Canada's Democratic Test: Can We Move Fast Without Losing What Matters?

April 30, 2026 | 2:45 - 6PM

Global Centre for Pluralism

330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON

DXC+ Ottawa brings together organizations, leaders, and community members to explore civic and democratic issues that matter locally and nationally. Through a locally-organized convening, participants will engage in an expert panel and interactive discussions designed to share perspectives, exchange ideas, and strengthen civic engagement.

The event is a collaboration of Bridge Building Group and Open Democracy Project, hosted with the support of the Global Pluralism Centre, and the national DemocracyXChange Summit, co-produced by OCAD U, Open Democracy Project, and the Dais at TMU.

Presented by

About

About the Event

Canada is in a moment of accelerated decision-making, faster approvals, faster builds, and faster trade-offs, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, national security pressures, and economic risk.

For some, this urgency is necessary and long overdue. For others, it raises critical questions about who is included, who bears the costs, and what is at risk when consultation, care, and accountability are compressed.

At its core, this is a democratic challenge: how do we move quickly without weakening the principles, relationships, and trust that underpin decision-making?

This inaugural DemocracyXChange Ottawa event, led by Bridge Building Group and Open Democracy Project and hosted at the Global Centre for Pluralism, creates space to engage this tension directly. Bringing together perspectives from industry, Indigenous organizations, policy, advocacy, and civil society, the event will explore how acceleration is shaping decisions across sectors and what it means for democratic practice in Canada today.

A cross-sector panel will help frame the conversation, grounding it in current realities and trade-offs. From there, the discussion will open into a facilitated exchange, where participants will examine how decisions are being made in this moment, where trust is being strained or rebuilt, and what it would take to move forward in ways that are both timely and democratically grounded.

This gathering is designed to surface tensions, deepen understanding, and strengthen the relationships needed to navigate complexity. The aim is to leave with clearer questions, shared principles, and a stronger foundation for decision-making that can move at pace without losing what matters.

Who Should Attend

This invitation is for those who see themselves reflected in these tensions, through their work, decisions, or lived experience, and are ready to engage with them.

Expect a working conversation, not a passive event. Participants should expect to actively engage, contributing insights, listening across differences, and being part of a candid, cross-sector conversation.

Space is limited.

Schedule

April 30, 2026 | 2:45PM to 6PM
Global Centre for Pluralism | 330 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON

2:45 - 3:00pm

Arrival

3:00 - 4:00pm

Opening & moderated discussion featuring speakers to help frame the discussion and tensions

4:00 - 5:00pm

Participatory exchange Participants take an active role in the conversation, expect to think, share, and engage with others in the room

5:00 - 5:15pm

Closing Discussion & Reflections

5:15 - 6:00pm

Reception with light refreshments and snacks

Facilitator

Jane Porter, Co-Founder, Bridge Building Group

Jane Porter is a Certified Professional Facilitator (Integral® and IAF Certified™) with over 15 years of national and international experience as a convener, consultant, and bridge builder. She works at the intersection of industry, government, Indigenous groups, and civil society on some of today’s most pressing challenges, including natural resource management, climate change and nature protection.

After a decade-long career in sustainability management consulting, Jane co-founded Bridge Building Group. The team focuses on strategy, consulting, and facilitation, designing meaningful processes and gatherings that accelerate change, bridge divides, and remind people of what’s possible when we move forward together.

Jane’s work is featured in her TEDx Talk, "Bridge Building for Democracy." She is also a co-founder of Impact Hub Ottawa and serves as a Board Member of the Parkdale Food Centre.

Speakers