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Canada’s Democracy Summit

April 16–18, 2026 | Toronto

DXC connects, celebrates and equips people who are taking action to strengthen democracy. Co-produced by OCAD University, The Open Democracy Project and the Dais at TMU, Canada’s premier democracy summit offers three days of dynamic programming that includes inspiring keynote speakers, thought‑provoking expert panels, and hands‑on participatory workshops; created to both examine and tackle today’s most urgent civic issues.

DXC26 to Present Nobel Laureate Daron Acemoglu

In an era of rapid technological disruption and deepening political instability, the link between economic growth and democratic health has reached a breaking point. We are no longer just asking how to grow, but how to survive as a free society.

Daron Acemoglu, MIT Institute Professor and Nobel Prize laureate, has spent decades decoding why some nations achieve both prosperity and freedom while others slide into inequality and authoritarianism.

In conversation with CBC Front Burner’s Jayme Poisson, Acemoglu will draw on his forthcoming book, What Happened to Liberal Democracy?, alongside insights from his bestseller Power and Progress, to explore the most urgent question of our time: How can we redirect the path of innovation to ensure technology serves the many rather than the few?

Join us for a deep dive into how we can redesign our economic systems to foster shared prosperity and, in doing so, reclaim the future of democratic life.

New Speakers Added

• Aleksi Toiviainen, Co-Founder & General Coordinator, Vote16 Canada

• Bruce Schneier, Global Security Expert and Bestselling Author

• Eva Lau, Cofounder and General Partner, Two Small Fish Ventures

• Isha Khan, Director and CEO, Canadian Museum for Human Rights

• Jennifer Hollett, Editor-in-chief, The Walrus

• Karen Restoule, Senior Fellow and Director of Indigenous Affairs, Macdonald-Laurier Institute

• Kaylie Tiessen, Chief Economist, The Canadian SHIELD Institute for Public Policy

• Costas Kapsouropoulos, Digital and Science Counsellor, EU Delegation to Canada

• Sanjay Ruparelia, Jarislowsky Democracy Chair, Toronto Metropolitan University

• +++More to come

Friday Workshop Options

Register for one of two immersive Friday workshops: Democracy Futures or Making the Future: Emerging Leaders.

Democracy Futures Workshop (Unbound: Canada’s Sovereignty and Democracy Futures)

This workshop uses foresight tools and scenario planning to uncover vulnerabilities, imagine preferred futures, and co-create strategies for resilience.

Registration is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Emerging Leaders: Making the Future

This session is designed to equip changemakers with the skills, confidence, and networks to drive meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Through real-world examples, mentorship, and interactive activities, participants will explore the evolving landscape of leadership.

The Emerging Leaders Workshop is generously supported by AMAPCEO.

Student Discount at DXC

Are you a TMU or OCAD student eager to engage with bold ideas and changemakers, but working with a tight budget? We’ve made it easy to join us at DXC26.

Use the code DXCSTUDENT to register for the full 3-day DemocracyXChange for just $25.

This special student rate gives you access to inspiring keynotes, dynamic panels, and workshops with leaders shaping the future of democracy.

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