Apr 2, 2026
Building on the success of six national summits since 2017, DemocracyXChange is now expanding that work in a new way — by going local.
Democracy doesn’t only happen on a national stage. It is built in communities through conversations, collective participation, and everyday interactions across the country.
That belief has always been at the core of DemocracyXChange. Building on the success of six national summits since 2017, we’re now expanding that work in a new way — by going local.
We’re excited to introduce DXC+, our regional events initiative, bringing the spirit of the annual DemocracyXChange Summit directly to communities across Canada. Through the events, local leaders and organizations are creating spaces for dialogue rooted in their own contexts while contributing to a broader, Canada-wide conversation about democracy.
The annual DXC Summit, co-produced by OCAD U, the Dais at TMU, and Open Democracy Project, connects, celebrates, and equips people who are taking action to strengthen democracy. With DXC+, we’re building on that foundation to foster deeper local engagement from coast to coast.
In its inaugural year, DXC+ is launching in Ottawa and Vancouver, partnering with local organizations to host democratic dialogues that connect local perspectives with national conversations.
“For years, our partners have done incredible work getting the summits running through 2025, but now…we’re able to expand our strategy and execute regional events”, DemocracyXChange Co-founder and President of Open Democracy Project, Chris Cowperthwaite said in an interview about the founding and future of DXC, “The regional event strategy is one of the things I’m most excited about and most involved with as part of DemocracyXChange’s growth initiatives for 2026 and beyond.”
“Looking ahead, it’s clear that democracy has become a much more urgent public conversation. But DemocracyXChange has been doing this work for seven years. We started engaging these questions well before they became as prominent as they are now, and I think that gives us a strong foundation as more people across the country begin to grapple with them”, DemocracyXChange Co-founder and President of OCAD U, Ana Serrano said in an interview, “I see the next phase for DemocracyXChange as growing into a truly national platform, one built through the collaborations and partnerships we have been organically stewarding over the years.”
“Canadian democracy is built on the everyday act of bringing people together,” said Andre Cote, Executive Director of the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University. “Launching DXC+, and grounding conversations in local perspectives, matters more than ever, because it’s what keeps a diverse country connected and moving forward together.”
Here’s what to expect for the launch of DXC+:
Ottawa’s convening will focus on a half-day event with a feature panel and interactive sessions:
Canada's Democratic Test: Can We Move Fast Without Losing What Matters?
April 30, 2026 | 2:45 - 6 PM | Global Centre for Pluralism (330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON)
This convening will explore how rapid change is reshaping decision-making across national security, economic development, climate policy, and governance. Through a featured cross-sector panel and facilitated exchange, participants will explore how do we move quickly without weakening the principles, relationships, and trust that underpin decision-making?
Co-presented by Bridge Building Group and Open Democracy Project, and hosted with the support of Global Centre for Pluralism.
In Vancouver, there will be a series of events throughout April, including:
April 15, 2026: Renewing Democracy: Do Citizens Actually Matter?
Join co-author Richard Johnson and politics reporter Jen St. Denis from The Tyee for the launch of Johnson’s new book, Democracy’s Second Act. Johnson will share stories of democratic innovations from more than a dozen countries, and show how there is still hope for democracy if we can tap the power of people in meaningful ways. Co-hosted by Vancouver Public Library (VPL), The Tyee and DXC+ Vancouver at VPL Central. Register now >
April 29, 2026: Do we still care about climate change?
Cost of living and jobs. Housing affordability. Trump. These are currently the top concerns for people living in Canada, according to recent polls. Climate change is an ever growing existential threat to our species, yet many polls show climate is not a top priority. Come hear a conversation about where the climate conversation stands in Canada, from three people with different experiences in climate politics and policymaking. Co-hosted by Vancouver Public Library (VPL), Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at UBC, and DXC+ Vancouver at VPL Central Library. Register now >
April 30, 2026: Risk and Renewal: The Future of Canada-China Relations
Dive into the twists and turns shaping Canada-China ties and what the future might hold for both countries. The session will focus on the strategic reset in Canada-China relations, examining the economic opportunities and challenges amid a shifting geopolitical environment. Co-hosted by the Canadian International Council Vancouver Chapter, Canada-China Forum, and DXC+ Vancouver. Register now >
May 7, 2026: BC Youth Week Walking Tour and Dialogue with CityHive
Coinciding with BC Youth Week, CityHive will be hosting a walking tour and dialogue around the False Creek neighbourhood. Attendees will engage in an interactive conversation about what our communities need, and how we can engage with our local democracies. Registration details coming soon!
May 9, 2026: Media Training for Organizers Workshop
This hands-on workshop equips local organizers with the skills to communicate effectively, engage diverse audiences, and amplify their initiatives through media channels. Participants will gain practical tools to shape public conversations and strengthen civic engagement. Co-hosted by Critical Alternatives and DXC+ Vancouver at 客家 HAKKA HOUSE. Register now >
May 13, 2026: Shape Your Community: Local Government and Tools for Change
A workshop to learn more about how local government works and how we can shape city decisions to work better for our community. Co-hosted online by Women Transforming Cities and DXC+ Vancouver. For a complimentary ticket, use code DXC. Register now >
If you’d like to add your democracy-related event to DXC+ Vancouver, please reach out.
DXC+ is just the beginning. As we look ahead, our goal is to make these conversations more accessible and inclusive across the country by connecting people working on democracy in different places, facing distinct challenges, and learning from one another.
Interested in bringing DXC+ to your community or adding an event to an existing region? We’d love to hear from you. Visit here to learn more and reach out.
Presented by
DemocracyXChange is a collaboration of:
