Wed, Oct 28 · 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
8 Days away
Toronto Reference Library · Rosedale-Moore Park
789 Yonge Street · Directions
On the heels of the municipal election, this conversation will explore the small steps and giant leaps we could take to make democracy more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. As public trust, civic participation, and expectations of government continue to evolve, Canadians are asking important questions about how to strengthen democratic engagement, lower barriers to participation, and create healthier conditions for public service.
This session will bring together people who have served in elected office and government
Moderator and panelists leadership alongside leading thinkers in democratic innovation and public policy. Drawing on their diverse experiences, they will examine how we can make democracy work better both for the public and for those who choose to serve within it. The discussion will explore how to create more constructive public dialogue, encourage broader participation in civic life, support current and future leaders, and strengthen the institutions that underpin democratic governance.
Free entry
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Conversation to be followed by a reception from 7:30-8:30 pm.
Featuring:
Dominique Anglade, former Deputy Premier of Quebec, former leader of the Quebec Liberal Party, and business community leader;
The Honourable Christine Elliott, former Deputy Premier of Ontario, former Minister of Health of Ontario, and longtime public servant with decades of experience in provincial politics and public policy;
Peter MacLeod, founder of MASS LBP and co-author of Democracy's Second Act: Why Politics Needs the Public;
Sean Speer, senior fellow at the University of Toronto's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, fellow in strategic competitiveness at the Public Policy Forum, and Editor-at-large at The Hub
Moderated by: Jennifer Hollett, Executive Director, The Walrus
Toronto's municipal election takes place on October 26, 2026. Check out the KnowYourVote.TO website and the Celebrate Democracy page to learn more about the upcoming election, access important voter resources, and discover more activities and interactive library programs for all ages happening at a branch near you.
This initiative is generously supported by the McConnell Foundation and Max Bell Foundation.
Information Collection Notice: The personal information on this form is collected by the Toronto Public Library under the Public Libraries Act, sections 20(a), 20(c), and 20(d). The information will only be used for event and program registration, delivery and evaluation. Questions about how the library handles your information can be directed to Answerline staff at [email protected], 416-397-5981, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto ON M4W 2G8.
For: Adults (18+), Older Adults, Younger Adults (18-24). Programme type: Civic & Community Engagement. Series: Celebrate Democracy. Location in branch: Beeton Hall. Registration is required. Limited to 80 participants. Registration closes at the programme start. Registration is currently full.
Wednesday, October 28
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
On the heels of the municipal election, this conversation will explore the small steps and giant leaps we could take to make democracy more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable for everyone.
Toronto Reference Library · 789 Yonge Street
Venue details →