Canadian Democracy @ Work
Civics education is good for business and society.
Canadian democracy is under immense pressure.
Polarization has increased. Trust in public institutions and civic literacy have decreased. The proliferation and influence of mis- and disinformation have accelerated. Together, these trends are contributing to decreased social cohesion and democratic engagement, as well as increased radicalization, across the country.
Strengthening democracy must be a priority for all parts of Canadian society – including Canadian employers.
Canadian Democracy @ Work is a non-partisan learning initiative launched by the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University to build civic skills for the digital age. In collaboration with employers and unions nation-wide, we are elevating digital media literacy, AI skills, and civic engagement – one workplace at a time.
Why do we need Democracy @ Work?
Information and civic literacy are typically only taught in schools. There is little training or education for adults on these crucial topics. Yet, as the internet has become an increasingly significant political arena, it is essential that adults update their knowledge and skills to navigate this evolving environment effectively.
Employers are the most trusted and credible organizations in Canada. In fact, employer communications are cited as more trustworthy than media reports, social media posts, and government releases. The relationship between employers and employees, therefore, presents a critical avenue to champion democratic renewal and restore trust in our institutions.
This project engages with workplaces and unions to deliver essential civic and digital skills training to Canadian adults. The knowledge and skills developed in the course of these modules enable Canadian adults to better participate in democratic processes, contribute to informed public discourse, and safeguard democratic institutions.
Get involved
Join our growing list of partners to bring Canadian Democracy @ Work to your workplace!
To learn more about bringing the program to your workplace, contact sanjana.shah@torontomu.ca
By championing this program at your workplace you:
- show your organization’s commitment to democratic values, institutions, and renewal
- demonstrate your support for workplace professional development
- strengthen your team’s resilience to rising threats to democracy
- provide professional development opportunities for your team