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“Democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” - Winston Churchill
Dear friends of the Dais,
Happy International Day of Democracy!
Democracy in Canada is a living practice — one that only stays strong because people keep showing up for it, generation after generation. That's the gift of freedom, and it comes with an obligation.
In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, the instinctive response is often to withdraw; to retreat into our personal lives, tune out the noise, and let democracy be someone else's job. But that's precisely the moment civic habits matter most. Grand gestures do not sustain democracy; we renew our commitment to one another across society through small, repeated acts of participation — the habits we build and pass on.
Building those habits is the antidote to apathy:
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Engage with your community. Show up where the decisions that shape daily life actually get made. (👀 check out Democracy Live in Winnipeg on November 9, 2026 presented by The Walrus and DXC+)
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Tune into your municipal election as they take place across Canada. Local democracy is where civic habits form first
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Join other democracy practitioners and collaborate together at DemocracyXChange 2027, returning to Toronto from April 8-10, 2027, presented by the Dais at TMU, the Cultural Policy Hub at OCAD U, and the Open Democracy Project. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, early bird tickets are now on sale for 50% off.
Let’s keep practising democracy, together — that's how Canada will lead.
Tanya Coyle
Co-Chair, DemocracyXChange
Director of Communications, the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University
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DemocracyXChange 2027 returns April 8–10, 2027 |
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Photo: Brian Medina |
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On the International Day of Democracy, we’re looking ahead to the next DemocracyXChange. Following three sold-out days and more than 950 participants at DXC26, we’re thrilled to announce that DXC returns to Toronto from April 8–10, 2027 for the eighth edition of Canada's national democracy summit.
Registration opens today, and the first 100 two-day Festival Passes are priced at 50% off.
Stay tuned for more updates on speakers and programming!
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| HALF-OFF FESTIVAL PASSES |
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Save the Date:
Democracy Live coming to Winnipeg November 9 |
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In a country of many stories, how do we build the civic muscle to stay united?
Join us at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, in person or online, for a day of strengthening democracy through dialogue, art, and action.
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ICYMI: Jason Kenney and Rachel Notley at TMU |
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As the 17th and 18th premiers of Alberta, Jason Kenney (United Conservative Party) and Rachel Notley (Alberta NDP) worked to secure the province’s place in Canada. Now they’ve teamed up for the fight against Alberta separatism.
In case you missed the TMU Democracy Forum on September 10, the conversation hosted by Toronto Star political columnist Martin Regg Cohn is now available to watch on YouTube.
Click the link below for a colourful and candid conversation on Alberta’s political future.
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| WATCH THE REPLAY |
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Community Goings On |
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In Defence of Democracy 2026: Carissa Véliz with Lisa LaFlamme |
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Advancements in artificial intelligence and our increasingly polluted digital ecosystem are quickly shaping Canada's democratic culture in ways that are challenging to understand. In this era of predictive AI, what is the future of politics in Canada and what can we do about it? |
| GET TICKETS |
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Growclass Personal Brand Summit |
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On September 23, join Growclass for a virtual Personal Branding Summit packed with standout speakers, real strategies, and zero fluff to help you build a personal brand that actually opens doors.
Enjoy 30% off your ticket with code DAIS-30. |
| GET TICKETS |
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Did someone forward you this newsletter? Get it in your inbox directly! |
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