The Canadian Democracy Delegation: Reflections from Athens and a Commitment to the Future

The Canadian Democracy Delegation recently concluded a week of powerful bridge-building at the Athens Democracy Forum, bringing Canadian voices and experiences on pluralism, resilience, and the future of democracy to the global stage.

“The Canadian Democracy Delegation didn’t present a single narrative of our democracy, instead allowing many practitioners to present different visions and explore the tensions between theme.”

— The Globe & Mail: "To defend Canadian democracy, reach beyond Canada"

The conversations that began in Athens continue. In our op-ed, To defend Canadian democracy, reach beyond Canada, leaders of the Canadian Democracy Delegation reflect on how international collaboration can strengthen pluralism and resilience within Canada itself.
At the Embassy of Canada’s event at the Canadian Institute in Greece, our delegates exchanged insights with leading Greek institutions, from human rights organizations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This unique space for dialogue highlighted Canadian expertise in reconciliation, identity, and countering polarization. Athens itself served as a powerful anchor for reflection. Visiting the Agora, the birthplace of democracy, and engaging with the Forum’s sessions reinforced the importance of inclusive participation, confronting polarization, and strengthening institutions that foster trust.

At the Forum, we hosted “Practicing Pluralism: Strengthening Democracy in a Fractured World,” a standing-room-only session featuring Canadian civil society leaders Hayden King, Maiwand Rahyab, Dominique Anglade, and Mohammed Hashim. Drawing on their lived experience and global expertise in migration, Indigenous sovereignty, equity, and polarization, they sparked a dynamic discussion about how democracies can confront these significant challenges. We were honored that Chrystia Freeland joined with remarks showcasing Canada’s approaches and experiences in strengthening pluralism at home.

Watch the full session below to explore our panels’s experiences and ideas on advancing democracy through pluralism.

But this is just the beginning. Strengthening democracy requires more than dialogue—it requires sustained investment in the civic infrastructure that makes trust, participation, and resilience possible. At a time when pluralistic democratic values face unprecedented threats, Canadians have both an opportunity and a responsibility to act.

Looking ahead, the Canadian Democracy Delegation has the potential to evolve into a recurring platform for global engagement, amplifying Canadian voices at international democracy forums, fostering ongoing collaboration, and sharing lessons from Canada’s experiences in pluralism, reconciliation, and civic life. By building on the momentum of Athens, future delegations could ensure Canada remains a visible and influential voice in global democratic conversations while strengthening democratic resilience at home.

We stand alongside partners at home and around the world who believe in building a more resilient, inclusive, and pluralistic future for democracy.