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Dear friends of the Dais,
For the first time in more than three decades, the Toronto Blue Jays are back in the World Series. There’s something special about this moment. Canadians, from coast to coast, are united around a common point of pride. It’s a reminder that teamwork can deliver big results, and that the ties that bind us are stronger than what divides us.
It’s a reminder that democracy, too, is a team sport. It requires trust, coordination, and a willingness to listen, even when we don’t see eye to eye.
That spirit is at the heart of our upcoming TMU Democracy Forum conversation, It Takes Two to Talk. Join us as MPs from two opposing political parties, Liberal Karim Bardeesy and Conservative Melissa Lantsman, explore what it takes to have constructive dialogue across political lines.
Team spirit is also guiding our preparations for DemocracyXChange 2026, which returns to Toronto April 16–18. The 2026 theme Side by Side: Building an economy that serves democracy invites changemakers to reimagine how the economy can strengthen democratic life. Our 2026 Program Advisory Committee is already hard at work shaping these conversations, helping us explore the cracks in the old model and imagine what must come next. Get in touch with us if you want to get involved on #TeamDemocracy.
As Canadians rally behind the Jays, let’s carry that same energy into how we show up for our democracy: hopeful, collaborative, and ready to take a swing at building something better.
Yours,
André Côté
Interim Executive Director
The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University |
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Latest at the Dais |
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It Takes Two to Talk:
MPs Karim Bardeesy and Melissa Lantsman at TMU |
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Amid polarized politics and coarse discourse, two up and coming MPs from two opposing political parties – Liberal Karim Bardeesy and Conservative Melissa Lantsman – will discuss why so many politicians talk past each other. At our next TMU Democracy Forum, hosted by TMU Senior Fellow Martin Regg Cohn, we’ll ask: Can Canadians do democracy differently?
DATE: Wednesday, November 12
TIME: 12-1 p.m. EST
LOCATION: Online, via Zoom
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In Focus |
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DemocracyXChange 2026: Side By Side |
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When people see the economy working for them, faith in democracy grows.
The DemocracyXChange 2026 (DXC26) theme, Side By Side: Building an economy that serves democracy, invites leaders, innovators, artists and changemakers to reimagine the role of the economy in strengthening democracy in an era of disruption.
Join #TeamDemocracy as we examine the cracks in the old model, and shape what must come next.
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URL to IRL Summit Recap |
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On September 27, educators, parents, and teens came together on campus at TMU for URL to IRL, a Screen Break event exploring how we can build a healthier digital future in classrooms and beyond.
Intergenerational by design, the day featured youth-led panels, creative breakout sessions, and activation stations - from designing balanced phone policies, to crafting zines on digital wellness.
Learn more about our research, tools for educators and policymakers, and youth-led initiatives at the link below.
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| TAKE A SCREEN BREAK |
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Screen Break Fellows |
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Three new Screen Break Fellows bring diverse perspectives from education, technology, community, and youth engagement to help guide Screen Break’s activities and outreach across the country.
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Aimee Li
Aimee is a fourth-year student at McGill University studying Finance, IT Management, and Philosophy. She values thoughtful discussion, meaningful connections, and everlasting curiosity. Her work has been featured in the Montreal AI Ethics Institute recess column and she has previously directed Ethics Decoded, a podcast dedicated to exploring responsible and ethical AI use. |
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Gabriel Dalton
Gabriel Dalton is a 17-year-old Irish-Canadian entrepreneur from Vancouver, BC. He was born on a boat and lived there for six years. At 15, he founded Oasis of Change, Inc., a not-for-profit that promotes digital sustainability. Since then, he has led projects that planted nearly 9,000 trees in 15 countries.
Through Web-Ready, a program of Oasis of Change, Gabriel builds fast, eco-friendly websites that lower carbon emissions and improve performance for organizations of all sizes. |
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Jovan Rohac
Jovan is a third-year student at McGill University, pursuing a degree in Economics. His interest for Artificial Intelligence stems from the desire to explore the balance between innovation and ethics, emphasizing the role of Safety & Governance in the AI landscape. |
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| MEET THE CHANGEMAKERS |
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Dais Learning |
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This hands-on course is designed for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to ethically leverage AI.
In this course, you will:
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explore key AI concepts, different AI types and their relevance in nonprofit operations
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delve into the critical dos and don’ts concerning AI privacy, laws, and ethics, learning to identify risks and practicing responsible AI use in real-world nonprofit scenarios
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gain practical insights into various AI applications, enabling you to strategically enhance efficiency, program delivery, and overall impact by selecting and applying an AI tool directly to your work.
The next cohort begins November 19.
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In the News |
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Technology |
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Could a U.S. visa fee push tech workers to Canada? Here's what you need to know (The Canadian Press)
Quotes our Senior Policy Analyst, Angus Lockhart, on Canadian tech workers' exodus south.
How Does AI Impact Trust in Democracy? (Digital Public Square)
Cites our Trust in Canadian Democracy Survey Brief and Survey of Online Harms in Canada 2025. |
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Community Goings On |
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Canada Youth Internet Governance Forum |
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The Young Digital Leaders of Canada are hosting their annual Canada Youth Internet Governance Forum (IGF) on Friday, November 14 in Ottawa and with a hybrid option!
By attending this event, you will be a part of the conversation on the issues that are impacting our digital lives as young Canadians. Both youth and the young at heart are welcome to join!
If you have questions about this event, please email yigfcanada@gmail.com.
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