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Dear friends of the Dais,
Canada’s 2025 federal budget dropped last week — and it’s clear the government wants to build, not just manage spending. The focus is shifting toward investment, productivity, and long-term economic growth, with less room for ongoing operational support.
What Stands Out
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$78B deficit projected for 2025-26, with a new fiscal anchor to balance operating spending by 2028-29
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Big bets on major projects in energy, mining and trade infrastructure, with more to come
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Measures to grow Canada’s digital economy, including enhancements to the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive program, accelerated write-offs for assets like patents and data infrastructure, and intellectual property and venture capital support
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Strong signals on AI, but little new funding as the government develops its new AI strategy
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Emergency measures to support workers facing trade disruption, but more focus needed on long-term tech-driven workforce impacts and AI literacy for learners and workers
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Commitment to digital transformation of government, without clear investments in capacity
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The word ‘democracy’ is referenced only once, while 'security' has 171 mentions
What It Means for Our Work
At the Dais, we’re unpacking what this all means for Canada’s economy and democracy, and where opportunities lie. In this issue:
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Read our take on Canada’s budget and what we’re focused on
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Review our recommendations to government for its renewed Canadian AI strategy
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Join us as we build an economy that serves democracy at DemocracyXChange (DXC) in Toronto, April 16-18, 2026.
The Bottom Line
In a moment of generational realignment of the global order and Canada’s place in it, there were great expectations for this budget — perhaps too great. The Arvik 1 ship on the cover is an apt metaphor, reflecting Canada’s strengths as a resilient northern trader in choppy seas, but also a large vessel that will be slow to turn. This budget took some important initial steps, but should be viewed only as the starting point for the new phase that we’re entering.
What’s missing is a commitment to protect and build Canada’s democracy alongside other nation-building efforts. Democracy is a Major Project we’re focused on. Our economic transition will be hard for Canadians and, as Prime Minister Carney noted, will require sacrifice. Getting Canadians on board will require social cohesion, public trust, and a sense that sacrifice is equitably shared, all of which hinge on responsive, well-functioning democratic institutions
Yours,
André Côté
Interim Executive Director
The Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University |
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Latest at the Dais |
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Reflections on Canada’s 2025 Federal Budget |
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On November 4, the Government of Canada released its annual budget, presenting a vision of Canada focused on investing in nation-building infrastructure and economic sovereignty amid widespread geopolitical and technological disruption.
We’ve evaluated the Budget 2025 with careful attention to measures that will responsibly advance Canada’s AI agenda and the digital economy, invest in learners and workers, and safeguard our democracy.
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| READ OUR TAKE |
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In Focus |
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Submission to the Consultation on Canada’s Renewed AI Strategy |
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Canada needs a renewed national AI strategy.
The Dais has submitted recommendations to the Government of Canada’s AI Strategy consultation, informed by insights from more than 25 Dais reports. We outline how Canada can strengthen public trust, retain top AI talent, and drive productivity that benefits all sectors – and workers – in our economy.
We outline recommendations focused on three pillars:
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responsible AI adoption in the public and private sectors
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building the skills and talent infrastructure we need to meet the moment
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investing in home-grown innovation and computing capacity to advance Canada’s digital sovereignty.
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| EXPLORE OUR FULL RECOMMENDATIONS AND INSIGHTS |
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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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| REGISTER NOW |
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In the News |
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Economy
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What did the 2025 budget deliver for generation Z and millennial Canadians?
(The Financial Post)
Our Interim Executive Director, André Côté, comments on measures in the 2025 budget that will support families with children.
Bank of Canada lowers key interest rate to 2.25% amid economic uncertainty
(CBC News Manitoba)
Our Manager of Economic Research, Viet Vu, comments on the Bank of Canada lowering the key interest rate.
Analysis of the Federal 2025 Budget
(OMNI TV)
Viet Vu, our manager of economic research, commented on what stands out in Canada’s latest federal budget.
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Technology
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Meeting the Moment: Why Canada's Nonprofits Must Collaborate to Lead in the Age of AI (Hillborn)
References the Responsible AI Adoption for Social Impact (RAISE) program, co-led by the Dais. |
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Community Goings On |
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Building Skills for Change Workshop |
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Want to learn about community organizing? Whether you’re completely new or want to hone your skills, the Institute for Change Leaders’ upcoming community organizing workshop will equip you with campaign skills based on the proven framework developed by Harvard professor and author, Marshall Ganz.
DATE: Saturday, November 15–Sunday, November 16
TIME: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: In-person on the Toronto Metropolitan University downtown campus
COST: Tickets are available on a sliding scale, with significant discounts for students, TMU staff, and faculty. |
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| REGISTER |
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