DXC and the Toronto Public Library announce talk featuring New York Times Bestselling author, Timothy Snyder, to discuss his new book, On Freedom

NOVEMBER 27, 2024 (TORONTO) – DemocracyXChange, Canada’s annual democracy summit, returns to Toronto April 3–5, 2025 for its sixth year, with a special presentation on April 4 at the Toronto Reference Library, featuring a Salon Series talk by Timothy Snyder; eight-time author and Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University. 

Snyder’s new book, On Freedom, takes us on a thrilling intellectual journey. Drawing on the work of philosophers and political dissidents, conversations with contemporary thinkers, and his own experiences coming of age in a time of American exceptionalism, Snyder identifies the practices and attitudes—the habits of mind—that will allow us to design a government in which we and future generations can flourish. Intimate yet ambitious, this book helps forge a new consensus rooted in a politics of abundance, generosity, and grace.

Co-presented by OCAD University, the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) and the Open Democracy Project, DXC25 will take place on campus at OCAD U and TMU, from April 3–5, 2025 in Toronto. DXC25 will profile new stories for today’s democracy’s leaders by highlighting the people and institutions that are shaping progress, implementing new ideas and employing winning narratives in their democracy work, every day. Through this lens, workshops, panel discussions and keynote speakers will examine urgent global issues such as integrity of information, inequality and trust in governance. 

“On the heels of the American presidential election and with an anticipated federal election next fall, the conversation about freedom and what it means to preserving democracy is not only critical but essential. In his new book, On Freedom, Timothy Snyder critiques the libertarian notions of freedom and champions the idea of good government and its role in helping us achieve the freedom to live our lives as sovereign, mobile, truth-seeking citizens working in solidarity for a healthy pluralist democracy,” says OCAD University President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano.

“Democracy is still under threat. It's up to us to confront the realities of how people appreciate -- or reject -- democracy today, and to tell a new story,” said Karim Bardeesy, Executive Director of the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University. “I’m excited that we are bringing together the leaders and change-makers who are shaping those stories and practising democracy on the ground. Join us at DemocracyXChange 2025!"

"Timothy Snyder's exploration of freedom could not be more timely. At a moment when democracy faces unprecedented challenges in Canada and around the world, his insights into the habits of mind and action required to safeguard democratic values provide a powerful framework for reflection and renewal.” – Chris Cowperthwaite, President, Open Democracy Project

DXC25 will bring together hundreds from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors who are taking action to strengthen democracy and civil society. Early bird tickets are now on sale at: democracyxchange.org. 

Tickets for the free Snyder talk will require separate registration via Toronto Public Library. Registration will open in mid-February 2025 on TPL's Eventbrite page. Follow this page to receive TPL updates. 

To get #DXC25 community news and updates, sign up here. More speakers and event details will be added in the coming months. 

About DemocracyXChange

DemocracyXChange (DXC) connects, celebrates and equips people who are taking action to strengthen democracy. Co-produced by OCAD U, The Open Democracy Project and the Dais at TMU, Canada’s premier annual democracy summit takes place in Toronto from April 3–5, 2025. Join us and help tackle today’s most urgent civic issues. 

Web: democracyxchange.org | Instagram: @democracyxchange  | X: @dxcsummit | Facebook: dxcsummit | LinkedIn: democracyxchange | #DXC25

For media inquiries, please contact Sue Holland.

About the Dais at TMU

The Dais is a public policy and leadership think tank at Toronto Metropolitan University, working at the intersection of technology, education and democracy to build shared prosperity and citizenship for Canada. 

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Nina Rafeek Dow, communications and marketing lead, the Dais nina.rafeek@torontomu.ca.

dais.ca | @daisTMU

About OCAD U

OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art and design university, is a world-famous hub for art, design and digital media education, research and innovation. We embrace collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to change-making through art, design-thinking curriculum and research. Students benefit from hands-on studio learning and have access to state-of-the-art shops and studios for both traditional and digital creation. Alongside a diverse and supportive team of instructors and peers, our students gain employable skills. Graduates work in different sectors such as urban planning, environmental design, gaming, film, animation, publishing, illustration, graphic design, visual arts and arts administration.

For inquiries or an interview, please contact Karen McCarthy, Directorof Communications and Media, at 514-826-0597 or kmccarthy@ocadu.ca

Web: OCAD University | X: @OCAD | Facebook: ocaduniversity | Instagram: @ocaduniversity | TikTok: @ocaduniversity 

About Open Democracy Project

Open Democracy Project is working to strengthen and evolve the practice of democracy in Canada through contributing to the growth of Canada’s democracy sector. It is a not-for-profit incorporated in Canada and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Open Democracy Project’s goal is to foster collaborative and sustainable multi-stakeholder programs that convene, connect and share knowledge to build democratic resilience and protect democratic values.

OpenDemocracy.ca | @OpenDemocracyCA

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