2024 will be the year of elections. Four billion people, half the world’s population, will be called to cast a vote. Their votes hold the power to strengthen democratic leaders or embolden authoritarians threatening democracy.
Canada is not immune to the forces that threaten democracy around the world. The rise of domestic and foreign disinformation campaigns fed by AI, the fraying of social connections and the rise of loneliness, increasing polarizing appeals, declines in independent journalism (especially local news coverage) and increasing frustration with the ability of democratic institutions to address our most pressing challenges. The Summit is the only national event to bring together senior policymakers, thought leaders, civil society organizations, journalists and election administrators from all levels of government. It endeavors to clearly identify the challenges we face and bring together the people required to meet these challenges with concrete policy solutions and programmatic responses.
Day 1 will welcome a series of diverse cross-sectoral senior leaders and thinkers in the space to discuss key challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s electoral democracy.
Day 2 will feature a keynote speaker, along with interactive sessions such as roundtable discussions and workshops, providing attendees with the opportunity to actively engage and contribute to the development of policy recommendations and programmatic responses.
*A limited number of bursaries are available for those who cannot otherwise attend due to limited financial capacity. Please contact Ashley at adenny@torontomu.ca for more information.
