From climate change and Canada–China relations to youth civic engagement and local democracy, the inaugural DXC+ Vancouver series brought together communities, experts, and organizations for six events exploring democracy where people live, work, and participate.

DemocracyXChange launched our regional events initiative, DXC+, in Vancouver this year! 

Following the national DemocracyXChange 2026 Summit, we co-hosted a series of six democracy-themed events for DXC+ Vancouver with our locally-based Community Partners throughout April and May. These events included expert panel discussions, a book launch, workshops, and a walking tour.

We recognize that conversations about democracy do not happen only at the national level, but take place every day in communities across the country, which is why we launched DXC+ in Vancouver and Ottawa this year. Through DXC+, we were excited to support and participate in these vital local conversations, bringing democracy discussions directly into communities.

From exploring climate change through the lens of democratic governance to examining Canada-China relations, learning how to engage with local governments, and more, participants in Vancouver took part in a diverse series of events over several weeks. At the same time, our partners were able to amplify their democracy-focused initiatives through DemocracyXChange’s national platform.

Here’s a recap of DXC+ Vancouver:

April 15, 2026

BOOK LAUNCH: Renewing Democracy: Do Citizens Actually Matter?

Co-hosted by the  Vancouver Public Library (VPL), The Tyee, and DXC+ Vancouver

While co-author Peter MacLeod was presenting at the DemocracyXChange Summit 2026 in Toronto, co-author Richard Johnson joined politics reporter Jen St. Denis of The Tyee at the Vancouver Public Library to discuss his new book with MacLeod, Renewing Democracy: Do Citizens Actually Matter? Johnson explored how countries around the world are adapting and renewing their democratic institutions, and what meaningful democratic participation can look like in practice. 

Watch the book launch and conversation below.

April 29, 2026

PANEL: Do We Still Care About Climate Change?

Co-hosted by Vancouver Public Library (VPL), Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at UBC, and DXC+ Vancouver

This panel examined the role of climate change within Canada's evolving political and democratic landscape. As Prime Minister Mark Carney positions Canada as an energy superpower, where does climate change fit within our national and local democratic conversations? How can citizens engage with democratic institutions on this issue?

Panelists Eugene Kung of West Coast Environmental Law, former Vancouver City Councillor Andrea Reimer, and Seth Klein, author of A Good War, shared an insightful discussion on this topic moderated by Chris Tenove, Assistant Director of UBC’s Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions.

Watch the full panel conversation below.

April 30, 2026

PANEL: Risk and Renewal: The Future of Canada-China Relations

Co-hosted by the Canadian International Council Vancouver Chapter, Canada China Forum, and DXC+ Vancouver

This timely discussion brought together experts to explore the future of Canada-China relations and the opportunities and challenges ahead. Panelists included Bijan Ahmadi, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council; Jia Wang, Senior Fellow and Advisor and former Interim Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta; and Diya Jiang, a researcher specializing in international trade and foreign policy.

Moderated by Joanna Chiu, Managing Partner of Nüora Global Advisors, the conversation examined what renewed economic engagement and dialogue between Canada and China could mean, while also addressing the risks that accompany potential opportunities. Hosted at the Deloitte Summit building overlooking downtown Vancouver, the event ended with a networking reception where participants and panelists continued the conversation.

May 7, 2026

WORKSHOP: CityHive CityHang: BC Youth Week Walking Tour and Dialogue

Co-hosted by CityHive and DXC+ Vancouver

As part of BC Youth Week, CityHive hosted an outdoor walking tour around Vancouver’s False Creek, bringing together more than a dozen young people to discuss urban planning and civic engagement.

Participants debated questions at various stops along the route, including who is included, and who is left out, when we design and plan urban spaces. The event concluded with a community potluck and a collective urban wishes wall, providing an opportunity for further discussion and connection.

May 9, 2026

WORKSHOP: Media Training for Organizers Workshop

Co-hosted by Critical Alternatives and DXC+ Vancouver

Led by Melody Ma of Critical Alternatives, community organizers gathered at Chinatown community space 客家 HAKKA HOUSE for an afternoon of practical media training.

Participants learned how media organizations operate and how to effectively communicate their initiatives to journalists and the broader public. Through hands-on exercises, attendees developed key messages, practiced interview techniques, and participated in mock media interviews.

May 13, 2026

WORKSHOP: Shape Your Community: Local Government and Tools for Change

Co-hosted by Women Transforming Cities and DXC+ Vancouver

In advance of British Columbia’s 2026 civic elections, Women Transforming Cities hosted its signature Shape Your Community workshop online, welcoming more than two dozen participants eager to learn about local government and civic participation.

The workshop explored the roles and responsibilities of municipalities and the many ways residents can participate in local democracy throughout the year beyond voting at the polls. Participants were also able to contribute to Women Transforming Cities’ consultation on the priorities they hope to see reflected in upcoming civic elections.

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DXC+ Vancouver was a whirlwind of democratic engagement, learning, and rich public discussion about the future of our democratic societies. On the other side of the country, DXC+ Ottawa hosted similar conversations at a focused regional convening. 

To read a recap and report on the DXC+ Ottawa event, view here.

Interested in bringing DXC+ to your community? We’d love to hear from you.