Chief Correspondent Lyse Doucet at TMU: The rise and fall of democracy in Afghanistan and beyond |
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Canadian-born Lyse Doucet has roamed the world for the BBC as its Chief International Correspondent, covering the fight for democracy but also its retreat. Bring your questions to the Democracy Forum at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she will discuss her new book, “The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A People’s History of Afghanistan.”
The event will be co-hosted by Toronto Star columnist and Dais Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn, and Sonya Fatah, Associate Chair of the School of Journalism.
Co-sponsored by the Dais and Journalism at the Creative School, the event is open to all, but advance registration is required.
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| SAVE MY SPOT |
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Panel: Emerging Dual-Use Technologies in an Era of Strategic Competition |
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The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is hosting the hybrid, public panel: Emerging Dual-Use Technologies in an Era of Strategic Competition to explore how emerging dual-use technologies are reshaping global security, economic competitiveness and governance.
Moderated by CIGI Senior Fellow Bessma Momani, this one-hour panel discussion will feature panelists from industry, academia, and defence, who will examine the opportunities and risks posed by these rapidly evolving technologies in an era of strategic competition and rising geopolitical tensions.
Event Details:
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Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
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Time: 5:30 – 7pm EST (UTC –5).
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Location: Hybrid – Attend in person at the CIGI Campus in Waterloo or join us online.
Additional information: Light refreshments will be available following the event |
| REGISTER |
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