Democracy Live

The Walrus and DXC+ present Democracy Live

Stories Shaping Change In a country of many stories, how do we build the civic muscle to stay united?

Democracy is a verb, not a noun. Its health relies on civic fitness: our ability to navigate conflict, listen deeply, and act together. Like physical fitness, it isn't built in a single election, but through repeated practice.

Canada is shaped by multiple stories and identities. Our democracy grows stronger when we let these shared narratives unite rather than divide us.

Hosted by The Walrus and DXC+ by DemocracyXChange, Democracy Live is an inaugural, one-day gathering to celebrate civic participation and build civic fitness. The summit brings together residents, artists, organizers, and community leaders to address one central question:

In a country of many stories, how do we strengthen democratic participation and unity through action in Manitoba and across Canada?

Grounded in local realities, the summit connects Winnipeg and Manitoba to the national democratic conversation. Through inspiring speakers and participatory workshops, we will tackle timely topics such as economic sovereignty, diversity, housing security, and more, with a focus on how we can work together to drive democratic action.

Join us in Winnipeg or online this November to share your story, build civic fitness, and help shape the future of our democracy.

Full agenda and speakers to be announced.

To read speaker bios, please visit thewalrus.ca

Monday, November 9, 2026

8:15 AM – 9:30 AM CT

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM CT Welcome Remarks

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM CT Opening Plenary (in person and livestreamed session)

11:00 AM – 12:05 PM CT Winnipeg Provocations: City and Country We Build (in person and livestreamed session)

Dr. Peter Ives , Professor of Political Science, University of Winnipeg, Author of Rethinking Free Speech Diane Roussin , President and CEO, Winnipeg Boldness

12:05 PM – 1:15 PM CT Lunch Lunch will be provided for in person attendees

1:15 PM – 3:30 PM CT Democracy in Action Workshops (in person sessions)

Workshop: Democracy Futures Communities across Canada are navigating increasing uncertainty arising from economic disruption, technological change, climate impacts, misinformation, social fragmentation, and declining trust in institutions. At the same time, communities possess significant creativity, civic capacity, local knowledge, and willingness to participate in shaping positive futures.

Democracy Futures is designed to activate that capacity by creating a democratic commons, encouraging participants to move beyond discussion toward greater engagement in democratic life, collective problem-solving, and active contribution to democratic resilience and community wellbeing.

Suzanne Stein , Associate Professor, OCAD U; Digital Futures Director, Super Ordinary Lab Aaron Williamson , CEO, KnowledgeCommons.ai

Workshop: Democracy in Action for Emerging Leaders This…