Canadian Vote Summit 2024

Join us June 5th and 6th 2024 for the Canadian Vote Summit. The Summit brings together senior policymakers, thought leaders, civil society organizations, journalists and election administrators from all levels of government. This Summit endeavors to clearly identify the challenges we face and bring together the people required to meet these challenges with concrete policy and programs.

The Summit will feature a diverse array of speakers who are best positioned to think critically about these challenges. With many more to be announced, The Exchange is pleased to welcome:

• Renowned academics, whose research contributes to demystifying the complex issues around electoral integrity, participation, and the role of democracies’s foundational pillars;
• Industry leaders and private sector experts who will bring a data-informed perspective on the state of Canadian politics and public sentiment;
• Community leaders and civil society organizers who will provide frontline expertise and be the voice of Canada’s communities;
• Political commentators, thought-leaders, and experienced security practitioners who are devoted to bolstering Canada’s defenses against imminent threats to its democracy while addressing issues of social and political divide.

Register today and join a cross-sectoral national network of leaders dedicated to strengthening Canada's democratic institutions.

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Canadian Vote Summit will feature two dynamic keynote speakers who will speak to the challenges faced by our democracy. One is a renowned political commentator in both the US and Canada, the other a trailblazer in Canadian municipal governance. Together, these outspoken champions of democracy promise to deliver captivating insights on the state of democracy one year out from a likely federal election in Canada. Prepare to be inspired and challenged by their visionary perspectives at this year's summit.

On June 5th, David Frum will speak to the impact of democratic backsliding in the US on Canada’s democracy, the importance of informed civic participation, and what the future holds for Canada’s electoral democracy.

A renowned political commentator, prolific writer for The Atlantic and frequent commentator on MSNBC and The Hub, David Frum has been instrumental in shaping the political discourse in both Canada and the United States. His critiques, rooted in a deep understanding of conservative principles, have made him a respected figure in political circles. Well-known for his sharp criticism of both Trump and the Tea Party, he provides a unique and often contrarian perspective on the challenges faced by liberal democracies.

On June 6th, Naheed Nenshi will share his experiences as a former elected leader breaking barriers, emphasizing the potential for transformative community building, the value of a diversity of voices, and the importance of resilience. His insights into online discourse and its impact on public figures will contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges faced by leaders in the digital age.

As the first Muslim Mayor of a large North American city, Naheed Nenshi is recognized as a trailblazer in municipal governance. While serving as the Mayor of Calgary, Nenshi focused on innovative solutions and fostering inclusivity. He is credited with successfully leading Calgary through several crisis including floods and the pandemic while navigating an increasingly toxic political environment.