Talks - The Dais

Our Dais Talks events are designed to connect people to the ideas and power we need to build a more inclusive, innovative, prosperous Canada. We believe bold ideas plus deliberate actions create impact. Our events are a platform to showcase bold ideas and to inspire action.

Attend our events to hear bright policy ideas from inspiring leaders. You’ll also have opportunities to network with current and future leaders, and the brightest policy minds.

Upcoming Events

People, Power, and Change:

A conversation with Marshall Ganz & Mayor Olivia Chow

October 25, 2024

Join legendary organizer Marshall Ganz and Mayor Olivia Chow, one of his former students, for a conversation on leadership, democracy, and organizing for change.

Hosted in partnership with the Institute for Change Leaders and moderated by Toronto Star political columnist Martin Regg Cohn, this event will explore Ganz’s latest book People, Power, Change, and how collective action is more vital than ever.

Learn more

Labour’s new leadership:

Unions and the future of work

October 30, 2024

With unions facing unprecedented pressure, a new wave of labour leaders is challenging the status quo – demanding fair wages, defending Charter rights and defying gender stereotypes. Bring your questions for three leaders of Canada’s biggest unions in the private and public sectors.

Hosted by the Dais, this free event is open to all students and the general public, with advance registration required.

Learn more

Corporate Tricks with Treats

Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar in conversation about The Big Fix

October 31, 2024

Join the Dais for a ‘spooktacular’ lunch time conversation with Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar about their new book, The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians. This event is free and books will be available for purchase.

Learn more

DemocracyXChange (DXC) – Canada’s Democracy Summit

April 3-5, 2025

Connecting, celebrating and equipping people who are taking action to strengthen democracy and civil society. Join us at OCAD University and TMU in Toronto April 3–5, 2025, as we take on today’s most urgent civic issues.

Early Bird Special! Register now to get 75% off.

Learn more

Series

TMU Democracy Forum

From free and fair elections to the innovation economy, climate crisis and women in power, join us for the TMU Democracy Forum – a year-round talks series that engages political leaders, from across the country, in dialogue about the most …

Dais Book Talks

Join us at Dais Book Talks —a space where Canadians and leading thinkers come together to explore bold ideas in public policy.

Dais Events Community Guidelines

Our Shared Commitment: A Safe and Inclusive Environment

By participating in a Dais event, you are agreeing to abide by Toronto Metropolitan University’s Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy and the Student Code of Non-Academic Conduct if applicable, but also joining us in the shared responsibility to maintain the following standards of respect and inclusion.

Learn more